Clarendon couple says rescued girl is the real winner

Almost a year after helping to rescue an abducted six-year-old girl, Clarendon councillor Scean Barnswell and his wife, Danielle, say the child remains the lasting symbol of the dramatic ordeal that earned them a national honour.

The couple received the Badge of Honour for Gallantry during the National Honours and Awards Ceremony at King’s House on Monday for their role in rescuing the child, who was reportedly abducted from St Thomas More Preparatory School in May Pen, Clarendon, on December 9, 2025.

While accepting the award was a proud moment, the Barnswells said seeing the girl’s mother among the audience made the occasion especially meaningful.

“The mother embraced us with a hug, we were happy that she accepted the invitation to join us at the awards ceremony,” said Barnswell, councillor for the Hayes Division in the Clarendon Municipal Corporation.

For Danielle, the experience carried an added layer of emotion because she, too, is a mother.

“As a mother, my first instinct was to protect,” she said.

She added that having the child’s mother present brought home the significance of what had happened that day.

“It was an incredibly emotional and touching moment for me. The greatest reward is knowing that a mother still gets to hold her daughter, watch her grow, and share in all the beautiful moments life has to offer.”

The Barnswells were among 149 Jamaicans recognised for outstanding contributions in various fields. Their award cited the “quick and courageous” actions that led to the child’s rescue.

According to the couple, they were travelling home when an alert about the abduction was circulated in a group chat. While discussing the report, they noticed a man pulling a young child along a roadway. Barnswell said something about the situation immediately appeared suspicious, prompting them to approach the pair.

The fear he saw in the girl’s eyes convinced him that she was in danger and he stepped in.

The incident remains etched in his memory and receiving the award brought many of those emotions rushing back.

“It was this strange butterfly feeling and when I heard that applause, not to brag, but it sounded like the loudest. So I got overly excited and I said, ‘Thank you God’, because on that day, God also intervened,” he said.

The family has remained connected to the child since the incident, and Barnswell said their encounters continue to leave an impression on him.

“From time to time I see the little girl and she always greets me so pleasantly, and it’s a different feeling each time I see her,” he said.

For Danielle, the recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of looking out for others.

“It reminded me that it’s important to step forward when others need us most. I’m grateful we were able to stand together and make a difference.”

Barnswell believes the experience highlights the need for Jamaicans to remain vigilant and willing to assist those in distress.

“Irrespective of what is happening to you personally or financially, we can’t keep ourselves in a bubble. We still have to be good Samaritans. We have to be aware, assertive, and know what is happening in our space. It can’t be ‘minding my own business’, we have to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers,” said Barnswell.

Despite the national recognition, Danielle said the real triumph lies not in the award, but in the child’s safety and future.

“That little girl is the true symbol of victory in this entire story,” Danielle said.