Portland cop warns lawbreakers after woman drowns

Commanding officer for the Portland Police Division, Superintendent Duane Wellington, is warning residents who continue to flout the law, that they would be prosecuted under the Disaster Risk Management Act.

Wellington’s comments come after an incident on Sunday where a woman reportedly drowned at a river in the Rio Grande Valley area, where she had gone swimming with friends and relatives.

“We have a duty to perform, especially during this period when certain restrictions are in place,” said Wellington. “It is an unfortunate incident which could have been avoided, if only people would adhere to the rules and regulations set by Government during this COVID-19 period. I feel the pain that this family is now facing and at least one child is now left without a mother. This is a clear indication that prevention is better than cure, and therefore I am appealing to those who are hiding and are partying undercover, while breaking the law, to desist.”

Practise social distancing

He noted that COVID-19 has killed hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, so there is a need for all to practise social distancing.

“The police will be adopting a new approach and we will be increasing our surveillance. Anyone caught breaking the law will be prosecuted. This will be a zero- tolerance approach going forward,” he said.

Coleen Myers, 43, a resident of Springfield in Morant Bay, St Thomas, reportedly drowned at a section of the Rio Grande, after she got into difficulties while saving her daughter, Tahira Steele.

According to a police report, Myers, along with friends and family members, were on the banks of the river when Steele was spotted struggling to stay afloat in the water.

Myers ran into the water, but encountered difficulties and disappeared. She was pulled from the water about 10 minutes after and placed on a bamboo raft, where attempts were made to resuscitate her. She was later pronounced dead by a doctor.

Steele, 21, is the only child for her mother. She said that she got caught in a whirlpool while swimming, and went under. When she re-emerged, she saw her mother running to her aid.

“I saw my mother sending someone to come get me because she can’t swim either. But the person couldn’t manage, as he was going under the water, too,” she said.

Before she blacked out, Steele remembers clinging to her mother. When she awakened, persons were trying to resuscitate Myers.

“I’m unable to talk about everything and share my best memories right now because of the emotions, but we were very close. We went everywhere together,” said Steele.