(Trinidad Express) “I will do it again.”

These were the words of Diane Baptiste yesterday, after she received a national award for gallantry for fighting off a gunman in defence of her daughters.

Baptiste was all smiles as she received the Humming Bird Medal (Gold) from President George Maxwell Richards at the National Awards Ceremony at President’s House, St Ann’s.

Dressed elegantly in a black and white ensemble, Baptiste received a round of applause as the medal of honour was pinned on her. She also received commendation from Prime Minister Patrick Manning and other dignitaries present, among them Government Ministers Colm Imbert, Kennedy Swaratsingh, Martin Joseph and Paula Gopee-Scoon. Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) James Philbert was also present.

Just three weeks ago, Baptiste, a housewife, fought off the gunman who tried to enter her house. She also played a key role in the capture of the criminal.

On Monday night, she exuded confidence and advised that all parents stand up for their children. “Stand up for what’s right. Your children are first and foremost so come what may, you are going to have to put youth best foot forward,” she said.

Baptiste said children need to be educated from young so they do not turn to a life of crime. “These guys need to be educated. You need to instil good values in your children from an early age. If you don’t have good values what do you expect them to project?” she said.

She was still a bit angry when asked about the incident, “I was not afraid of him. I was mad. You can’t just invade my privacy.”

She added, “Parents, your children and family come first. Do whatever you have to do to protect them. I will do it again if I have to, no two ways about that.”

Baptiste’s mother told the Express she was very proud of her daughter.

“Sometimes you have children and you never know what happen. I am proud of her,” she said, adding that she thinks prayer and God gave her daughter strength to do what she did.