Dear Editor,
On Monday, October 22, 2018, a GSPCA Animal Inspector and I went to the Vigilance Police Station to give support to a family whose 10-week old poodle was (allegedly) deliberately killed. Many people seeking justice for other matters got there before 8:30 am. We assembled like cattle under a benab. It was close to 10 am when the Magistrate arrived as he had to preside over court matters at the Mahaicony Police Station before coming to the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court. We were hot, stressed and tired when a young police inspector passed by. She looked very neat and professional in her uniform and cheered us up with a good morning accompanied by a warm smile. When she came out of Court a few minutes later I stopped and complimented her on her positive attitude. She told me her name was (Inspector) Shavon Jupiter.
On October 24th, 2018, I called the Leonora Police Station about an animal cruelty matter (two small dogs were locked in a filthy kennel in the hot sun). A Lance Corporal, Leon Williams, answered the phone and took my information. Editor, his manner of speaking gave me a positive feeling; he was pleasant, listened to what I had to say, and promised to follow up after discussing the matter with his superiors. He was given permission to act and he quickly contacted the owner’s brother and resolved the problem.
On November 1st, 2018, I called Agricola Police Station and spoke with Corporal Weaver regarding an animal cruelty problem that was engaging the GSPCA. This matter had been ongoing for months with no end in sight. Corporal Weaver was extremely pleasant and helpful. She took my information and said she would discuss the matter with the O/C in charge of the Ruimveldt Police Station – Officer Singh. She was given permission to help the GSPCA resolve the matter. True to her word, on November 2, 2018, Corporal Weaver and Lance Corporal Anderson, the GSPCA Animal Inspector and a couple animal lovers went to the place in question. The owner of the home signed an agreement, read to her by Corporal Weaver, in which the animal owner agreed to ten points specified by GSPCA for improving animal welfare. The animal owner was then officially given possession of a new wooden dog kennel donated by Noreen Gaskin, bowls (food and water) collar, worm medicine and chow donated by friends of mine.
Other good news that make me feel change is coming:
– A couple days ago, Officer in Charge of Sub Division #1, Khalid Mandall, saw an injured horse passing Brickdam Police Station and immediately informed GSPCA;
– Sergeant Solomon and Corporal Britton of Vigilance Police Station have shown compassion for animals by providing positive support on the case;
– The new Deputy Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams, has demonstrated empathy for animals.
Editor, I’m pleased to inform that police officers around Georgetown are demonstrating an increasing awareness and concern for animal welfare. Let’s hope such compassion spreads throughout the police force as all animals need their support. It all starts with a kind smile!
I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples….Mother Teresa
Yours faithfully,
Syeada Manbodh
