The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of News784. Send all articles to [email protected]
By Charmine
On December 13, 2018, I arrived home on vacation for a stay to January 20, 2019. Every year I return home for vacation and looked forward to it.
On my way from the airport, I was told my dog had gotten into a fight with a pitbull and was not eating for a number of days. When I got home and behold my dog his face was bitten in several places with scars and some sores still open as it gradually heals itself.
At home on December 18th, I noticed from my seated position a young man walking up and down the street with a pit bull, after the third walk by I became concern and ran out to the gate as Rex our dog (Puppi) was at the gate and knowing what I was told of a pit bull fight I became concerned.
I went to the gate with my nephew’s child (who was visiting) tagging along and we waited and waited but the dog walker did not return. We played with the dog at the gate and returned to the house.
Later that evening I was on the phone when I heard dogs barking, screaming in a fight. I immediately dismissed my call and ran out to the gate and across the road from the gate was the same young man with the pitbull, and Puppi in his locked jaws. Puppi trying to get away.
I was terrified. I looked at the young man who was in a relax state, with a smile on his face looking down at the fight, doing nothing. His arm in an L shape as he held the leash admiring my dog being eaten by his pitbull right under his nose.
With haste I ran towards them and I began to kick the pitbull in its stomach hoping it will release its grip. I kicked and kicked and the youngster slapped me with a force in the face, saying, “you kicking my dog”. My God, I thought, I can’t believe I was just slapped in the face.
I thanked God he missed my eyes as the impact was painful. However I continued to kick the pitbull who then released Puppi who ran.
I then looked to the youngster and start screaming as I was very upset. I said you slapped me in my face. He said yes, you’ve kicked my dog.
I went on to express myself letting him know I was watching him all evening going back and forth looking for a fight. I further said I live here and have a right to be here. He said my dog (which is a small dog) attacked his pitbull.
I turned around still very upset looking for Puppi who had ran under the car in the garage area. I managed to get him from under the car and stood up and turned around and noticed I was boxed in by the youngster who began to wave his hand in my face and jumping up down in a gesture to begin a fight. Up to this point I had no desire to get in a fight with this person even though I received a slap.
I did not want to fight, I believe there are civil ways to manage this madness. Being boxed in and him swinging his arms at me I screamed to the top if my lungs telling him to get out of my face. My poor dog at this point started barking from behind me. Another angry young man came up the road who was then holding the pitbull called him off after I screamed.
During the episode several vehicles passed by where I noticed he was told by a driver to go home. He ignored it.
I was terribly upset and called the Questelles Police Station after seeking advice, and an officer promised to come out and take a statement. After waiting up to 10 p.m. I called again as I just sat waiting and no one showed. I was then told they’re sorry but I should come in the morning and make a statement.
The following morning I went to the Questelles police station to make the Report. I spoke with a female officer Cato ordered ad a doctor’s visit. Documents were given to me for a doctor’s Report. My face was still swollen. The Dr requested XRays which I declined due to the radiation exposure. I went back to the station and completed the Report all done in the same day.
However, I still had no idea who was the young man up to the time making the report. I assumed it was someone in their early 20. I promised to get back to them with his name.
I made queries and discovered the offender was Xontea DaSilva-Miller, a student, whose mother I’ve known from childhood. No one reached out to me.
The name was given to Officer Cato who said an arrest will be made. Stating they will get back to me.
It took several weeks with no response from officer Cato. I called following up and was told they haven’t found him to which I replied he is not lost as I can see him as he walked by our home frequently.
After making another query officer Cato said she will send a message with an officer who resides in the neighborhood to asked the mother to come into the station.
As time passes on and no response from officer Cato, I contacted the police complaint line. And called several times before any arrest. On the week prior to my final week, before I flying out, ending my vacation, officer Cato along with another officer appeared at our gate with the youngster and his mother,, whom I identified at the officer’s request and was asked to come to the station.
After a long night at the station, the Head of the Unit came to have a discussion with myself and the young man and his parents.
I then learned that this is a 16-year-old student. Being a student the officer wanted us to make an amicable settlement avoiding any bad record against the young man.
I began by saying if one is not held accountable for their actions no lessons are learnt and the consequences for not punishing such acts can be devastating later on in life.
I asked if there are community services where this young man can serve and I was told no that will only come out of a court setting. However, the officer went on to say that they have a program for youths where he can enroll.
I went on to say I know his mother, I am older than her and I am disappointed no one reached out to me.
I requested compensation for my doctor’s bill and the Vet’s bill as the dog had surgery and medication. Nothing more. Please pay the expenses incurred. I thought this is a reasonable request.
The mother who is a Secondary School teacher said when asked why she did not reach out to me “said I asked him when he told me his side of the story what he wants to do and he said my father said forget it. So I didn’t bother, and I was going to go and say something to her and then I didn’t go and then I didn’t bother. “
The father said he tried speaking to me the night and I ignored him. He was one of the drivers who passed by.
I said, I did not hear and why didn’t you come around again. He replied, by saying I ignored him. I never knew this person prior to the incident.
The youngster when questioned said my dog attacked his pitbull and I came after him taking off my shoes to hit him and he pushed me.
I was not expecting this blatant lie and said well perhaps we should go to court.
The officer spoke of my offer asking them to consider and the mother wanted to know if they can discuss it, to which he said yes but an answer is needed tonight.
We excused ourselves and after a prolonged time the officer went back in and finally, they came out in the waiting area where everyone sat and with great emphasis the mother blurted out, “we object.”
I had only a few days to fly out.
The officer called them back again in private and I waited. After a long spell he came to me and told me I can leave and he will get back to me.
His remarks were not confirmed in my mind so I said on Monday And he said yes. From that day every time I called he was not in and no one could help me.
How convenient. I have no idea what counseling was given without my presence but it appears that the police had no interest in correcting wrongs and holding anyone to a moral standard.
I have not only been humiliated and insulted by this juvenile delinquent and his parents by default but also by the police department.
I eventually requested a Police Report for my records and was surprised at the cost of $100.00.
For the first time in my life, I wished never to return to SVG. How can I ever share this story with my friends abroad?
I now have an embarrassing, shameful secret I cannot share with friends abroad. I am totally embarrassed and have no trust in the system.
This is a form of evil that must be rooted out.
Thank you
Charmaine.
