Family claims abandoned baby

Janmattie Balram of Rancho Quemado told Newsday yesterday that the newborn baby girl found in bushes on Wednesday near her home was her 17-year-old daughter’s child. She said that Giselle Diaz, 17, was too afraid to tell her parents about the pregnancy. Yesterday Giselle was taken to hospital, but later sent home. Sitting in a car in front of the Accident and Emergency department of the Hospital, Diaz who was at first reluctant to speak about the incident, said she was sorry for leaving her baby in the bushes, but was afraid to tell her parents. She insisted that she did not abandon her baby.

The baby girl was found by Giselle’s 11-year-old brother Michael Taitt lying on an old piece of cloth with ants and cockroaches crawling over it. He said he called Giselle who cradled the baby in her arms and went to their home. They then called the police. Giselle reportedly told police on Wednesday morning she started experiencing pains while bathing. She said that after she delivered the baby she cut the umbilical cord and tied a string on it. Hours later around 12.15 pm the crying baby was found in the bushes by her 11-year-old brother Michael Taitt. The baby girl is now in satisfactory condition at the Paediatric Ward of the San Fernando General Hospital. Balram said they would keep the baby who has not yet been named.

Balram said, “of course we will keep the baby, that is my grand daughter.” She added that she was not told when the baby would be discharged. Balram, who is a patient care assistant at the Palo Seco Health Centre, said she had no idea that her daughter was pregnant. Santa Flora police are continuing investigations.