Father of drowned child to be charged with neglect

Josiah and his sister, Christine Gray, seven, were alone at their Serraneau Road, Belmont home after Jerome left for work about 7.30 am on Friday. Around noon, after heavy rainfall, the children went outside to play with several other neighbourhood children.

While playing, Josiah jumped into a large drain full of rushing water and was carried along into the East Dry River. His body was spotted floating in the Gulf of Paria opposite the Hyatt Regency in Port-of- Spain about 10am on Saturday.

Head of TTPS Port-of-Spain Division, Ag Senior Superintendent Jacob, noted that it is a bailable offence, and some time later, there would be an inquest into the death of the child.

“I want to point out that by charging (Henry) the DPP is not saying that he is responsible for Josiah’s death, but that he neglected the child,” he said.

Jacob added that the police was trying to provide the necessary support for Henry, including offering him counselling from members of the Victim and Witness Support Unit.

“We are trying our best in the circumstance, in his time of grief, but we still have the legal aspect of our job to do,” he said.

Josiah’s aunt, Joanne Henry, expressed appreciation to members of the Police. She told Newsday the officers were not rushing the investigation but “taking their time to get the information correct,” and were being kind to Jerome. She added that Jerome was “not holding up well at all” and, although they understood, the fact that he could not mourn his son with his family was upsetting to them all.

Joanne also thanked MP Fitzgerald Hinds for visiting the family and checking on them. Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed.