‘Swift, courageous, heroic’ - PNP hails councillor who saved abducted girl

The People's National Party (PNP) has showered praise on Clarendon councillor Scean Barnswell, his wife, and other party members for what it called their "swift, courageous, and heroic" actions that helped bring home a six-year-old girl snatched from her school on Tuesday.

In a statement on Thursday, the party said Barnswell, who represents the Hayes Division, acted with "presence of mind and instinctive bravery" after he and his wife spotted a man walking with a small child along Bustamante Highway.

According to the PNP, the couple immediately intervened, resulting in the safe recovery of the frightened child and the apprehension of the suspect, who is now in police custody.

"This was not an act of politics. This was an act of pure humanity, a moment where duty to community transcended all else, the party said. "In the spur of the moment, Councillor Barnswell exemplified the very essence of what it means to be a public servant: alert, responsive, and fearless in the defense of the vulnerable. His actions, supported unequivocally by his wife, were nothing short of heroic. They saw a child in peril and became her protectors."

The party also extended gratitude to members of the public who raised the alarm and to the Jamaica Constabulary Force for its rapid response. The PNP said the rescue highlights the importance of community vigilance and strong partnerships with law enforcement in safeguarding children.

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