Mission

Non-Profit, 501(c)(3)

Mission: The Dragonfly Centre is committed to the elimination of domestic violence against women and their children by providing victim friendly services that promotes the empowerment of survivors; through advocacy, public awareness and education and community based initiatives.

Vision: The Dragonfly Centre envisions a world free of violence against women and their children and social justice for all. We are founded on the vision and belief that every person has the right to live in a safe environment free from violence and the fear of violence and strive to work collaboratively with the community to provide victim friendly services to support domestic violence victims, survivors to the stage of thriving.

Now on Facebook:

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Man in Court for Setting Woman on Fire

Man in court for setting woman on fire

Wednesday, March 7 2012

A man who doused a mother of two with a flammable substance before setting her on fire on Saturday is expected to appear in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court this morning charged with attempted murder.

The victim, Andrea Badree, 27, of Dumfries Road, Hermitage Village in San Fernando, was up to yesterday listed in a serious, but stable condition at the Intensive Care Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital.

Police investigators said at about 12.30 am on Saturday, Badree and the suspect had a dispute at her home, during which he doused her with the liquid substance and set her ablaze. The suspect was arrested by Cpl Ramlogan and other officers of San Fernando Police Station.

Cpl Ramlogan was expected to lay the charge last evening.

Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/crime_and_court/0,156448.html

Another Point of View:

Vendor held in burning of woman

Published:

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Kevon Felmine

A 31-year-old market vendor was in police custody up to late yesterday for reportedly setting a female relative on fire. Police said the woman remained warded in a critical condition at the San Fernando General Hospital. A police report said Andrea Badree was set on fire on Saturday afternoon by the relative. The suspect, who also reportedly escaped in a white van after the incident, was held around 8 pm by police. No charges were laid up to yesterday and police said the man had refused to supply adequate information for their investigations.

According to reports, around 12.40 pm Badree, a mother of two, was at home when she and the suspect got into in a heated argument. The man allegedly took a container of gasoline and threw it on her. He then set her on fire. The woman was rushed to the hospital where she was reported to have suffered 40 per cent first degree burns to her upper body. Corporal Ramlogan is continuing investigations.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-03-06/vendor-held-burning-woman

No comments:

Post a Comment

A Little Background…..

In 2007 I was introduced to the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is a beautiful tropical country located in the southern most part of the Caribbean archipelago. However, the opportunity to travel to this part of the world would not present itself until March of 2009. It was an incredible experience to be able to visit a country where I had never been before and I literally knew no-one. I had the privilege to experience a new culture and meet many wonderful people who made my trip an amazing experience. Although the purpose of my visit was recreational, something happened that changed all of that. One evening while on a hike with my tour guide and one of the locals at The ASA Wright Nature Centre, one of the men asked me where I was from and what I did for a living. It was at that moment that I disclosed that I was a Domestic Violence Advocate. He paused, looked at me and replied,… “we need you here”. At that moment I did not fully understand what he meant or how I could help.

A few days after this I visited one of the local court houses to learn about how someone could obtain a protection order. What I discovered disturbed me greatly, to say the least. The process by which abused individuals could obtain legal protections left much to be desired. This sparked grave concern for victims coupled with a desire to learn more about the local system and services. After I finished my travels all I could think about was the need of the people in Trinidad and Tobago. It was shortly after my return to the United States that the Dragonfly Centre for Women’s Empowerment and Transformation began to take form. While completing my Bachelors degree at Evergreen College, I developed an Individual Learning Contract entitled “Domestic Violence in Trinidad and Tobago” and was awarded The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. This allowed me to return to Trinidad and Tobago for my final quarter at the end of December of 2009 for my nine week study. My focus was on services addressing domestic violence. What I came away with was the echoing cries for help by the people who freely shared their personal views and stories. Although I wasn’t quite sure what, I knew I had to do something. As a consequence, it was these cries that gave birth to and helped shape the Dragonfly Centre to be what it is, a multifaceted institution with a focus on public education, shaping public policy and providing direct victim friendly services to support families dealing with domestic violence.