A Jamaican man is engaged in a custody battle to provide a loving home for a newborn baby girl he discovered abandoned in a shopping bag, left on a fence. The infant, whom he affectionately refers to as “Baby Sunshine,” was found near his residence in Vineyard Town, St. Andrew, Kingston. Oshane Briscoe, a contractor from Kingston, immediately rushed the baby to a local children’s hospital for evaluation and care.
Despite his earnest desire to care for the child, Briscoe was informed by the hospital that he could not take the baby home due to an ongoing investigation into her abandonment. Determined to demonstrate his commitment to parenting, Briscoe regularly visits the hospital. However, he is unable to see the baby because he is not her biological parent.
The identity of the baby’s biological parents remains unknown. Briscoe, along with a female friend, stumbled upon the baby covered in blood and swarmed by ants near his home. Notwithstanding the challenging circumstances, the newborn displayed remarkable resilience.
Briscoe promptly took the baby to the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, where she was cleaned up before being transferred to the Bustamante Hospital for Children. However, once at Bustamante, Briscoe was denied access to the baby as per hospital policy. The authorities require time to determine the next steps for the child, including the possibility of foster care or adoption.
Dr. Sandra Chambers, the regional technical director of the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), explained the established protocol for abandoned children. Stabilizing the patient and notifying social workers, police, and the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) are crucial steps in such cases. Due to the ongoing investigation, contact with the baby is restricted until the case is thoroughly examined.
While expressing his emotional attachment to the baby in a video interview, Briscoe emphasizes his eagerness to be considered her guardian. He envisions providing a complete and loving family for the child. Briscoe reveals that other individuals in his village are also considering stepping up to care for Baby Sunshine. Despite having two sons of his own, Briscoe views having a daughter as a blessing and a possible divine intervention.
Although policy restrictions prevent Briscoe from seeing the baby or offering specific donations for her care, he remains hopeful and determined. He continues to gather necessary documents and research the adoption process to prove his suitability as a parent. Briscoe recognizes the potential differences between raising a daughter and his experience with his sons, and he eagerly anticipates discovering the unique qualities Baby Sunshine may possess.
As of now, Baby Sunshine remains under the care of Bustamante Hospital and has become a ward of the state. The South East Regional Health Authority confirms that her health is in good condition. Superintendent of Police Tommie-Lee Chambers, Head of the Kingston East Division, confirms that the investigation to locate Baby Sunshine’s parents or relatives is still ongoing.
