Serena
Relatives of 13-year-old Serena Cox, who allegedly ran away from her Beasejour, Gros Islet home on May 31 and was later found in a house in Union, Castries occupied by three males., said they want justice for the teen.
One relative, who requested anonymity, told St Lucia News Online (SNO) in an exclusive interview that Cox claims she ran away from home because she was being treated unfairly by her previous guardians.
But the relative said, “I would not say so because I wasn’t there.”
According to the relative, there may be another reason why Cox decided to leave. However, the relative said that it is no reason for three adult males to take the minor in their house without calling the police. According to the relative, Cox claims that one of the men is her best friend who she confided in and asked to stay at his home after running away.
The relative believes the teen girl was taken advantage of and someone must be held responsible for it.
Further, the relative said she has little faith in the justice system in Saint Lucia, but is hoping that the individual responsible for harboring Cox is given the full penalty for his action.
Relatives said they were never contacted by the police regarding the investigations even though they made contact with them. They further commented that they are not satisfied with the outcome of the situation, and that apart from one of the three men being arrested, nothing else has happened. It is unclear whether he was released or is still in police custody.
But with all this, the relative told SNO that all efforts are being made to get the teenager’s life back on track.
“We experienced a little problem with her, but gradually we hope she will understand…we are hanging in there with her and trying to be with her,” the relative said.
The relatives are seeking to have the teen girl counseled. They said it may be hard to get her back in line, but they will try their best to ensure that she is led in the right path and that she takes more responsibility for her actions. Cox will be attending a new school in September.
The teen had been living with her guardians since April following the death of her mother from liver failure. Social Services had entrusted Serena in their care. The teen is now living with other relatives, who have taken full responsibility for her.