Marcia Sutherland-Bailey, who defended her family from a gunman at her Clarendon home in June, was awarded the Badge of Honour for Gallantry by Governor-General, Professor Kenneth Hall.

WHEN Marcia Sutherland-Bailey's home in Morgan district, Clarendon, was invaded by a gunman in the early hours of June 2, the mother of five children decided that the best form of defence was to attack her armed assailant.

That she did - and with a vengeance. Even as the criminal held his gun to her 17-year-old daughter's head, Mrs. Sutherland-Bailey wielded her machete with great effect, inflicting mortal wounds.

"When I look back at it I say to myself, 'God, is really me do that?'" the buxom Sutherland-Bailey told The Gleaner yesterday. "But I'm glad God gave me the courage."

For her bravery, Mrs. Sutherland-Bailey was rewarded with the Badge of Honour for Gallantry during yesterday's National Honours and Awards ceremony at King's House.

There was sustained applause as she approached the podium to accept her award from Governor-General, Professor Kenneth Hall. Currently, Mrs. Sutherland-Bailey is studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree in education at Northern Caribbean University in Manchester.

She was quick to point out that she is not a violent person, but Mrs. Sutherland-Bailey said she would react accordingly if caught in a similar situation.

"If I have to do it to protect myself and my children, yes, I would do it again," she said.