Baby Dawn thrives, despite hardships
Claude Mills,Staff Reporter

THE CHARACTERS may be different, but the script remains essentially the same. The tale spans themes of family problems, economic hardships, ill-health and frustrations. Even so, despite life's trials and tribulations, the hope of peace and triumph remains alive.

Like thousands of children in the country, Baby Dawn, the seven-month old baby girl identified by The Gleaner last year as a symbol of hope, peace and renewal, may have to grow up in a home without both her parents.

The strain of daily life, and conflicting emotional needs have already wrecked the relationship of her young parents.

"We broke up...personal differences and such, but he's supporting the baby. But things are kinda difficult for us right now," Dawn's mother, 19-year-old Samara Bryan, said.

Ms. Bryan has temporarily shelved her plans to attend the Edna Manley School of the Performing Arts. Instead, she has landed a job at a wholesale in downtown Kingston ostensibly to save towards her education, and support herself. In the meantime, Dawn spends her days at a nursery in Kingston.

But, the wider effects of the struggling Jamaican economy, have not been too kind to the 'new Dawn'. The power of raw economics still holds sway over Dawn's young life. The cost of the nursery alone gobbles up almost 40 per cent of her
mother's weekly salary.

"She had a cold recently, and she has had an ear infection since last week and we plan to fill the prescription today," Ms. Bryan said.

In July, members of the Church community and the private sector attempted to socially engineer 'a new dawn' for the people of Jamaica a chance to pull away from a society riddled with crime and violence, start over and focus on a new era of peace.

As part of the initiative, The Gleaner sought to find a new-born female who would encapsulate the aspirations and yearnings of a country in crisis. The search was for a baptism, a renewal of sorts, on which to build against the uncertain sweep of the future.

The future is clouded with dark uncertainties for Baby Dawn.

"However, I believe I may need a better job so that I can adequately support myself, and save towards school. I have to go back to school this September, I just have to," a determined Ms. Bryan said.

The cost of tuition is $70,000 at the Edna Manley school for the upcoming school year and this sum does not include materials Ms. Bryan will need to complete the curriculum requirements.

According to her mother, 'Dawn is sitting up by herself, she creeps and she stands up for minutes, and balancing by herself before sitting back down...regular baby stuff'.

Dawn is also the proud owner of two anterior teeth -- in the lower jaw.

"She's a real joy to me," Ms. Bryan said.

Last year, Dawn was presented with a $25,000 cheque by Gail Bell, managing director of Sangster's Book Stores, Ltd., at the newest Sangster's branch in Portmore, south-east St. Catherine. A cute Mickey Mouse piggy bank was presented to her as well by Ms. Andrea Smith, the Portmore Sangster's manager.

The baby continues to live with her mother, and her grandmother, Charmaine Fletcher, in Charles Street, Kingston.

FILE Photo,Gail Bell, general manager of Sangster's Book Store, presents Samara Bryan and Baby Dawn with a gift.