Through her tears yesterday as she said a final goodbye to her baby boy, Quelly Ann Cottle, 38, vowed to continue fighting for justice in her son’s death. Three weeks ago Cottle’s world came crashing down when her baby head was cut during a C-section surgery at the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital and died on March 1. An autopsy stated that baby Simeon bled to death. The tiny casket bearing the baby’s body was placed on a table, surrounded by wreaths, at Dass Funeral Home, Chaguanas.
Three small teddy bears were placed near the tiny body. In the eulogy, the mother of five said for months she wondered what her baby would look like. The pain did not bother her because she knew her baby was worth it. As tears streamed down her face, Cottle said she would never know what her son’s cry or laughter sounded like. Unable to continue, her niece Cheyenne, read the rest of the speech. In a single moment, Cottle, said her dreams were shattered.
“I prayer that this unfortunate circumstances never befall on another mother or parent... trust me, it is hard to deal with,” she added. Urging Cottle, her husband, Emil Millington, and other relatives to find comfort in God, Pastor Lloyd Cadogan urged them to be strong and push foward. He assured them that there was a silver lighting. “There is hope for you, all is not lost. If you want to see your child again give your life to Jesus now. Don’t give up, be brave,” he said.
Among those who attended the funeral were former minister Verna St Rose Greaves and representatives from North West Regional Health Authority. In a brief interview afterwards, Cottle said: “We are waiting to see and will move forward as best as possible to get my case going.” A three- member committee, chaired by retired justice of appeal Mustapha Ibrahim, has been appointed to investigate the baby’s death.
The doctor who performed the surgery has been suspended. Following the service, the baby was buried at Longdenville cemetery.