Bernard Corridon, a resident of Yambou, spoke candidly about his son Dwight Corridon, a 31-year-old man who he says was a victim of police brutality on Union Island. Bernard shared the harrowing details of the alleged incident, expressing his deep concern and unwavering commitment to seeking justice for his son.
“Honestly speaking, my son is not an angel,” Bernard began. “He drinks, like everyone else, but he’s a working man. He’s steady when he’s working, and he likes to talk and make jokes. Sometimes people take him too seriously, but he’s not a worrisome boy. He doesn’t fight, and he’s not a violent person.”
When asked whether Dwight would ever curse or fight with police, Bernard firmly stated, “No, never. If he happened to burst a bad word without knowing police were around, and they approached him, he would have apologized. But he would never willfully curse at or fight with a police officer.”
According to Bernard, the ordeal began when he heard troubling news about his son. “I was up here in Yambou when I got the call. They told me police had ill-treated my son on Union Island,” he recounted. “As soon as I reached the island, that was the first thing people told me. Men and women all gave me the same story.”
Bernard explained how he sought answers from the police. “I stopped a police transport while I was on Waterfront Road in Ashton. I introduced myself, saying, ‘Good morning, officer. My name is Bernard Corridon. I heard about an incident involving my son and police brutality, and I want to find out what happened.’”
One of the officers, who identified himself as Jevon Richardson, stepped out of the vehicle and spoke to Bernard privately. “He told me, ‘Your son damaged himself and the vehicle.’ I asked him, ‘If my son injured himself and damaged the vehicle, why would you leave him in the mountains instead of taking him to the health center?’ He just looked at me. Up to now, no one has told me what exactly my son did wrong.”
After the interaction with the police, Bernard began searching for Dwight. “I went from Clifton to Ashton, up and down the road, until I finally found him at a house where he often stayed. When I saw him, he was lying on a mattress, helpless. He had a plaster on his forehead, his eye was swollen, and his face was bruised. I took pictures of him right then and there.”
Realizing the severity of Dwight’s injuries, Bernard decided to bring him back to the mainland for medical attention. “I told him, ‘You need medical care. You can’t stay here.’ He got dressed, and I brought him up.”
Reflecting on the incident, Bernard expressed his frustration and dismay. “As a father and a citizen of this country, I feel really bad. The police don’t have a right to treat anyone like that, even if they’ve committed a crime. Their duty is to take the person to the station, question them, and, if necessary, charge them. But to beat someone up and leave them in the mountains? That’s not justice.”
Bernard confirmed that no charges had been filed against Dwight. “They didn’t charge him with anything. They just carried him into the mountains and beat him.”
Determined to hold the police accountable, Bernard has taken legal action. “I went to the medical doctor, then to the Commissioner of Police. His secretary advised me to take Dwight to the Public Relations Office, where he gave a statement. They also gave us a form to return to the doctor for a medical report. After that, I consulted my lawyer. This is not something we’re taking lightly.”
When asked about his hopes for the outcome, Bernard was resolute. “I’m seeking justice. This isn’t just about my son—it’s about every citizen. Police brutality isn’t new, and sadly, it won’t stop until we, as a society, demand change. The public needs to look into this because the police are taking the law into their own hands.”
Despite the pain of the situation, Bernard remains steadfast in his role as a father. “Why would I turn my back on my son? Everyone loves their children. And no matter what, I’ll always stand by him.”