Corentyne mother seeks answers after newborn taken from hospital

A young mother from Corentyne, Berbice, is appealing for clarity and support after her newborn was reportedly removed from her care while at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

Keshma Jagdeo, 20, of Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, told the News Room that she went to the Port Mourant Public Hospital on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, feeling it was time to give birth. She said she was given an injection and informed that her baby would not be born until November, after which she was sent home.

According to Keshma, she delivered her child at home around 1:00 am the following day. She was subsequently taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where she remained for one day before being transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

Keshma’s mother, 43-year-old Shanti Sookoo, a domestic helper, said she frequently visited her daughter and grandchild during their hospital stay. She said her daughter was eventually discharged without the baby.

Sookoo explained that she continued visiting her newborn and on November 29, during a routine visit to the hospital, she discovered that the baby had already been collected by someone unknown to her.

The mother of four recalled that before Keshma’s delivery, representatives from the Child Protection Agency (CPA) had visited their home, expressing concerns that the living conditions were unsuitable for raising a child.

“They said I would not be able to care for the baby and that someone else should take the child,” Sookoo said. “I just want my grandchild back. This is my first grandchild. I know how to take care of children; I have four of my own.”

She added, “The child protection people said this house is not proper, but this is a big, strong house. Nothing is wrong with it. Why can’t they find another place for the baby instead of taking it from me?”

Both Sookoo and her daughter receive monthly Public Assistance payments from the government.