Dear Editor:
I was host to a lovely ESL student from Mexico last summer. She was attacked on Marine Drive in broad daylight in an attempted robbery. She was badly frightened and though punched and pushed to the ground, was not too badly hurt. She managed to hold on to her backpack and ran to a gas station and called me.
She wasn't too far from home so I got there quickly. She was very shocked and upset. It was a shock to everybody as I tell my students who are often from places where it is not safe, that they are safe here in Canada.
I just want to express our gratitude to the RCMP for their quick attendance at the scene, their kindness to her and their caring and compassion throughout the investigation, capture and trial of the perpetrators of this crime. She was offered victim services counselling help and kept informed of all proceedings.
She is now back in Mexico, but she couldn't get over the actions and kindness of our wonderful RCMP. She said in her country she would not even have called the police for help, and if she had they wouldn't have come.
Our police take a lot of criticism. I just want to speak up for them as their actions were so exemplary. Be glad we have them!
Eleanor Parmelee North Vancouver
