RCMP have laid a charge in connection with an assault against a student at Lewisporte Intermediate that has grabbed the attention of the entire province.
RCMP were called yesterday following an assault involving two students at the school.
Lewisporte family physician, Dr. Gerges Ambarak took to Facebook last night expressing his pain and distress over the assault against his daughter and says his family is seriously contemplating their future in the town as a result.
Dr. Ambarak came to Canada from Egypt, and practiced in Montreal for 10 years before settling in Lewisporte in May of 2021 to set up a family practice with his wife.
He says while they have made a home in the community, they are distressed by the bullying that their 14-year-old daughter has endured—a situation he says culminated this week in the assault against her.
He told VOCM News his daughter has been tormented for some time, having suffered slurs and taunts, but yesterday he got a call from the school that no parent wants to get indicating that his daughter had been assaulted. “I felt this was the end of the world for me, to be honest.”
Ambarak says he and his family are going to take a few weeks off to give their daughter some space away from the situation, and to contemplate their future in Lewisporte.
“The Town of Lewisporte prides itself on being safe and inclusive for all residents recognizing diversity contributes to our social and emotional growth as well as sustainability as a community. We are committed to learning the history and developing an understanding of the differing cultures in our community, creating allyship and fostering a sense of connection among those who reside and visit here.
The Town of Lewisporte strives to maintain a quality of life for its residents ensuring everyone feels welcome, a sense of belonging and an opportunity to live their best life, regardless of a person’s identity or intersection of identities including race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, disability, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, partnership, age, and status.
The Town of Lewisporte stands against all forms of racism, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination as well as violence resulting in an unsafe environment. We support all individuals and families and continue to endeavour to eliminate such barriers and inequities in our community. We ask our community to share responsibil-ity, playing an important role in combating racism and discrimination and fostering equality and respect for all.”
-Full statement from Krista Freake, Mayor of Lewisporte.
The Town of Lewisporte meanwhile, says it prides itself on being a safe and inclusive community. It issued a statement today saying it “stands against all forms of racism, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination as well as violence resulting in an unsafe environment.”
Mayor Krista Freake says she understands that the family is reflecting on their place in the community, but since Dr. Ambarak’s post, there has been an outpouring of support for the family and the work they’ve done in the community.
She’s hoping the family will reflect on that, and come to a conclusion on what they want to do next. In the meantime, the town is committed to supporting the Ambareks and taking the necessary steps to ensure that all people feel included and welcome.
Premier Andrew Furey says he spoke with Dr. Ambarak this morning.
Furey told reporters in Corner Brook today that he reached out after seeing the post.
“The first thing I did this morning, before I got on a plane, was to phone him, and express my concern,” says Furey.
He offered his support to the doctor and his family and “wanted to make sure he knew that the government of Newfoundland and Labrador condemns hate and racism in any form.” He says he offered his support as “premier, as a fellow physician, and as a fellow father.”
