TORONTO — The family of an Ontario woman, whose husband is accused of slashing her throat, is grateful for the support she received in Jamaica, but said she expected more from her own government.
Cathy Martin’s family released a statement saying the 34-year-old mother of two, who underwent surgery after the Dec. 23 attack, is recovering at home in Ajax, just east of Toronto.
“Cathy and her children are doing well despite the incident. Cathy is healing from her injuries while receiving support from her family and medical attention from her doctor,” said the statement.
Paul Martin, 43, is charged with attempted murder. Police have accused him of slashing his wife’s throat and leaving her for dead on an isolated dirt road near the popular resort of Montego Bay.
Cathy Martin’s family said she is thankful for the assistance she received from the Jamaican authorities, the Jamaican Tourism Board and locals.
But said there was “a lack” of support from the Canadian government.
“She did not receive any guidance or direction during this nightmare,” the statement read.
“It was extremely challenging for the family and added to the crisis.”
When contacted by telephone, Cathy Martin’s brother-in-law, Domenic Iervasi, said however, the family is not angry at the Canadian government.
But he declined to comment further on what issues had upset the family. The statement also did not provide further details about the family’s concerns.
Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Priya Sinha said in an email Sunday that the department and Canadian officials in Jamaica “have been providing consular assistance in this case from the beginning.”
“In cases of criminal activity where Canadians are affected, including physical assault, Canadian consular officials are available to provide a wide array of support services,” said Sinha.
That support includes dealing with the emotional, social, medical, and legal needs, contacting relatives or friends and finding counselling services. It also includes support with ensuring a proper investigation is carried out and charges laid if warranted, Sinha said.
The family of Cathy Martin, who works as an RBC bank manager in Whitby, say the situation has been hard on them, their friends, colleagues and neighbours.
“We are all hurting but we are strong and united,” their statement said.
Paul Martin, an elementary teacher at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School in Ajax, was denied bail last week during a preliminary court hearing in Falmouth, Jamaica, and is to appear in court on Jan. 21.
His wife of six-and-a-half years told the court hearing the couple had finished a vacation and were to head to the airport. But she said her husband instead drove their rental car to a secluded area, according to The Jamaica Observer newspaper.
Cathy Martin reportedly testified her husband attacked her after accusing her of having an affair with a longtime friend, an allegation she denied.
Investigators said a taxi driver saw the struggle and alerted police. He then returned to the scene, found the bleeding woman at the side of the road and took her to hospital.
Cathy Martin testified they had been having marital problems.
Police said Paul Martin claimed they had been carjacked by Jamaican men who then attacked his wife.