BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FAMILY members of the middle distance athlete who was shot by an off-duty police officer are planning a fundraising event and also seeking the public’s assistance to get their loved one overseas for advance medical treatment.
According to Ticoya Henry, sister of the injured Timoy Henry, a Breakfast is being planned for next week Saturday to raise funds for her brother to travel to Trinidad, where arrangements are being made for him to have reparative surgery done to the damaged nerves in his right hand.
“The fundraising event will take place on Saturday (Jul. 23) next to the lottery outlet on Fort Street in Basseterre. It will commence from 6:00 a.m. and the ever-popular Beverly will be there to serve breakfast for a small fee of EC$15. I am therefore calling on all Kittitians and Nevisians to come out and support this worthy cause...my brother needs your help,” Ticoya pleaded.
Ticoya explained that his right hand is in a cast following a surgery last Tuesday (Jul. 12) to remove a bullet from his shoulder and that, based on the doctor’s advice, he would only be able to seek overseas treatment after its removal in three to six weeks’ time.
She told SKNVibes that a local doctor is negotiating with a medical institution in Trinidad and Tobago to have her brother flown there to undergo reparative surgery, but family members are awaiting word on the cost.
Ticoya however stated that while waiting on that information, they were advised to seek assistance from the Social Services Department; which they did and were promised US$5,000. This amount, she said, would only be granted if they could acquire the remaining cash after being informed of the total cost.
She also explained that someone has to accompany her brother to Trinidad and the cost would definitely increase. “Therefore, in addition to the Breakfast, we have decided to open an account at National Bank in order to seek assistance from the public. Those who would like to contribute to my brother’s cause can make their donations, no matter how small, to the Timoy Henry Medical Assistance Fund. The account number is 102-61740,” she added.
She also stated that a number of boxes would be installed at various business establishments, where individuals, who choose not to go to the bank, could make their donation.
A depressed Ticoya told this publication that despite a disturbing piece of information, family members are putting their trust in God for Timoy’s success in any surgery or surgeries he has to undergo.
She explained that they were told that “the medical experts in Trinidad might not be able to do a full repair of my brother’s damaged nerves because they do not have the required equipment, and he might have to seek further treatment in Canada or Texas. We are however hopeful that God will be in the midst of it all and success will be achieved”.
In the wee hours of Monday (Jun. 27), 27-year-old Timoy Henry of Pine Garden, Shadwell was shot by an off-duty police officer in the vicinity of Breeze Bar on The Strip in Frigate Bay.
In an interview with this publication, Henry said: “The shot went through my neck from the left side, through my shoulder then hit the bone in my right hand. My hand just went dead and like it was on fire.”
Meanwhile, SKNVibes was told by Andre Mitchell, the ACP with Responsibility for the Crime Directorate, that the off-duty officer who allegedly shot Henry is confined to barracks and is deprived of many of his rights until the matter is over.
He stated that the matter is being investigated by the Violent Crimes Unit and the Office of Professional Standards.
ACP Mitchell also stated that upon conclusion of the investigation and should the findings indicate that the officer was in breach of the law, the file would be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice on the relevant charge or charges.
He further stated that the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force does not tolerate indicipline from any of its members and the public would be informed of the results at the end of the investigation.
