PM says more support will be mobilised for 16-y-o gun victim
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness says more support will be mobilised to assist with the medical treatment and welfare of 16-year-old Ne-Sean Blair, who is paralysed after being hit by a stray bullet last year.
Holness said this includes providing financial aid to cover a few months of physiotherapy sessions, a tablet and a family vacation to celebrate the holidays.
The Prime Minister provided details during a visit to Ne-Sean’s home in Newhall, Manchester, earlier this month. He informed that since assisting Ne-Sean in his first visit to the United States for treatment, he has been tracking his progress.
“Whatever limited means we have, we will give you support. I’m happy to [see] that [Ne-Sean] is making some progress,” he said.
READ: PM gives word of hope to 16-year-old gunshot victim
Ne-Sean had been paralysed from the shoulders down, but regained feeling in his arms after receiving a power wheelchair, and physiotherapy during his treatment in the United States.
On March 30, 2021, which was also Ne-Sean’s birthday, he visited a shop in his community to purchase a drink. During a robbery attempt gunmen fired shots, hitting the teenager in the upper back.
Holness said the availability and indiscriminate use of firearms in the country are creating mayhem, especially with the younger population.
“The Government has a responsibility and a duty, and as much as possible, I’m going to see what we can do to support you [Ne-Sean],” he said.
Meanwhile, Ne-Sean said that since his paralysis, life has become more difficult for his family.
“It has affected my family a lot because even [as] my mom said, she is not the type of person to just be sitting down [and not work]. She was always going, just trying to provide for our family,” he said.
“[I had] dreams to provide for my family, their needs and wants. I always wanted to have my own business, where if they want anything, they could call me and I would be there to provide for them,” Ne-Sean added.
His mother, Kedine Wilson-Blair, said it is very hard, as “I have to be the one bathing and feeding him because my son is like a baby now… . I have to be nurturing him like a baby.”
READ: Mom seeks financial help for teen son shot, injured on his birthday
“I’m still here taking it step by step, keeping the faith [and] continue to hold on, because I know one day, I’m going to see my son walk again,” she said.
The government continues to implement stricter measures to tackle gun crimes across the island, which include the recent approval of the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, which will see convicted individuals being sentenced to between 15 years and life behind bars.
Related Story: Mother of paralysed 16-y-o wants help, stiffer gun penalties
