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Linden residents who were injured during “unrest” testify for compensation
By Latoya Giles
The Linden Commission of Inquiry has started again. This time the commissioners are taking evidence from persons who are seeking compensation for the injuries they sustained as a result of the July 18, 2012 shooting which left three protestors dead and dozens injured.
First to take the stand was grocery shop owner, Sheila Austin. According to Austin, she was shot in her right hand, abdomen and left leg. Lawyer attached to the commission Ganesh Hira, questioned Austin about whether she was part of the protest.
Austin told the commission that she was not part of the protest, but was there for a “meeting”. She explained that after she was shot, she was unable to work. Austin stated that she would normally earn approximately $60,000 per month.
The woman said that due to her injury her entire arm was swollen and she was unable to do most things. Austin told the commission that she spent about $17,000 for laundry services since she could not have done it by herself. Another average of $30,000 was the estimate by the woman who said a number of items in her shop spoiled because the shop was closed during the time of her injuries.
Commissioner Knight in questioning the witness asked how come the medical report did not mention that she was shot in the abdomen. At this point the witness remained adamant that she had been shot in the abdomen, offering to show her wounds. She was then asked who she lived with, and according to Austin she lived with her 10-year-old nephew.
Alicia Barker was the next witness called to give evidence. According to Barker who is a mother of four said, she was unemployed at the time of the shooting. Barker told the commission that she was shot while she went looking for her 15-year-old son.
The woman told the commission that she was shot in both legs and had to undergo surgery. Barker said that her medical bills exceeded $200,000. The witness told the commission that she was still feeling pain in her legs even after the surgery.
Barker stated that since she could not move around, she was forced to go to New Amsterdam with her children to an aunt so that she could receive medical attention at another hospital there. The bill according to Barker was $15,000.
The commission further heard from the witness that she was hospitalized for five days and would need years of therapy since she received nerve damage in her legs.
Appearing also yesterday was pastry salesman Rueben Bowen, who was shot to the left knee and now needs crutches to walk. Bowen told the commissioners that he would make about two trips to various parts of the interior selling pastries and bread to miners who were working there. According to the man his trade was very lucrative and he would normally make about $75,000 to $80,000 per week. Bowen said that he would make around $320,000 per month. The man says he has not worked since and is depending on relatives and friends.
However since Bowen is still receiving treatment because of his injuries, the commission has asked that he be evaluated by an orthopaedic surgeon before they make a decision on compensation. He is expected to return on Wednesday.
Jameki Brummell who was also shot during the protest said that he was shot in the right leg. He said that he was examined the same day by the doctor and received a medical. He said that after receiving the injury he was still feeling discomfort such as “burning and itching”.
Brummell said he went to the hospital 42 times for “dressing”. At the time of the injury Brummell said that he was wearing clothing and it got damaged. He said that totals to about $20,000. He also stated that he could not work because of the injury and that he would normally earn about $8,000 per week.
Linden dressmaker Janice Burgan who was shot in the back said that she has lost income due to the injury. The woman still undergoes therapy.
Meanwhile, Chairman for the commission Justice Wolfe, announced that Hugh Denbow, who had been the commission’s administrator, was the new secretary. He replaces attorney at law Ronald Burch Smith as the Secretary. Burch Smith has resigned.
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