Sunshine Girls injured as stone shatters bus window -Star shooter Romelda Aiken 'very frightened'

 Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Two of Jamaica's Sunshine Girls, Romelda Aiken and Ann-Kay Griffiths, received minor injuries on Wednesday night when a stone broke the window of the bus in which they were travelling, as it passed through Central Village in St Catherine.

Both players, along with four other members of Jamaica's senior team, were being transported to Clarendon where they live, having just completed a training session at the Leila Robinson Courts, National Stadium Complex, when the incident took place in the vicinity of Big Lane.

It is not clear whether the incident was coincidental or deliberate.

However, the Jamaica National Association (JNA) issued a release which gives the impression that it views the incident as a deliberate one.

The release said the incident was a very unfortunate one and is urging members of the public to take care of its sportsmen and women.

"The JNA is imploring the members of the public who would wish to harm the members of the team and other sportspeople in general, to desist from doing so as they are a source of pride for our beloved country," the release said.

It added: "The association is also imploring the public to treat our sportspeople as ambassadors for Jamaica and that we should respect and protect them wherever they are."

The Sunshine Girls are currently preparing for their upcoming three-Test series against the world's number one team, Australia, next month.

Still shaken

Aiken, who received a few stretches on one of her hands, was still shaken when The Gleaner contacted her yesterday. She said she was very shocked by the incident.

"I am very frightened," said Aiken, who plays as goal shooter for the national team.

"I was on my phone texting and all of a sudden I heard a hit on the left side of the glass and then there were splinters all over me, and then I saw my teammate (Griffiths), who was close to me with splinters on her too, but luckily for us, no one got seriously injured," said Aiken, as she recalled what took place.

A female police officer at the Central Village Police Station confirmed the incident and said a report was made to them by the JNA, and they are currently carrying out investigations into the matter.

The officer said the incident took place about 9 p.m. on Wednesday. She added that one of the windows on the left side of the bus was shattered and two persons received minor injuries.