No follow-up treatment for 2008 Portland crash victim

Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

NEARLY TWO years after the horrific crash which claimed the lives of 14 people in the Rio Grande Valley in Portland, and injured several others, Leford Jackson, one of the survivors, is still in need of follow-up treatment.

Jackson, a farmer, was trapped for more than six hours underneath a market truck which plunged over a precipice at Dam Bridge on December 19, 2008.

The farmer suffered severe damage to both legs, and was air-lifted to the St Ann's Bay hospital. At the time of the crash, the truck was transporting market vendors to Coronation Market in Kingston.

No money

Since his release from hospital last year, Jackson, who was to undergo therapy twice per week, is unable to do so, as he has no money to travel to St Ann's Bay to do follow-up treatment.

Family members and friends have pooled together and provided him with a pair of crutches, which allows him to move about, but the pain in his right leg is worsening.

"I just need to continue my treatment. I am confident that if I receive the full treatment, I will walk, and will be able to start working again to help myself. I have no money, and without the help of my family and friends, I don't know what would happen to me. I was promised so many things by politicians, and now that I am unable to fend for myself, I really need the help."

When The Gleaner visited the Mill Bank community last Mon-day, Jackson was seen sitting on the rear of a pickup truck, pondering his next move.

According to him, he is concerned that his caregivers may soon become frustrated and, given the financial climate, may no longer be in a position to assist him. He is seeking assistance to get back on his feet so he can continue providing for himself.