Commissioner of Police Francis Forbes display the US$5,000 in cash himself and seven of his senior officers raised to assist Ann-Marie Saunders (right) who have been ailing for over a year with unidentified optical problem which has left her partially blind. THE STORY of a 24-year-old single mother who is going blind, touched several high ranking police officers who last Thursday gave Annmarie Saunders US$5,000 for an eye operation in Cuba.
The mother of two who lives in downtown Kingston developed a serious eye problem about a year ago that has left her partially blind in one eye. She has also started losing vision in the other eye.
Miss Saunders, whose children are 4 and 7, was referred to a Cuban eye specialist who agreed to perform surgery in Cuba. However, she was unable to finance the operation.
Hearing her plight Commis-sioner Francis Forbes and seven of his top officers dipped into their pockets to provide the money.
"Although, some people do their best to paint members of the force as uncaring, we want Jamaica to know that the men and women in the police force are compassionate people who care about the people who we serve," said Commissioner Forbes at presentation which took place at his Old Hope Road office.
"This hard working Jamaican has not given up hope and she is determined to save the other eye. I am appealing to Jamaicans to rally around this cause," the Commissioner said.
He also noted that more money would be needed for post surgery medical expenses. He said he was encouraging Jamaican doctors to provide her with the necessary treatment on her return.
