Viola Barrett, businesswoman, who was awarded $17.6 million in damages against the Government, after she was shot in a taxi by a policeman, and left crippled, tries out her motorised wheelchair that she received as part of the settlement last Thursday at her home at Elderslie, St. Elizabeth. - CONTRIBUTED
WESTERN BUREAU:
ST. ELIZABETH businesswoman, Viola Barrett, who was awarded $17.6 million in damages against the Government, after she was shot in a taxicab by a policeman, and left crippled, has received a motorised wheelchair, as part of the settlement.
Mrs. Barrett's attorney Mr. Don Foote, announced in a statement yesterday (Sunday) that he had reached a settlement with government for the award to be disbursed to Mrs. Barrett over a period of time, but did not give further details.
Mr. Foote said the wheelchair was very flexible, and it could be used inside and outside of Mrs. Barrett's home - even on roadways. He felt that under the circumstances, both the settlement and the unit were adequate, and his client was comfortable with them.
"I realise that while nothing could compensate for the permanent inconvenience of the total loss of movement below my chest, I am "thankful" for life," Mrs. Barrett said.
She says that the vehicle has made getting around more bearable, and she can now attend church and go shopping, although with some assistance.
Mrs. Barrett, from Elderslie district, was shot in the late afternoon of January 14, 2004, as she was travelling home in a taxi, on the Lacovia/Holland Bamboo Avenue main road, in St. Elizabeth.
The court heard that a police corporal, Edward Stewart, the first defendant in the case with the Attorney-General of Jamaica - fired shots at the taxi, at a roadblock.
Mrs. Barrett, who was sitting in the back, was hit, the bullet remains lodged in her spine.
Mr. Justice Roy Jones awarded the damages last May 6, paving the way for Mrs. Barrett to be recompensed for, among other things, the loss of future earnings, aggravated damages, and for future medical care and attention.
