Over two years after being accidentally shot during a shootout between police and alleged bandits, an Agricola woman is still awaiting compensation from the Guyana Police Force.
Parmadai (only name) of 124 Caesar Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara told Stabroek News recently that she is still awaiting on the police to honour their obligation.
On July 11, 2017, Parmadai was in her hammock at home resting when she was shot in the buttocks and in her left hand. She was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where she was treated before being transferred to a private hospital for medical attention.
Former acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine had said that the force was advised to compensate the woman for her injuries.
“It was recommended that the incident which resulted in the gunshot injuries sustained by the victim was purely accidental in the circumstances, hence most unfortunate and that the victim should be compensated,” Ramnarine had said in a letter penned to this newspaper.
He was at the time responding to an October 2017 article which reported that Parmadai’s relatives were awaiting word on the investigation.
“The appropriate communication has been transmitted to the relevant authority for consideration to be given in order that the legal advice maybe effectuated. In the circumstances, the victim is respectfully advised to be patient, as the possibility of compensation remains active,” Ramnarine had said.
Last week, Police Commissioner Leslie James told Stabroek News that it would be a matter he has to follow up on since he was not privy to the details of the case.
According to Parmadai’s daughter Elietha Heeralall, since 2017, the family have been footing her mother’s medical bills and it has been challenging.
She explained that her mother, who is a seamstress by profession, has not been able to work due to the injuries she sustained. The daughter stressed that her mother, from time-to-time, would experience tremendous pain and while she would go to the hospital on some occasions, at other times she would opt not to because of the repetitive process.
“She would get so frustrated over not being able to work and having to be dependent on us. When it comes to going to the doctor, she refuses because nothing changes and they keep giving her the same medication to ease the pain. Sometimes we just use the prescription and purchase the drug,” Heeralall said.
The daughter said that since they heard of the recommendation that her mother be compensated, they have been trying to get in contact with the relevant authorities. She said to date, their efforts have been fruitless.
Heeralall said that they would be happy if the police can engage her family and discuss the possible compensation as a majority of their savings has been spent on medical bills and medication.
Following the shooting on July 11 2017, police had said in a statement that ranks went to Fourth Street, Agricola and were confronted by two men who were armed; one had a sawn-off shotgun and the other had a handgun. As the police ranks approached the suspects, they “opened fire on the lawmen who adopted tactical positions and returned fire; during the exchange, the suspect with the shotgun was injured.”
