Jamal Reid, the 16-year-old student of Golden Grove Secondary, who was struck to the head by one of his peers two weeks ago, has been discharged from the hospital as his family continues to call for justice.
Reid was discharged from the hospital on Thursday last, and has been recuperating at home. Pheona Carroll, a spokesperson for the family, related that he is now able to move partially on the left side. His condition is being monitored, since he suffered brain damage, she stated.
On Thursday November 9th another 16-year-old struck Reid in the head with a cricket bat, while they were both in the school’s compound. As a result of the blow, Reid sustained a fracture on the right side of the parietal bone and this was accompanied by internal bleeding owing to several damaged blood vessels. Severe blood clotting placed pressure on the brain and resulted in swelling.
Reid underwent emergency surgery for the internal bleeding, blood clotting and fractured skull. The cerebellum, a part of the brain that is responsible for movement, was partially damaged. Consequently, this tampered with his mobility in some areas of his body. TThe limbic system in the brain that is responsible for Reid’s behavioural and emotional responses was also damaged. He is unable to express his emotions effectively, which makes it difficult for the family to differentiate between happiness, sadness and fear.
The family mentioned that the Ministry of Education has been supportive white Reid was hospitalized.
His 16-year-old assailant had been arrested and placed in police custody for 72 hours; nothing further has been heard.
