Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter
Bishop Keith Pitt (left), vice-president of Prison Fellowship International presents a cheque to Correctional Officer Hartford Kerr, who lost a leg and arm in a car/motor bike accident in June, 2005. The presentation was held at the South Camp Road Correctional Centre on Friday, December 30, 2005. Others witnessing the presentation from left are Major Richard Reese, commisisoner of corrections; Supt Eugena Allen; and Audley Gordon, president of Prison Fellowship International. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
HARTFORD KERR, a former correctional officer attached to the Horizon Remand Centre, received a cheque for $60,500 from Prison Fellowship Jamaica during a handover ceremony held recently at the South Camp Road Correctional facility in St. Andrew.
Kerr, who underwent an amputation of his right leg and right arm, was injured in an accident on June 25 of last year in the vicinity of Long Lane, St. Andrew. The donation is to assist with medical bills.
"I am very surprised, but very grateful," said Kerr, "I am in a lot of medical expense as I have to visit the hospital five days per week and this cheque will certainly ease the burden. Major Richard Reese, commissioner of corrections, who was present at the handing over ceremony, told The Gleaner, that the staff has so far raised $350 000, which has been used to pay down on a home at Innswood Estate for Mr. Kerr. "We are trying to solicit further assistance, as Mr. Kerr needs at least $3m to assist in his transition" Major Reese said.
He added that officer Kerr, who is still undergoing operations, may need overseas medical care as his wounds are slow in healing.
Plans are also being made to redeploy officer Kerr, to the operations room as a CC TV and radio operator, in keeping with the Government's policy for employment of the disabled. Major Reese, encourages all those who would like to make a donation to contact his office.
The cheque was handed over by vice-president of Prison Fellowship Jamaica, Bishop Keith Pitt. The fellowship also donated a lawn mower to the South Camp Correctional facility, for upkeep of the grounds.
