Robert Royer, Contributor

Constable Cecil Bond, who sustained spinal injuries in an accident in 2002, at home in Falmouth, contemplating his future. - Photo by Noel Thompson

It's more than two years since Constable Cecil Bond of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has not been able to walk.

He has been in a wheelchair since he was injured in a motor vehicle accident along the Coopers Pen main road in Trelawny on May 2, 2004.

Constable Bond was not on duty at the time of the accident and thus has not received any direct financial assistance from the Government.

He was admitted to the Cornwall Regional Hospital and was later diagnosed with paralysis.

Constable Bond was receiving medical attention in Cuba in March 2006, but was forced to return to Jamaica because of inadequate funds.

He had surgery costing $1 million, which was funded by members of the JCF and a 'Good Samaritan' out of Florida, Dr. Dennis Grant.

"I am determined to walk and I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can now feed myself - I am able to sit up in my bed, wash my face, brush my teeth and before, I could not do those things," said Constable Bond.

Needs financial assistance

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Jamaica Police Federation at their Ocean Boule-vard office in Kingston, last Friday, Constable Bond said he needs financial assistance to return to Cuba to continue treatment there.

One million dollars is needed and Dr. Dennis Grant has donated the first $200,000.

Dr. Grant is urging the private sector to assist Constable Bond's return to Cuba.

"Enough money will be raised not just to help Constable Bond but most of the other injured police officers to receive medical assistance that is not available in Jamaica, Dr. Grant said.

The Dennis Grant Humanitarian Foundation has been established in Florida to assist the Jamaica Police Federation to provide financial assistance to members of the force who are injured.

Federation Chairman Corporal Raymond Wilson thanked Dr. Grant for assisting not only Constable Bond but opening the door to assist other members of the force

"I believe the morale of the rank- and-file members of the force will be boosted to carry out their duties in a professional manner by what Dr. Grant has done," Corporal Wilson said.

In the meantime, the Cecil Bond fund has been opened at all branches of the Jamaica National Building society. The account number is 10463595.