Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer
DYER
WESTERN BUREAU:
PROMINENT HOTELIER Godfrey Dyer who was severely burnt in an explosion at the Wexford Suites at SeaCastles Hotel, Montego Bay on Saturday, was transferred by Air Ambulance to the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida yesterday.
Dyer, 67, immediate past president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) was moved from the Cornwall Regional Hospital, Montego Bay where he was undergoing treatment for third degree burns to 40 per cent of his body.
"We are moving him because of the type of complications he is having," said close family friend Pauline Reid, who accompanied Mr. Dyer on his trip. She said his personal insurance allowed him to seek assistance overseas.
MASSIVE BLAST
The hotelier and two members of his staff were admitted to the hospital on Saturday after they sustained injuries in a massive blast from a gas stove which shattered windows and doors of a commercial kitchen at the hotel.
The two employees, Nadine Street, general manager of the Wexford Court Hotel, and Ann-Marie Grouse, dining room supervisor, remain in stable condition. Miss Grooves is the worst of the three, having received burns to more than 60 per cent of her body.
President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Horace Peterkin, has already sourced US$20,000 (J$1.2 million) from several JHTA members to help to assist with the medical care for Miss Grooves.
"We want to ensure that Miss Grooves also gets the absolute best medical attention possible, if we get enough money she will be moved as well, we invite all concerned persons to contribute to this worthy cause," said Mr. Peterkin.
Mr. Dyer's medical insurance is enough to cover his expenses.
