The Editor, Sir:

In response to an article by Dr Garth Rattray titled 'Shot and injured' published in the April 21 edition of The Gleaner, I am using this medium to convey my story, which I think strengthens and complements Dr Rattray's article.

On April 21, 1989, I was declared a certified disabled person by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security because of injuries I sustained when I was shot in the abdomen on March 30, 1986, during an incident involving damage to the company vehicle assigned to me. These injuries have left me unable to walk without aid, severely restricting other physical functions.

At the time, I was employed to a leading utility company; however, in April 30, 2000 (after 22 years of service), my position was made redundant. About six months after that, I tried unsuccessfully to start my own automotive diagnostic business.

Physical difficulties

Eventually, in November 2001, I secured a position with a leading insurance company as a life underwriter, but because of the physical difficulties, I was forced to resign on August 30, 2000.

I have held two other positions but my disability eventually led to the termination of my service and I am now unemployed despite numerous applications and letters to the prime minister, the Ministry of Labour and the Combined Disabilities Association.

I now contemplate taking the following extreme course of actions: I will attempt the sale of a kidney, the proceeds from which will be used to pay arrears on bills and cover future expenditure. On May 1, I will go on a hunger strike in order to bring to the attention of the powers that be the seriousness and severity of my plight.

I am, etc.,

Desperately Disabled