Chairman of the Festival De Noel Committee, Jerome Roberts, presented a cheque for EC$3,000 to Deion Richardson, at his home at Roaches Hill on Tuesday this week. The 18-year-old was the victim of a shooting incident in November last year atStatiaValleyand, after specialist treatment inFlorida, he remains in a wheelchair.
In making the presentation, Mr. Roberts condemned what he termed as “the lawlessness which prevails within our communities which we can never condone”. He noted that Deion was one of a number of youngsters who were victims of gunfire by other persons.
“Deion is a young man who had been very active in the life of the community – as one of Anguilla’s junior cyclists who have doneAnguillaproud,” he continued. “As not just the Chairman of Festival De Noel, but also an elected Parliamentarian, it disturbs us in Government to hear about these incidents when we can gel together in these tough economic times to better the lives of our people, rather than destroy them.” He hoped that one day Deion, a very vibrant and positive young man, would again be able to walk.
Roberts said despite the flood situation which affected Festival De Noel, in December last year, the event had raised EC$6,000, half of which was being donated to assist Deion and his family. Other funds were donated to the Morris Vanterpool and Vivien Vanterpool Primary Schools- and towards the restoration work to be undertaken at theOldEast EndSchool.
Replying, Deion was grateful for the assistance and said that he too was praying for his recovery. He is currently enrolled at Hope Centre,East End, where he is studying Mathematics and plans to pursue English Language studies as well.
