Help coming for disabled Anthony

HEALTH Minister John Rahael has promised to arrange for immediate medical assistance for crippled five-year-old Anthony Ramlogan, whose affliction with Cerebral Palsy was highlighted in an exclusive Newsday story on Wednesday. Several other persons have also come forward to assist the boy. The story highlighted the plight of Anthony’s mother, Shamilla, who is unable to financially support his medical care since the murder of the boy’s father two months ago. Shamilla lives with her in-laws at New Settlement, Dow Village, California, and Rahael called Newsday’s South office to enquire about Anthony’s plight.

“Now that it has been brought to our attention, obviously we will get our medical doctors to examine the young man to determine what assistance can be rendered,” Rahael said. Rahael said he was indeed touched by  Anthony’s inability to walk. “We can correct that and if a prosthesis is required, we can also provide that,” the minister said. However, Rahael said his first task is to arrange for Anthony to be examined by a doctor as soon as possible. When contacted on Thursday, Shamilla said Rahael’s secretary had already contacted her. She said the secretary requested that she fax all of Anthony’s medical documents to the ministry.

Anthony moves around his home with a walker. He is losing sight in one of his eyes and can barely write.  Apart from Rahael, several other persons contacted Newsday’s South office and offered to assist Shamilla and Anthony. Among other persons offering assistance is a woman from Canada, Joanne Ramsaroop-Sukhai, who said she was willing to provide funds for Anthony to get eyeglasses. Toni Barton and Nirmala Sultan-Khan from the United States have also pledged their assistance. Other persons wishing to make financial contributions can do so at the Couva branch of Scotiabank — account number 4003194.