Arima man blames PoS hospital for son’s death

GRIEVING relatives of 22-year-old Arima resident Johnathan Belix are still struggling to come to terms with his death in a vehicular accident late last week. Belix, son of well known businessman Roger Belix, died on Independence Day, hours after being admitted to hospital with two broken legs — injuries that his family was assured were not life threatening. The accident occurred around midday on August 29, when Johnathan Belix and Alex Antoni attempted to enter Darwell Gardens from Olton Road, Arima. As they crossed the Priority Bus Route, a van heading east allegedly broke the traffic light, and crashed into their vehicle.

The Belix family was led to believe that his legs would heal after only three months of therapy. “The doctors told us his condition was not serious, so nothing was done to immediately treat his legs,” said Belix. Johnathan was later transferred to the Mt Hope Hospital, where doctors discovered that bone marrow had entered his bloodstream. “We were told that oil had entered his lungs and he was having trouble breathing. Doctors were hoping he could fight it for himself as they claimed there was nothing more they could do, but he died some hours later from heart failure,” said Belix. Belix’s father is convinced that if the marrow was detected at the PoSGH, his son would still be alive today. “Imagine a hospital that does not have painkillers,” said Belix, who also needed to buy a neckbrace and a cord to prop his son’s broken legs. “We waited for six hours before a doctor could attend to him, and even then, they lacked the basic necessities to treat him,” said Belix. He said all the equipment at the hospital remained locked behind doors, as the nurses claimed that no one there at the time could operate the machines.

“I intend to do a serious inquiry into both hospitals, because my son was not supposed to die,” said Belix. “We are not letting this go. Something has to be done about the health sector in TT.  Why must the Prime Minister be the only one to receive proper treatment, while other people are suffering in this country?” As his funeral took place Friday, family members mourned the loss of a life so young. Belix’s father placed a picture of Hyarima, the first Amerindian to inhabit Arima, in his coffin. “Johnathan promoted the culture of indigenous people, and I know how much he would appreciate this,” said Belix. An emotional Alex Antoni, who suffered neck injuries in the accident, struggled to deliver the eulogy, describing his best friend as a person who “could lighten up your day with a smile,” and one who was extremely ambitious. Friends of Johnathan escorted his hearse with motorcycles, and performed tricks in his honour, as he was an excellent trail-bike rider and a great outdoors man. Belix was later cremated.