Disability advocate wants to see fewer guns in Jamaica

After his life was significantly impacted by a bullet, disability advocate Errington Pellington has expressed alarm at the nation's crime rate and the number of guns in the island.

Speaking with THE STAR from his home in Maxfield Avenue, St Andrew, Pellington, who is the co-founder and a director of the Jamaica Paraplegic Foundation (JAMPAR), noted that Jamaica does not manufacture guns.

"One of my hopes is that there will be like an amnesty where the government give 10 youth a business and take 10 guns [off the street]. That I believe would alleviate the guns [situation], but we also need proper border patrol as it relates to the guns entering the island. A lot of youths don't have anything to do but them have babymothers, so idle hands will give idle thoughts," he said.

So far this year, at least 25 persons have been fatally shot by the police while close to 60 have been murdered by gunmen.

"We have to consider how the guns reach here. If the guns weren't here, then probably you wouldn't have the police doing what they are doing. I was shot innocently by the police but I am not the person to bash the police or anyone - all I am doing is weighing the facts. I am not saying that everyone who was shot was guilty or innocent, but the guns will continue to be the biggest problem. The gun was what hurt me," Pellington said.

Pellington's life changed forever on October 22, 1995 when he was 18. He said he was on Cargill Avenue returning home from an entertainment event, when three armed men robbed him of jewellery and took him to nearby Balmoral Avenue. An unmarked car soon drove towards them. Men armed with powerful weapons alighted and opened fire. Pellington fell as the robbers fled but he was shot. He said the armed men, who he then realised were policemen, stood over him in his dazed state, pointing their guns at him.

"I was later charged with illegal possession of firearm, shooting with intent and robbery with aggravation. With the help of [attorney] Mr Bert Samuels, I was acquitted of the charges. I got shot in my back and my spinal cord got damaged. I don't have any feelings from my breast come down. It set me back because before that I used to sell as a commercial higgler, and I had dreams of owning cars and house," Pellington added.

Currently, Pellington spends most of his days catering to the more than 120 registered members of JAMPAR. He said the entity is assisted by various entities including Food For the Poor. Even as the bullet stripped away his independence and left him facing hardships and struggles while adapting to a new life, Pellington was motivated to start the foundation in 1999.

"As long as I can eat and someone else can eat, that is life for me. The main purpose of our foundation is to source resources for persons with disabilities once they are a member," he said, noting that JAMPAR hosts three major projects, including a back-to-school event and an Easter project.

"We assist with wheelchair repair and we give care packages when needed. I remember when I could afford to use a crate of liquor wash my hand. Where I am now, it motivates me to help others, because if I had money I would be all for myself. But I now know how difficult life can get. When my incident just happened, I was asking for assistance for a wheelchair and I got four instead of one, so I was able to help others," he said.

As he continues to seek assistance for his foundation, Pellington implored the government to pay more attention to the mental health of persons with disabilities. He also called for more effort in getting equipment for the disabled into the island duty-free.

"It's not just those in wheelchair, but just about anyone with a disability. Not being able to move takes a toll on me because if I want to go to the bathroom, I have to be depending on other persons. Just imagine being in this position. From I was a child, I am used to making my own money even if it means selling orange," Pellington said.