Ninjaman’s son suffers stroke in prison

Jahneil Ballentine, the son of incarcerated dancehall artiste Ninjaman, has reportedly suffered a stroke while in prison and is now said to be fighting for his life.

The 38-year-old Ballentine was convicted in 2017 alongside his father, Desmond Ballentine, and Dennis Clayton for the 2009 murder of a Kingston man. He is serving a life sentence but is eligible for parole after 15 years. An appeal hearing for the trio is scheduled for March.

As the men await that hearing, Ballentine's mother, Dawn Brown, told THE STAR yesterday that she is deeply worried about her son's deteriorating health.

"He cannot move or help himself," Brown said. "Him can't walk and he is wearing diapers."

Up to press time yesterday, Ballentine, who is believed to have suffered a stroke, was on the medical dorm of the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre. However, correctional sources said his transfer to a more suitable facility was imminent. THE STAR was told that Ballentine was being tended to by two female officers at the facility.

"They feed and do all they can for him," a source said.

His mother, meanwhile, expressed grave concern about his health, stating that he needs proper medical care.

"When I saw him earlier this week, I didn't like how him look. I just don't like how he is in pain. He is just helpless and very weak. He needs proper medical care, which is not available at that particular prison," Brown said.

Another relative said Ballentine had complained of severe neck pains as far back as November. The family member said they were later told that he lost consciousness in his cell and was rushed to hospital, where doctors reportedly confirmed that he had suffered a stroke.

In light of his condition, relatives are pleading with the authorities to relocate Ballentine from the high-risk facility to another correctional institution where he can receive more appropriate medical attention.

"I am not saying he should be released from prison or anything, but move him elsewhere so he can get the care he needs, and whenever he is better they can bring him to back to where he is serving his sentence," the relative said.

Attempts to contact Commissioner of Corrections, Brigadier Radgh Mason, proved futile yesterday. However, a well-placed security officer said permission has been given to have Ballentine transferred to another facility.

"When it comes on to his health, it is dealt with as quickly as possible, and that is what is taking place," the security officer said.