THE ongoing pain and agony that sexagenarian Brian Aubrey Devine has had to endure for almost one year, after he was injured in an accident that claimed the life of his friend George Barker, 61, of Freeman Street, East La Penitence on New Year’s Day 2015, have now become almost unbearable.For the first few months, even though seriously injured, Devine, 64, was generally referred to, even by doctors, as being ‘rather strong’ to even survive the accident, let alone endure the pain associated with his injuries. Besides a cut on his leg which took more than 30 stitches to close, he had also suffered a broken leg, broken ribs, and head and spinal injuries.

And as if that were not enough suffering for one man to bear, Brian Devine is almost paralysed in his right hand, and has difficulty reaching the top of the cupboard to take down his meals whenever he has to.

It would appear that his immune system has also been compromised, for the pains that had long left him have now returned, and life for him is again a virtual nightmare.

More recently, he has been plagued by a profusion of bed sores, which, compounded by the intense heat these days, is making the healing process extremely difficult.

Both grief and failing health have now taken a toll on this man, who initially seemed indefatigable. Devine, who has been on an ‘even keel’ under the professional and compassionate watch of medical staff at the Georgetown Public Hospital, now lies grief-stricken in bed, constantly groaning with pain. He fears the worst. Why? A great portion of his body, he claims, is now infested with worms, which were once confined to the lower region of his back.

GRATEFUL

But make no mistake, he is indeed grateful to the doctors and nursing staff of the institution, who, even after he had been officially discharged, have continued to treat, manage his condition, and accommodate him, because he has no one to care for him.

The patient claims that his worst experience since being in the hospital was when a young cleaner dared to place his ‘potty’ and urinal bottle on the cupboard, along with his food and utensils.
The medical staff at the hospital continue to be quite patient with Mr. Devine, but his needs go beyond what they can offer. He has financial needs, to which some family members contribute, but he is now reacting to the fact that, not one day since he was struck down by a speeding or sleeping driver, has the motorist come to visit him. He has never tried to make contact with either the injured man or the man’s relatives.

Devine’s sister and a nephew, who are very concerned about his condition, are trying in vain to get particulars about the whereabouts of the driver, so as to be updated on the progress of police investigations. But not even the police could give them answers.
SURPRISE VISITORS
Last Thursday, a visiting party comprising the Acting Traffic Chief, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Stephens, and other traffic ranks of the Guyana Police Force; Coordinator of the National Road Safety Council, Mrs. Ramona Doorgen; President of the Georgetown Road Safety Association, Victor Graham; and Public Relations Officer of the West Demerara Road Safety Association, Shahab Hack, visited the Accident Ward of the GPHC and stumbled upon the languishing Brian Devine. Though feeble now, his voice is still strong, and he is quite vocal, so he was able to state his predicament to the Traffic Chief (Ag) and other officials.

The Chief has promised to look into his matter and have him updated soonest.

The police visit was part of the activities in observance of National Road Safety Month, currently being observed in Guyana. For Brian Devine, it has been 11 hard months of pain and uncertainty, but behind it all, he is trusting, caring, and has great faith in God as his Creator.

He is hoping that the driver who injured him can have a change of heart and one day visit him is hospital and see and respect his needs.

By Shirley Thomas