Sweet-I struggles no more
She was able to achieve her dreams of attending the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC), and graduating from that institution, all this despite, not being mobile from her neck down.
Dr Ralph Gonsalves (left), as Prime Minister, took special interest in the plight of Sweet-I Robinson (right), and assisted with housing, education and general welfare of the young woman.
Sweet-I Robertson was only 16 years old, an aspiring athlete and a fifth former at the Petit Bordel Secondary School (PBSS) when her future was shattered by a stray bullet on October 30, 2009, at Petit Bordel when, gun violence erupted after an entertainment event that was held at the school’s hard court.
At the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) Robertson was assessed and treated but further treatment and therapy in Trinidad was recommended when doctors discovered that she had limited movement in her upper and lower limbs. After public appeals and various contributions she was airlifted to Trinidad
but returned shortly after due to financial constraints. At her Sharpes Village home Sweet-I was being cared for by her mother Cliforna, her older sister Raquel, a teacher at PBSS, as well as her siblings including her younger sister Rachael.
Care for Sweet-L was a strain on the entire family until then Prime Minster Dr. Ralph Gonsalves intervened with special provisions for her care and wellbeing. Her home was modified with a ramp, and the bathroom was made to accommodate a wheelchair. With tutoring Sweet-I was able to continue her education and was successful at external exams obtaining several passes, including a distinction in mathematics. One of her dreams was realised when in 2014, she was admitted to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) Division of Arts, Science and General Studies (DASGS), and in June 2017, the then 24-year-old achieved another dream when she graduated.
Click here to subscribe to read the full article in the E-paper!
Comments
