Where is T&T defender Anthony Noreiga's equal place ?.
By: Mervyn Richardson (Soca Warriors Online Press).[/size]
On Wednesday, June 13, 2007 I received a call that Anthony Noreiga was still in hospital, so I rushed to the hospital immediately to visit him. On my arrival, two ladies were in the ward with him. I asked him if anyone from the team are still in Los Angeles, he told me his Manager and the Team Doctor are here and will travel with him to Trinidad, also his Mom is coming in about 7:30 p.m. that evening.
I asked him who would pick up his Mom at the Airport, he was not sure. Neither his Manager or the Team Doctor were present. I made a few calls to a few of my friends and learned that both Mr. Sam Phillp and Dr. Terence Babwah visited one of my friend's home on Sunday, June 10, 2007. I asked Anthony if he has a phone number for either of these gentlemen he said no, this was understandable since he goes into a state of delusion periodically. However, my friend told me that someone by the name of Bryan will pick her up, that did not happen.
The reason why I wanted to know who will pick her up was due to the expensive Taxi ride from the Airport to the Hotel about $40.00 USD. At this point there was nothing I could do. Sometime before I got to the Hospital Anthony told both ladies that he would like to have a shower, they were reluctant to take him to the Bathroom. I asked the nurse if someone can give him a shower, the nurse told me that no one was available. I then asked him if I would be allowed to give him a shower, he said yes, providing we walk him to the bathroom so one of the ladies and I walked him to the bath and stayed with him with the shower door slightly open, the reason, he was not capable to walk without assistance. There was a nurse's assistant at his ward on a twenty four hours watch to make sure he does not hurt himself when he is delusional.
We took him to the bathroom, I set the water temperature for him then held his hand into the shower.
I took the wash cloth rub his back and we took him back to his room. After a change of clothes and bed linens, he told us that he is going to take a nap but do not leave, he wants to see us in the ward when he wake's up. Keep in mind we never met this young man prior to his injury, we were perfect strangers, yet he put his trust in us. One of the ladies feed him when he woke up. In the meantime other "Trinibagonians" came to visit him and brought him toiletries requested by one of the ladies with him at the time. We left the hospital about 9:30 p.m. that evening. I met Mr. Sam Phillip, Dr. Terence Babwah and Anthony's mother on Thursday for the first time in the hospital.
I called the Embassy to inform them that a citizen was seriously hurt at the CONCACAF Gold Cup game, so they can contact the appropriate individual for more information and do whatever is required to look out for the welfare and the restoration of health of this young "Soca Warrior" which is one of the many functions of the Embassy especially, when that individual is representing the country.
When he was discharged from the hospital, the discharge slip indicated that he has a scheduled appointment for the following Thursday, June 21. On Friday after he was discharged we went to order his medical records from the hospital, they said it would take three weeks. On the same day we made in-queries from the Hotel front desk how many days the room is paid for, the young lady said until Sunday 12:00 Noon. On Saturday, June 16, there were many visitors at the Hotel including Mr. Sam Phillip, most of us left at 10:30 p.m.
I understood that Mr. Phillip and Dr. Babwah left early Sunday morning and expected Anthony and his Mom to travel that Monday. Since the Hotel bills were paid until Sunday Noon and with no place to go, the Hotel allowed them to stay for another two hours until we can locate a "Good Samaritian Family's Home" to accommodate them. However, the very Monday they were booked to travel, he was rushed to the Hospital Emergency; had a CT scan and spent about six hours at the Hospital. His Mom was given a note stating that he should not fly at this time.
On Thursday, June 21 he had his scheduled appointment, the attending doctor said he has made an appointment for him to see a specialist in the next three weeks. I visited the family home on Friday, took a couple Roti for him and his Mom which they enjoyed. I can tell you, he is walking a lot stronger now from earlier in the week. This is what actually happened, what I witnessed and my involvement with this young "Soca Warrior". I am not a politician and have no desire to be one, I do not deal in "Spins" the blame game and dishonest statements, especially when it involves a young man with a pregnant wife and a two year old son thousands of miles from home.
I sincerely believe that this young man and his mother should be accommodated in an Extended Stay Hotel rather than shift the burden on this family. What happen to "here every creed and race find an equal place", Minister Piggott responded immediately when the Journalist was expelled from a Caricom country, yet no one did likewise for Anthony Noreiga with a life threatening brain contusion. My question to all concerned: The TTFF and or the Government of T&T. Where is Anthony Noreiga Equal Place?.
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