By Mark Beckford, Staff reporter

Christopher Howell, seeking the assistance of the Jamaican public in fitting a prosthetic leg in Cuba. - norman grindley

Christopher Howell, 30, wants to become a productive member of the Jamaican society, however he is being hampered by the fact that he only has one leg.

Mr. Howell says the loss of his leg has prevented him from acquiring meaningful employment, so he is seeking the assistance of the Jamaican public to obtain a prosthetic leg.

According to Mr. Howell, he has been unable to make sufficient progress in his life since he was shot on his way from work in the Norman Gardens community of east Kingston in 1999. Mr. Howell says a major artery in his leg was shattered, causing him to lose the leg.

Since then, Howell, who does odd jobs such as painting, says his skills as a carpenter and welder have been under-utilised. "Life has been very rough and 'ackling. I can't do work as me could. If me could get rid a the stick, den it woulda help. Please I am asking Jamaica to assist me to get the necessary money to start back my life."

Mr. Howell has had consultations with a Cuban medical facility to have the leg fitted, and, based on documents received by THE STAR, the total cost of the exercise will cost US$5,240. Using an exchange rate of J$71 that is equal to J$372,040.

The documents show that the money would cover accommodation for 28 nights, the price of the prosthetic leg, the cost of the procedure and transportation to and from the medical facility.

Those willing to help Mr. Howell can contribute to his cause by lodging deposits in an account set up for him at the RBTT bank located on Dominica Drive, New Kingston, in both Jamaican account # 0341310005788 and US account # 03141700044085.