JAMAICA – Five family members who were seriously injured 20 years ago when a Jamaica Defence Force soldier, in a jealous fit of rage sprayed their house with bullets, are still fighting a legal battle to be compensated by the Government. They had file a suit against the Attorney General in 2010 seeking damages, which include aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as compensation for devastating psychological, mental trauma and anguish. Attorney-at-law Jerome Spencer said today that matter is set for assessment of damages next week in the Supreme Court. Spencer, who is being instructed by Nigel Jones & Company, disclosed that the AG accepted liability in 2011. The claimants, Spencer said, have indicated that they are frustrated with the long delay in the matter being settled.

The claimants have indicated that despite a detailed proposal in March last year for settlement of their claim for compensation, their lawyers have not received any response from the AG. They said further that they have to be getting psychiatric assistance because of the horrific and traumatic effects of the incident. (The Gleaner)

Photo: Five of the soldier’s girlfriend’s family members, including a three-year-old, were shot during the incident.