Slingshot still bedridden after Mash Day accident
- wings out to USA on Monday
Kaieteur News
March 3, 2007
Eight days after his frightful fall from an animal drawn cart in the Mashramani Float Parade, popular overseas-based Guyanese entertainer John ‘Slingshot' Drepaul is still bedridden with three broken bones in the lower back.
Though doctors have directed that he remain in bed for at least six weeks, business and other commitments require that the singer return to the USA before that period concludes. As such, he has decided to wing out on Monday.
On Mash Day, the singer fell from his gaily decorated dray cart as he attempted to wave to his fans, midway through his journey to the National Park, resulting in the injury.
There are reports that the horse pulling the dray cart became startled with the wild cheering of spectators and reared into the air, throwing the singer on his rump. However, with the help of several friends, he had still managed to prop himself up and wave to spectators along the route.
Still complaining of continuous pain, and some degree of stiffness in the joints, the singer, who even answers the calls of nature from his bedside, said he has regained limited use of his legs. He can move around a little, but is unable to walk.
Since his injury, supporters and well-wishers have continued to flock his suite at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel, bringing food, flowers, ‘get well' cards and other pertinent items.
The hotel's management has moved a microwave and other amenities to his room to enhance the entertainer's comfort. Added to that, they have transferred him to a ground floor room to avoid him having to use the elevator or stairs when he is ready to leave the hotel.
Yesterday, Drepaul lauded the hotel's manager, Bert Plas, who he said spends at least one hour with him every night, ensuring that he is comfortable
Drepaul was highly appreciative of his Mash Camp colleague Donna Stanford who, he explained, took time off from a busy schedule to bring meals, fruits, flowers and other items on a daily basis.
He added that officials from Fidelity Investments have come forward and given donations to assist with his accommodation expenses at the hotel.
Bradeep Lall of Garnette Street , Newtown was also lauded by the entertainer for voluntarily offering to transport his (Drepaul's) lyricist, Ingrid Drepaul, on continuous errands relating to his injury, on a daily basis.
Still focusing on music, though ailing, the bedridden singer has written five songs, which he says will deal with men's ingratitude to the opposite sex.
He said he was prompted to write the songs, though it was difficult, because of the love and devotion expressed to him by his lyricist since his injury.