7 News Belize

Justice For Janay
posted (December 31, 2014)

Last week, just before Christmas Janae Matute's mother, Georgia and her attorney Fred Lumor went public. They couldn't keep quiet anymore about the fact that government was simply not paying the court ordered 3 million dollar malpractice award, which they went all the way to the CCJ to secure.

The next day we asked the Prime Minister about it. As the Minister of Finance, he controls the public purse, and he agreed that she must be paid.

Today, one week later, Barrow's Ministry of Finance came through just in time to give Janae and her mom some new year's cheer. Their attorney Fred Lumor confirmed that the Ministry of Finance called him to say that a cheque for three hundred thousand dollars was at the Ministry in Belmopan waiting for him. He said he welcomes it as a good faith offering from the ministry which has agreed to meet next year to discuss a payment plan.

It should bring some relief to this mother and daughter who have shown exemplary courage in the face of a debilitating disorder. In August of last year Monica Bodden went to witness Janae's first day of high school in Belmopan. We repeat that story tonight:…

At approximately 7:45 this morning, the Blue Toyota Camry pulled inside the compound of Comprehensive High School- Sticking out from its trunk was this blue wheelchair – belonging to 12 year old Janea Matute –

Today was Janae's first day of High School at Belmopan Comprehensive. With the help of her mother and her big sister Amy, her wheelchair was removed from behind the trunk of the car and then 70 pound Janae was hoisted from out of the back seat of the vehicle and into her chair.-this is just a small part of their daily routine for the next 4 years.

Born with cerebral palsy - which is damage caused to the motor control centers of her brain- due to a medical malpractice – Janae has been a local hero for many – and is highly admired for her zest for life. But living with a disability is no easy task –

She must wake an hour before most students in order not to be late for school.

Georgia Matute – Mother

""It is very challenging, I barely slept last night - I went to bed probably around after 12 because I was preparing myself mentally and praying and asking for God's guidance today."

And like many first year students, 12 year old Janae was just as exited for her first day of High School after a long summer vacation.

Monica Bodden

"So you spent your summer playing games on your tablet?"

Janae Matute – First Day of High School

"Yes."

Monica Bodden

"What kind of games, tell me about the games."

Janae Matute

"They are fun and exciting to play. I read a lot on it."

Monica Bodden

"Did you went horse back riding?"

Janae Matute

"Yes."

Monica Bodden

"Was it your first time?"

Janae Matute

"No."

Monica Bodden

"So you are an experienced horse back rider."

Present at Janae's big day was Abigail Wade, a Parent and Education Advocate for children with special needs. Wade has developed a bonding relationship with Janae over the years and plays a big part on her journey to high school.

Abigail Wade – Education Advocate

"Absolutely euphoric and excited because she has come a long way and this is history being made here in our capital city of Belmopan. When Janae was proclaimed as not being able to accomplish much and she'll just be as so many of their in the world turn to a vegetable, Jenae has surpassed and gone above and beyond; And for even my little girl who has an intellectual impairment, Janae's cognitive ability far surpasses what my little girl has accomplished. She's 17 years now and she's being home schooled as their no longer that opportunity or accommodation in a regular school. For Jenae, because of her cognitive ability, because of her ability to process intellectually, even her limited ability to speak regardless of her physical disabilities, she is able to move forward and access regular education."

As Matute got ready to wheel Janae into her first form classroom, it was a quite a sentimental moment for this mother – who described it as a dream come true.

Georgia Matute – Mother

"When I think that I get a little emotional, because it's a dream come true. Having to give up my job to be with Janea, this is really and truly a blessing from God."

And now the work begins as the administration, principal, staff and the school community tries making as much accommodation to make Janae feel right at home.

Walter Garbutt – Principal, Comprehensive High School

"We are going to do everything to facilitate, to make her comfortable and to let her achieve as she is obviously able to."

As you hear din the story, Georgia Matute had to stop working to take care of her daughter full time. The Caribbean Court of Justice ordered that half a million dollars in compensation is also due to her.

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