Matthew Zaman, who had been paralyzed since a motor vehicle accident in December 2017, passed away early Wednesday morning at the age of 15.
Matthew was just eight years old when a minibus struck him along the East Coast of Demerara, leaving him completely paralyzed. His mother, Bibi Shanaz Khan, became his full-time caregiver, sacrificing her job as a domestic worker to attend to his extensive medical needs.
Following the accident, Matthew was unable to move, speak, or breathe independently. He relied on a feeding tube and tracheostomy for all basic bodily functions and was continuously ventilated. Doctors later diagnosed him with irreversible brain damage, suggesting that long-term therapy would yield only limited improvement.
Despite the grim prognosis, Matthew made some progress through regular at-home physiotherapy provided by the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre. He eventually regained minimal mobility, able to sit upright briefly with assistance and flex his limbs slightly.
The driver responsible for the accident, Andrew Albert, was charged with dangerous driving and initially released on bail. Tragically, he died in another accident five years later before the legal proceedings could be resolved.
Matthew’s mother expressed her frustration over the lack of accountability in the case. “I took care of him for years and never got any justice until the driver crashed up and died,” she lamented. She reflected on the difficult path ahead, stating, “I am praying to Allah to hold me up and keep me strong… this October he would have celebrated his 16th birthday.”
Matthew Zaman’s passing marks the end of an eight-year struggle for both him and his family. He will be laid to rest on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy of resilience amidst profound challenges.
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