Burger King franchisee surprised family of explosion victim seeking funds for medical care

Restaurant Associates Limited (RAL), franchisee of Burger King Jamaica, says it's "surprised" the family of Kerry-Ann Folkes, one of the victims of Wednesday's explosion at its New Kingston outlet, has made a public plea for funds to have her transferred overseas for treatment.

Chief Executive Officer of RAL, Lisa Lake, says company has told the family it is prepared to facilitate the necessary medical transfer overseas.

She told The Gleaner that about 11 a.m. Friday, the company received an invoice for US$68,897 for air ambulance services.

She said the company responded within two hours, outlining it would transfer the money as soon as it received a letter from Folkes' doctor outlining the need for the transfer.

"Our insurance company has informed us that in addition to the invoice presented we will also need to get from you a doctor's letter stating his or her recommendation that Kerry be transferred to an overseas facility due to the fact that the treatment for her condition cannot be obtained locally," a letter from RAL to Folkes' family stated.

Lake said RAL had still not received that letter up to this evening.

"We have been standing by, ready to press send on this transfer for hours," Lake told The Gleaner.

She also expressed puzzlement that Folkes' family would decide that a public plea would be a faster way to get her help.

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