Saturday, August 14, 2010

Benefit planned for teen who was stuck in Cuba

Benefit planned for teen who was stuck in Cuba
Postmedia News August 13, 2010

A benefit concert to raise money for the family of an Ontario teenager
who spent more than three months stuck in Cuba under threat of
imprisonment for a traffic accident will take place next month.

Cody LeCompte racked up more than $30,000 in legal fees and
accommodation costs after the Cuban government ordered him to remain at
his Santa Lucia resort pending the outcome of an investigation into an
April 29 traffic collision.

Public pressure and a stern warning from the Canadian government that
tourism might suffer if the matter wasn't resolved finally led to the
19-year-old Simcoe, Ont., man's release last week.

Kevin McCart, the creator of the "Bring Cody LeCompte Home" Facebook
page, which has attracted more than 3,700 supporters, has since put
together a quadruple bill to help raise funds for LeCompte and his
mother, Danette.

"It is our hope that this event will free the LeComptes from their debt
incurred through Cuban detention," McCart said in a news release Friday.

The event featuring hip hop artist Dylan James, hard rockers Murmur and
Persist as well as AC/DC cover band Thunderstruck will take place Sept.
3 at Club 77 in Hamilton, Ont.

"Anyone who cannot attend can still make a donation to the trust fund at
any TD Canada Trust," McCart said.

LeCompte arrived back in Canada last Friday after Cuban authorities
finally unblocked his passport after he signed a promise to return
should charges be laid against him.

He and his mother travelled to Cuba on a two-week holiday to celebrate
his acceptance to Sault College's aviation program, but just three days
in they were broadsided by a dump truck at an intersection.

LeCompte, who was driving, suffered a broken hand, possible broken ribs
and a broken collarbone, in the accident and was never properly treated
for his injuries.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Benefit+planned+teen+stuck+Cuba/3396367/story.html

No comments:

Post a Comment