KINGSTON, Jamaica — Nearly a year after a devastating campaign trail incident cost her a leg, Dalvarine Bruce is taking bold steps into a new chapter—this time, with the support of a prosthetic limb provided under a national rehabilitation initiative.
Bruce, who was injured during a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) motorcade in February 2024, became one of the most visible faces of the risks tied to political campaigning in the island. Her accident, along with the tragic death of 15-year-old Lamar Grey during a separate People’s National Party (PNP) motorcade, sparked bipartisan calls for reforms in campaign safety measures.
Now, with the help of the Government’s New Limb, New Life programme, Bruce has been equipped with a prosthetic leg and is undergoing structured physiotherapy at Surgix Prosthetics Clinic.
“It’s not just about replacing what was lost,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said in a statement. “It’s about restoring dignity and offering a renewed sense of independence to those whose lives have been disrupted by tragedy.”
Images released by the Office of the Prime Minister show Bruce engaging in physical therapy—her expression calm, her posture determined—as she adjusts to the sleek new limb.
The New Limb, New Life initiative is one of several state-backed efforts aimed at supporting physically disabled citizens, particularly those affected by public or civic service-related injuries. According to Holness, the programme is designed to ensure that no Jamaican is forgotten after experiencing traumatic loss.
Bruce’s recovery comes not only as a story of resilience but as a reminder of the human cost tied to unregulated campaign environments. Legislators are reportedly revisiting motorcade safety guidelines in the wake of last year’s incidents.
As Bruce relearns to walk, she stands as both a survivor and a symbol—a reminder that while accidents may alter the course of one’s life, dignity and mobility should never be out of reach.
