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City Council honors young Brooklyn gunshot victim

Gama Droiville, shot in eye, urges forgiveness

May 29, 2014 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Gama Droiville
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The New York City Council recognized a 13-year-old boy who has shown remarkable courage since getting shot while waiting for a bus with his aunt in Brooklyn.

On April 14, Gama Droiville was struck twice in the head, once in the right eye, at the bus stop at the corner of Flatbush Abenue and Beverly Road. He was rushed to Kings County Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery, but doctors say he is unlikely to regain the vision in that eye.

Kareem Potomont, age 20, was charged with the gang-related shooting. Potomont also shot another man in the leg.

Visitors at the hospital told reporters that Gama, who credits his faith in God for his strength, never complained. Instead, he has urged the youth of New York City to practice “peace and forgiveness.”

Council Member Mathieu Eugene, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the entire Council honored Gama with a proclamation for being an inspiration for all New Yorkers.

Since the day of the shooting, Gama, a “model student” at I.S. 285 and a dedicated member of his choir at the French-Speaking Baptist Church in Fort Greene, has displayed remarkable courage, Council Member Eugene said.

“Gama Droiville is an inspiration to all of us. Despite having been dealt great hardship so suddenly at such a young age, Gama has demonstrated incredible strength, compassion and resiliency. Gama has an inner calmness and wisdom beyond his years that I firmly believe will lead to him achieving many great things in life,” he said.

The proclamation was presented to Gama in the City Hall Council Chambers at Thursday’s Council meeting, where he was joined by several of his relatives.  

To donate to Gama’s rehab and education fund, visit: http://www.youcaring.com/

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