A couple has appealed for help from the public to enable their son to have corrective surgery to a birth defect.

Jemel Caines and Jill Thompson’s 13-month old son, Jahpray, was born with Hypospadias, a condition where the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis, instead of at the tip.

The condition, which is relatively common, is normally dealt with by surgery before the child’s second birthday.

But his parents can not afford the procedure because they do not have health insurance and neither is in full time employment.

Mr Caines has not worked for the last 10 years for medical reasons, while Ms Thompson packs groceries at a supermarket.

The 44-year-old former Works and Engineering worker told The Royal Gazette: “I used to work for Government but have not been able to work for around a decade because of my medical problems.

“Callouses on my feet and legs mean that I am basically incapacitated and have to visit the doctor every month.

“I get $130 financial assistance a month, but that is it.

“Jahpray is a perfectly normal little boy, but he needs this operation and we would like him to have it when the doctors recommend.

“We would really appreciate any help from the community.”

Paediatrician Dr Ryan Bates said that the Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association had been informed of Jahpray’s case.

He added: “Hypospadias, while not life threatening, is a condition that requires surgical repair and this surgery is usually performed in the first to second years of life primarily to decrease memories of the recovery period and surgery.

“There is still a possibility that the surgery may be able to be performed on Island, which will require the assessment of the local specialist.

“The Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association has been contacted to inform them of Jahpray’s case and his needs.

“Bermuda and the LCCA has done an excellent job in the past of ensuring that children receive the medical care they require and I believe that will continue to be the case with Jahpray’s medical care and surgery.”