Phillip “Grasshopper” Pickering
SAN JUAN, PR — The father of Inner Visions reggae artist Phillip “Grasshopper” Pickering says his son’s condition is showing improvement since he was transferred to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Puerto Rico.
Jens Pickering says Grasshopper’s mother, Irma, is at his bedside, overseeing his recovery from a sudden illness that struck the renowned St. Johnian musician in late March.
“He’s in stable condition. He still is not talking yet. He]s doing a little bit better in Puerto Rico than he was in St. Thomas,” Jens Pickering said.
The well-known St. John musician and community activist was transferred to Puerto Rico April 5 after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Schneider Regional Medical Center in late March. Brother and Inner Visions band mate Alvin “Jupiter” Pickering said different family members are planning to take turns at Grasshopper’s beside, keeping watch over his progress.
“Everything’s in God’s hands now,” his father said.
Several community fundraising events have taken place since Pickering was stricken.
Organizers of an event last weekend to raise funds to cover expenses for transportation and other costs say they met with success. According to Adonis Morton, one of the entertainers at the April 11 fundraiser, close to $10,000 was collected.
Morton called it a great event, produced in the spirit of a community coming together.
