By Anna-Lisa Paul Wednesday, August 31 2011

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Elon Hayden Mayo, Humming Bird Medal (Bronze) for gallantry....

When Elon Hayden Mayo rushed to his mother’s defence as a gunman shot her and attempted to steal her vehicle at their home on December 3, 2010 — he never gave thought to his own safety as he wrestled the bandit to the ground, and was shot in the process.

Today, the 30-year old Research and Development Specialist employed with the Ministry of Public Administration will receive the Hummingbird Medal, Bronze for Gallantry at the 49th National Awards Ceremony at the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Port of Spain.

Speaking to Newsday yesterday on being given an award, Mayo said he was nominated by a colleague unknown to him, and only learnt of the honour last Thursday, after he was contacted by officials at President’s House.

Shocked and surprised, Mayo said he felt honoured to have been chosen for a national award.

Revealing that he had been interviewed at President’s House last Friday, Mayo said; “In the heat of the moment, you never think people are taking notice of these things, and you are never expecting to get something in the end.

Asked what had prompted him to battle with the armed man, Mayo responded “I was just thinking of my mom’s safety, and I was thinking of not having her around.”

Mayo shot into the news on December 3, 2010 after a gunman reportedly followed his mother, Champs Fleurs business-woman Mrs Mayo, to her home and attempted to steal her car.

Mayo (E) rushed to his mother’s aid after the armed bandit shot her, and during a struggle with the gunman, he too was shot several times.

Although the two endured several months of physical therapy as part of the recuperation process, Mayo (E) admitted that it also took a mental toll on both of them, and that his mother remains fearful of once again becoming the target of criminals.

He said she never misses an opportunity to urge him to be alert and vigilant when going out.

Questioned about his thoughts on the state of emergency, Mayo (E) agreed that it was “needed” as crime was “definitely out of hand.”

However, he said crime could be reduced once the old ways of parenting are brought back where courtesy and respect were the national watch-words.

Revealing that he has refused to change his lifestyle, and give up all forms of recreation after the incident last year, Mayo (E) said he has become more alert when out and about, and he continually urged his friends and family to always be observant, and aware of their surroundings when they are out.

Mayo (E) said he is hoping to see convictions after the spate of arrests that have taken place in which alleged gang members were held by the authorities, as he expressed pride in his many friends who are army and police officers hard at work during the state of emergency.