St Elizabeth senior struggles to support disable-stricken family

The blistering midday sun beat down on Thornton, St Elizabeth when THE STAR visited the modest home of the Williams family. Inside the concrete dwelling, the heat was almost unbearable but, for 70-year-old David Williams, discomfort has become a part of daily life.

Moments after the news team arrived, Williams rode through the gate on his bicycle, greeting visitors with a warm smile. His shirt was soaked with sweat, evidence of the gardening job he had just completed. The few dollars earned from the day's labour, he explained, would go directly towards preparing a meal for the seven people who depend on him.

As he wiped perspiration from his face, Williams admitted that restful nights have become a distant memory.

"I can't remember when last I got a good night's sleep," he said quietly. "Every day, mi wake up wondering how mi going provide for everybody."

The elderly man carries the enormous responsibility of caring for his wife, Lizette, who suffered a stroke several years ago; daughters Sashina and Kanisha, who struggle with mental health challenges; and his son, Davian, who was left bedridden following a motor vehicle crash. Also living in the household are a young grandchild and his 94-year-old mother-in-law, Earline Baker.

Williams said he has been without steady employment since December, forcing him to take whatever odd jobs he can find.

“It hard to take care of everybody,” he said.  “In the morning, I have to wake up and go find a hussling do, even if a gardening. And, as mi get the little money, mi come home and cook because nobody else can’t manage to do it,” he said.

Despite the daily struggle, Williams said abandoning his family has never crossed his mind.

He revealed that three of his daughters battle mental illness, while another suffers from ongoing health issues. The family has also endured unimaginable tragedy, including the loss of a son who was killed while still a schoolboy.

"Mi go through a lot in life," Williams said. "But mi nah give up on my family. A man must stand up and take care of him responsibilities."

The family occasionally receives assistance from the St Elizabeth branch of the Jamaica Red Cross, support for which Williams is deeply grateful. However, he said, their needs remain overwhelming.

“"Right now, it’s like mi can’t pinpoint just one ting whe mi need help with, because mi want all type of help,” he said.

The family's roof was severely damaged during Hurricane Melissa and was only partially repaired using old sheets of zinc.

“One time we use to go to we bed and look up and a see bare stars,” he said. 

Williams said his roof was reconstructed using sheets of old zinc, which he would love to replace as the 2026 hurricane season gets under way. 

“The last one traumatise mi bad,” he said of Hurricane Melissa, which resulted in $1.952 trillion in losses and damage. The Category 5 storm caused severe damage across six most-affected parishes, namely Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St James, St Ann, Trelawny, and Manchester. At least 116,000 buildings were severely damaged or stripped of roofs, the government said.

Food, clothing and home repairs top the family's list of urgent needs.

“Remember, at least two of the people in my house cannot move, so mi always have to a think about them. If mi get help with food and clothes, mi would gladly take it too, because it is a lot of mouth to feed," Williams said.

Persons wishing to assist the Williams family may contact (876) 556 2183