12/07/2024
LOOK OUT FOR PEOPLE LIKE MR H. (This one made me cry)
On July 9th, while distributing care packages to families in River Sallee, I was directed to an elderly man whom I shall call Mr H. He lives on an inside road. I made my way to the directed area and noticed 4 houses that all seemed intact. I called but no one answered so I left.
Then yesterday July 11, armed with more supplies, I was determined to find Mr. H. This time, I drove up the narrow road. I got out of my vehicle and called out, Mr. H. Several times. It was then I noticed a "bun-pan" on a smoldering fire. I shouted Mr. H again. Because I believed that Mr. H was not an occupant of any of the 4 houses already identified.
After about three or four shouts of Mr. H. I heard a faint voice answering. Where are you? I have been looking for you since Tuesday. Then a male figure appeared beneath the branches of this huge "skin-up" tree.
I had finally found Mr. H. Slightly bent with age, messy, dirty, tired, and hungry. That skin-up tree had fallen on top of his fragile home. It was a sight to behold. My mind and body were enveloped in a multitude of emotions. "What are you cooking?" I asked. A little green fig he responded. "Green fig and what?" I asked. Just green fig he said.. "I have something for you", were the words I remember uttering.
Now, I cast no aspersions. I lay no blame. All I asked myself throughout the evening and night was, HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN IN A COMMUNITY? I know there are many similar needs in the community, and we are overwhelmed as a nation. But, there are 4 churches within a few hundred meters from Mr. H. The current Minister of Finance and Parliamentary Representative was born and raised in this community.
It took us 12 days to give Mr. H a little food, some water and a tarpaulin.
Folks, I join with a previous post I read from Pastor Devon Rachae, We cannot allow people like Mr. H to fall through the cracks. Some able-bodied persons are "grabbing" more than others because they can respond quicker and can use different family members to get aid. People like Mr. H, who are limited by age and mobility can easily be "forgotten".
Grenada is hurting. Thank you donor agencies, and volunteers for all the hard work you put into managing this crisis. Grenada will overcome.
