Propelled by creativity

Patrick Rhoden, 37, may be confined to a wheelchair but this has not restricted his innovative spirit.

Amid the activities at the Jamworld Entertainment Centre in St Catherine on Easter Monday, Rhoden's handiwork was on show - a hand-propelled cart.

Children and adults queued up to get a ride on his three-wheeled contraption.

"I really like the hand-pedalled cart. It feels so different when you are using the hands to move you. It feels like swimming," said Marlene Stern, while riding with her son.

Rhoden, who has been confined to a wheelchair since he was 24 due to an accident, said he assembles the carts himself.

"I use wood, iron and a chain to make each cart. It was very hard at first. It took me two months to make the first cart, but now, it takes a shorter time, " he said.

Rhoden told Automotives the carts may also be used by persons who have lost the use of their legs to assist them with movement. And, so far, he has made 40 carts and intends to make others.

The cost, according him, is about $15,000 each and persons have expressed an interest in them.

"I have some chairs in Old Harbour and others in Portmore. The aim is to supply the country with the carts," he said.

A resident of Spring Village in St Catherine, Rhoden said his disability has not inhibited his creativity as he knows how to use his hands.

"In addition to building carts, I also repair wheel chairs and even modify some of them, " Rhoden said.

And, despite the obstacles, Rhoden, like many other Jamaicans, continue to crave a niche for himself.

- Rasbert Turner