New home for St Bess retiree

Andre Gordon, Gleaner Writer

BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth:

SELVYN COKE, a resident in St Elizabeth who has been living in squalid conditions for a number of years, is expected to get a new home for Christmas, as residents have established a foundation to assist him.

Responding to an article published in The Gleaner on Friday, November 13, titled 'Rowe seeks assistance for poor in St Elizabeth', a number of private individuals, state agencies and non-governmental organisations have been responding to the call to assist Coke.

Coke, a 69-year-old retired security guard from Red Hills in the parish, has been living in his dilapidated house since Hurricane Ivan ravaged it in 2004. Tropical Storm Gustav worsened the structure in 2008.

Building fund

A group of concerned residents have launched a building fund with the aim of constructing a house for Coke by Christmas. The foundation, aptly named the Selvyn Coke Foundation, is chaired by Clavie Johnson, principal of Elverslie Primary and Junior High School.

"The foundation is necessary at this time, as many residents in the parish live in inhumane conditions, and this foundation brings hope. It is time for good people to stand up and stand by each other, in St Elizabeth. We are our brother's keepers," said Johnson.

The foundation is to establish an account at the National Commercial Bank in Black River. Persons and entities who are interested in saving Coke from the cold this Christmas are encouraged to contact the bank.

When The Gleaner visited Coke recently, he could not contain his delight, "Thank yuh, thank yuh," he uttered. He invited the news team into his dilapidated structure to show us his new mattress which was donated by the poor relief department of the St Elizabeth Parish Council.

He was also given a blanket. "Mi sleep good for the first time in years. Last night mi sleep and wake up and mi just a give thanks to God," said a tearful Coke. He also expressed his appreciation for being placed on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education, which will see him receiving a stipend every other month. "It will help mi still," he said.

Acting inspector of the poor at the St Elizabeth parish council, Jermaine Porter, said Coke may also qualify for monthly allowances provided by the council for families at risk.