Silton Townsend: Helping the needy, fulfilling a dream

Karen Sudu, Gleaner Writer

"I believe a lot in solving problems. My mind is always going in that direction," said Silton 'Maas Gussie' Townsend.

The Gleaner caught up with him recently at his office at Webster Memorial Church in Kingston.

That urge was the driving force behind the creation of a project which focuses on inspiring Jamaicans to become more helpful to one another and more solution-oriented. Though the idea originated more than 15 years ago, it was not until November 2005 that it was implemented through a half-hour programme 'Hello Neighbour' aired on LOVE 101 FM every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Four years later, The Gleaner reinforced the initiative by including the Hello Mi Neighbour feature in its Wednesday publication.

For the 61-year-old graduate of Kingston Technical High School, who hails from Dallas in St Andrew, the project is a fulfilment of his childhood dream.

"I grew up in a community where people were very, very neighbourly. People were kind to one another. My mother was always giving, so as a child, I had that inclination just to help people," he reflected.

But it's not just the lives of people in Jamaica that the motivational speaker wants to impact.

"My personal vision is to impact at least 10 million people around the world personally, helping them to find their God-given purpose and to develop and be fulfilled in life. The avenue through which I want to do this is the electronic and print media, providing training, utilising all my skills," noted Townsend, who is also a television presenter.

aid for hundreds

So far, hundreds of persons across the island have received assistance from their neighbours in the form of cash, household articles, sewing machines, beds, clothing, textbooks, medication as well as funds to start small businesses.

'Sister Carmen' of Kitson Town in St Catherine is a beneficiary.

"I never have any clothes to go to church and I ask and I get some, and I am so grateful. I am praying for Hello Mi Neighbour, so that God will continue to give them the strength to continue to help the less fortunate," she told The Gleaner.

It was Phyllis Robinson, a recovering cancer patient in Kingston who extended that hand of kindness.

"I always help in whatever way I can. So I read the column and decided to help. I wish 'Mass Gussie' and his team all the best, so that they can continue to touch the lives of the less fortunate," Robinson told The Gleaner.

Besides individuals, the project also reaches out to institutions. Consequently, Vanette Higgins is a happy principal of Mountain Pass basic school in St Catherine.

"I called and requested a fridge and a stove, and, as the saying goes, the rest is history," an elated Higgins said, as she served two students from the refrigerator donated by the Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League in March, this year. The gas stove used to prepare hot meals for the 25 students was a gift from Nestlé Co-operative Credit Union of Jamaica which also tiled the school's bathroom.

Neighbourliness JA 2011

But, even as he touches the lives of the vulnerable through his radio programme and newspaper column, Townsend is moving to invoke the spirit of caring and sharing in more Jamaicans with the hosting of 'Neighbourliness JA 2011' on May 29 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston.

"It will be cultural/village-like in nature. It will take the format of a mini expo and gospel concert. There will be drama, featuring members of the Lime Tree Lane cast and poetry by accomplished poets," Townsend detailed, adding that the high point will be a 'how-di-do' and sharing exercise.

The gospel line-up features Judy Mowatt, Noreta Lewis, Robert and Jenieve Bailey, Carey Sayles and Lubert Levy. Government officials will also deliver endorsement messages at the event scheduled to start at 4 p.m, while Hello Mi Neighbour beneficiaries will give testimonials.

"We will have special prayers for the outpouring of the spirit of neighbourliness on all patrons. Persons who attend should leave with this spirit of neighbourliness to impact the schools, churches, the community, everywhere," Townsend remarked.