Zion Hill steps up for Sylvia - Police corporal leads project to build house for senior citizen

Labour Day 2018 was extremely special for Sylvia Gobay as she watched members of the Zion Hill community in St Catherine work to build her a house.

The 73-year-old Gobay could hardly contain her joy as she sat on a pile of lumber and watched members of the community joining forces with cops from the Above Rocks Police Station to replace her house, which had fallen into disrepair.

"Let mi tell you something, I only had one cup of soup and mi belly full with joy. I am glad fi di police and all who come out to help put a roof over my head," Gobay told The Sunday Gleaner.

For more than 40 years, Gobay had lived in a little house which had a roof that leaked once there was the slightest shower.

"Thank God, I can stay home now, even if a storm coming or even rain, as I am getting a good, strong building, It is a very special day for me," said Gobay.

Poor Relief Department

The Poor Relief Department of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation played a key role in the construction of the new house, and one of its representatives said that this was a part of its mandate.

"We were contacted by the police and the Community Development Committee and we responded with material, and here we are building a house for this needy person," said Marlene Dixon of the Poor Relief Department.

Among the scores of persons wielding hammers, shovels, saws, and machetes to demolish the old building and build a new one was Lluville Forrest.

"I see this lady as my mother and that is why I feel honoured to be here working to make her a house," said Forrest.

"I am glad to be here, and the smile on her face makes the work more fulfilling," added Forrest.

The lead man on the rebuilding project was Corporal Kenneth McTavish of the Above Rocks Police Station.

"Each time I patrol the district, I observe this lady sweeping the area next to the house and I noticed that the house was almost falling apart. This is the end result as I sought assistance and I am very glad to see that finally she is receiving some help," said McTavish.