A father’s dream realised

Father-of-four Sigel Scott died earlier this year before realising his dream of seeing his youngest child, Anushka, attend the May Pen High and Prep School. It was something he spoke about often, even while saving towards making it a reality.

The Gleaner caught up with his still-grieving widow, Desrine Carradice Scott, who said her whole world has been shattered ever since his untimely demise.

She said everything about his death has been upsetting for her and their children, as he died after having an argument with a co-worker.

"I heard that he dropped down shortly after and by the time I got to the hospital, they said he died," she related, still clearly affected by the incident.

"He was my everything. He made sure the children lacked nothing. I don't know what I am going to do now," she said, sharing that providing for the children, ages 20, 18, 12 and five, is proving to be a challenge, as the two oldest are not working.

Scott said her late husband always said he didn't get a good education and he wanted something better for his children, especially Anushka.

"We live in the ghetto, Bucks Common, and him say him daughter going to college and that's why him want her at May Pen High and Prep to start the journey. He had high hopes for her ... he wanted her to be well spoken," reminisced Scott.

Touching story

Principal of the school, Winston Preddie, said after he heard the story of Sigel Scott's dream for his daughter from Otis James of James and Friend Education Programme, he could not walk away.

A sponsor in the programme himself, Preddie said although he had never invested in anyone so young before, after hearing the case, he approached the school board with the proposal to sponsor Anushka.

For six years she will attend the prep school free of cost, with free lunch and whatever support she might need to facilitate her schooling.

"At her age, it's not her business to worry about expenses, it's a time for her to enjoy her life," said Preddie.

While Scott can breathe a sigh of relief where Anushka's schooling is concerned, she still has a lot more on her plate to deal with, such as trying to fill the void left by her husband.

Scott said she cries sometimes when she cannot provide for her children's needs.

"Sometimes mi cry because it really hard. When dem ask mi fi stuff now, mi caan really find it because if you have one money, you haffi buy grocery whey everybody can eat. Most time you can see dem really stressed. Mi son whey go a Glenmuir, him tek it really hard right now. When mi look pon dem, dem in need and mi haffi just turn to prayer because a dat mi know. Mi just a live by faith," she said.

Scott added that her life is one of divine provision as without a job and with children to care for, she survives through the kindness of friends.

The desire to adequately provide for her children and not to survive on handouts was the motivating factor which drove Scott to go back to school and complete a housekeeping course at the HEART Trust/NTA. She is hoping that that will be the stepping stone to her getting a job that will allow her to care for her family.