Diabetic farmer needs help after toe amputations
Published:Wednesday | May 15, 2024 | 12:09 AMBarbara Gayle/Gleaner Writer
Farmer Andrew Martin of Coolshade district near Linstead, St Catherine, has fallen on hard times since he lost two of his toes to diabetes.
He says he used to plant cassava, plantain and banana to make a living but, because of his illness, he cannot afford to do such farming anymore.
“I am really struggling financially and also physically because I cannot move about as I used to because of my disability,” he told The Gleaner yesterday.
Martin, 52, says he does not believe in handouts and would really like to be given an opportunity to help himself.
“I have been having sleepless nights wondering what to do without causing further injuries to my limbs. It suddenly dawned on me recently that I could rear chickens which would be less stressful for me,” he said.
He said he has a fairly big fowl coop on the property which he lives and he is confident that with the help of family members he could manage that venture.
“I am pleading with persons who can assist me with purchasing chickens and feed to make a start because I know business operators who will purchase the chickens from me,” Martin said this week.
He said two of his toes got infected and were amputated in December last year, and he still has to be going to the clinic for treatment because they are healing slowly. He said that was the reason he cannot go back to farming as he used to.
“Life has been extremely rough for me and sometimes I feel a bit sad because of my illness, but I am determined not to give up.
“Therefore, I am pleading for help to start a chicken-rearing project so that I can take better care of myself,” he said.
Anyone wishing to help Martin can contact him at 876-229-8432.