Down-on-luck farmer gets 100 chicks
Published:Wednesday | May 29, 2024 | 12:12 AMBarbara Gayle/Gleaner Writer
Farmer Andrew Martin, of Coolshade district near Linstead, St Catherine, was excited and grateful yesterday when representatives from Hi-Pro Chicks, a division of Jamaica Broilers Group, turned up at his home with 100 chickens, bags of feed, medicine and other essentials.
Martin, who has fallen on hard times, had made an impassioned plea during an interview with The Gleaner this month for someone to help him purchase some chickens and feed to start his chicken-rearing business.
“I was so happy when I got a call from Hi-Pro two weeks ago that they were going to help me. I am very proud to say that the very caring and compassionate company came through for me and I am truly grateful,” remarked Martin, who was on the verge of tears.
Two of Martin’s toes have been amputated due to diabetes. He had disclosed that he was experiencing severe financial hardships because he was no longer able to farm because of his disability.
The 52-year-old farmer said then that he did not believe in begging and handouts but just wanted to be given the opportunity to go into chicken rearing.
Now Martin says his stress and sleepless nights will be over because God answered his prayers and Hi-Pro has helped him significantly. He said he used to plant cassava, banana, plantain and other crops but that chicken-rearing will be easier and he will not have to fear getting injuries to his limbs.
The two amputated toes had got infected in December last year and Martin still has to go to the clinic for treatment because the areas around the amputations are healing slowly.
Hi-Pro’s representatives had visited Martin two weeks ago and measured his fowl coop and did an assessment of what was needed for him to start his business.
“Life was extremely rough for me and sometimes I feel a bit sad because of my illness, but now I feel so happy to know that Hi-Pro has helped me,” Martin added.