Pensioner seeks help from ex-partners

At the age of 68, Errol McKenzie is living off of a $13,873 monthly pension, but he said that this is not enough.

"This is hand-to-mouth living and it is not even hand to mouth because it done before it reach me mouth," he said.

During his interview with THE STAR, McKenzie expressed that he would appreciate some of his ex-girlfriends give a helping hand since he helped them when he was younger. He said back in the days when he dated, there were women whom he sent to school and they have moved on to become nurses and teachers.

"I hope this thing reach some a them girls abroad, enuh, because back in the days me send them to school. Me meet up on some hard times now, so I would appreciate the help" he said.

McKenzie worked at the then Cable and Wireless, now FLOW, from 1968 to 1992 as a senior toll technician.

After he left, he said that he was never employed to another job that offered a pension.

Leading up to his retirement, he said that he worked various jobs, including as a taxi operator and chauffeur.

House was ransacked

According to him, he was not always in this low position, as he operated an online business. But all that was taken from him a couple of years ago when his house was ransacked.

"I was living in Bull Bay before I moved. In 2015, I was on my way home and a person I knew asked me for some help with their homework. When I reached home, I realised that my house was in a mess. My two laptops, radio and VHF were taken. All mi machete them tek; mi nuh know weh dem did a do wid it but them tek it," he said.

He said that it is very painful that he is at this stage in his life, living alone, and is unable to find the necessary means to live comfortably.

He said that he is not only interested in highlighting this issue for his own personal gain, but for the other pensioners, who are suffering as well.

McKenzie said that he would appreciate if the Government raises the amount of money pensioners receive, because not everyone has family members to fall back on.

"Right now my gas finish and I don't have any money to buy it back. You get it today, pay rent and other bills, and it done. Mi affi borrow from my neighbour," he said. "Right now, I am not living, I am existing. I pay $8,000 for rent and $2,500 for light bill and $500 for water rate. When you add up that mi nuh have nothing else leave. I doubt I am employable because next month I will be 69. Even if a $25,000 or $30,000 a month, me can work with," he said.

Anyone who is able to help McKenzie get by, may contact him at 876-812-4740 (FLOW), or 876-843-7864 (Digicel)