Stranded Sierra Leone national heading back home

After revealing the dire circumstances of her life in THE WEEKEND STAR publication on January 22, Sierra Leone national Etta Isatu Findlay will be going home.

After her story was published, she was contacted by personnel from the consulate of the West African nation.

"After intensive interview about my condition and my desire to go back home, it was decided that it was the way forward. Therefore I am documented and prepared to take off on Monday," a smiling Findlay, 52, told THE STAR yesterday, in Linstead, St Catherine.

Findlay had recounted how, when she was a medical student in Cuba, a Jamaican swept her off her feet. She abandoned her studies and came to Jamaica to marry him. They later divorced and Findlay became penniless, living in an old church house.

"I must say thanks to you and the newspaper. It has brought happiness and hope to me," Findlay said. "I believe that God has chosen this medium to highlight my problems and now this. I am pleased that with the help received from the exposure, I am going back home." Her 20-year-old daughter will also be on the flight.

Continue my education

"I am able to continue my education and I also have an option of working in education. I am pleased that my life has been given a fresh start, thank God I am once more alive," Findlay said while hugging her well-wishers.

Meanwhile, Pastor Marlene Martin, who was instrumental in helping Findlay through her church, was equally joyful.

"The Lord really do answers the prayers of the poor as this is a clear manifestation. The woman's fortunes have been changed in the turn of a week and I am pleased for her. It was great that a story brings equal result," she said. Martin told THE STAR that Findlay's story has also brought changes to the church in the rural Waterloo community of St Catherine.