Amputee carving out a niche for himself

Despite having his left leg amputated above the knee, Wilsie Benneth still decides to stand tall and is carving his way daily to make a living.

Carved wooden eagles, ashtrays, coats of arms, forks and spoons were on display in the small space that he uses along the busy thoroughfare in Linstead, St Catherine.

Benneth, 65, said he was born and raised in Victoria district, near Linstead, and revealed that he suffered severe injuries from a motor vehicle accident, which resulted in the loss of his left leg. THE STAR caught up with the senior citizen at a plaza along King Street in Linstead, where he showcases a wide array of his artwork.

Benneth said that in previous years, he sourced his material for himself, but now he depends on persons to supply him at home, where he carves.

"I have been doing this (carvings) for more than 30 years now," Benneth said. "I lost my leg in 2014. A car lick me. It is a setback, as I used to sell craft at the Dunn's River Park in St Ann. I can't give up now as I have mouths to feed." He pointed out that he is responsible for his 16-year-old son, for whom he is the sole provider.

"Although mi get about $1,000,000 from the accident, it done long time, so I have to keep trying," Benneth said. He said that his hospitalisation kept him away from his rented room for six months, and when he returned to it everything was gone. He said that the money he received was used to build a dwelling that he still lives in.

Despite his determination to succeed, Benneth said he needs some help to purchase lacquer, polish and other materials to continue his business.

One of Benneth's customers expressed his administration for the artist's determination.

"He is a very good carver, as I always purchase his items on occasions," Danny Francis said. "It's very encouraging that this gentleman lost the use of a leg, yet he remains productive."

Research has shown that there are about 540,000 disabled people in Jamaica.