23-y-o caring for siblings after mom’s death

by

Rasbert Turner - STAR Writer

October 20, 2021

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The house in which the family currently resides.

Gabrielle Powell has made some headway with the home, but is seeking assistance from the public.

Gabrielle Powell is trying her best to put the family in a proper house.

When 41-year-old Mickesha Reynolds succumbed to kidney failure on January 20, her daughter Gabrielle Powell stepped up to the plate to play hero for her three younger siblings.

Despite trying circumstances, the 23-year-old has embraced the challenge of caring for her siblings, ages seven to 12, and has started renovating her crumbling two-bedroom board home in Bongo Town, Victoria district, in St Catherine.

Powell, a hairdresser by profession, has been saving up to purchase plyboard to replace rotting panels in the dilapidated structure. The additional pressure of caring for the siblings, two of whom attend Jericho Primary School and the other enrolled at McGrath High School, both in St Catherine, has weighed heavily on Powell. But she said that she has managed to stretch the family dollar.

"I purchased the plyboards, as I want to fix up the place so that they can be comfortable," Powell told THE STAR. "They used to live with their father for a while, but there are some issues, so they are here, and I am doing my best.'' Whenever Powell leaves the family's premises, her younger siblings are left in the care of her grandmother.

Powell's development as caregiver has warmed the hearts of relatives and community folks alike, and they are hoping that others will be inspired to give her a helping hand in rehabilitating the family home.

"A mi grandchildren dem, and I would like her to get some assistance as she is doing her best," the children's grandmother, Eva Morris, told THE STAR. Powell's neighbour and cousin, Martina Anderson, has also commended her efforts and is urging Good Samaritans to offer financial assistance so that Powell can buy the necessary construction materials.

"For a young person, she really tries her best to care for her brothers and sister," Anderson said. "Even though she is doing her best, if she gets some help to buy the materials, more renovation could be done to the place."

Persons who wish to help Gabrielle Powell and her siblings may call her at 876-421-6882.