Schizophrenic man seeks help

Ian Thomas, 61, occupies a space that has neither a window nor a door at Love Lane in May Pen, Clarendon, but is still grateful for the friend who offered it to him so he can have shelter. Thomas shared that in his younger days, he used to be a barber, however, hard times hit him when he fell ill. A father of three, the youngest being 13, he said the children's mother took the two older ones, who are now adults. He said he used to live at a house in Palmer's Cross but after the person who was providing that space left, he took to the streets.

"Mi deh pon di streets a beg fi support miself and mi daughter. Mi beg fi survive, a mi daily living dat," he shared. Thomas, who admits that he suffers from schizophrenia, said he has an imbalance in his brain.

"Now and again mi feel pain inna mi spine come straight into mi head back. Mi can't do any hard work. When mi tek mi medication, it mek mi eyesight kinda dark, so mi can't do the barbering like first time," he said. Thomas makes frequent visits to the May Pen Hospital where he receives his injection from the psychiatrist. He said that he has been keeping up with his medication for the past six years, something that Joseph Grant, parish manager for the Clarendon Health Department, confirmed.

Thomas shared that his daughter is living with a pastor and his wife but said he shares whatever he gets with her as the couple have their own challenges. It doesn't take a lot to make him happy. As long as his daughter can continue to attend school and he can contribute to her care, he is good. However, he would love a proper bed to replace the sponge he is sleeping on. A door for the shelter would be nice but he has a greater need.

"Most of all a need food stuff. Mi get clothes, dats why mi suh clean, but I need food," he pointed out. Thomas' benefactor, who just wants to be called 'Dell', said he stopped her one day on the street begging. She admits to knowing him from before and said that "he is a good person". She said she offered him the space to stay as she was sorry for him. And she does not regret it as he is helpful around the yard. She also assists him by cooking whatever food he gets from his begging.

"From time to time I look after food for him. No matter how small, I give him same way even though I may not have it sometimes," she said. Dell also said that Thomas' brother is also battling mental illness. Although down on his luck, Thomas is still thankful for the little things as he said one of his sons gave him a phone. Even though he said they are not working, he lives for the day when they can help.

Persons wishing to assist Ian Thomas may call 876-820-4607 or Dell at 876-891-1018.