"For the Substantially Disadvantaged..."

Sleeping conditions on a collapsing floor

"For the substantially disadvantaged the need for change is always immediate and it is urgent"

On the 7th April, 2021 Roslyn Forde suffered another seizure. The only way it was known about was because the neighbour's dogs raised the roof and alerted Ishrene. She found Roslyn in a poor state of health.

There are many people in Barbados for whom life-disadvantages present a real and present danger - dangers which kick against basic living standards, standards of health and social care... even Dignity!

Roslyn was born in 1958. When she was 4 years old her mum left for the UK without her. She was taken into care by Agnes, in her home, during 1962; in Parish Land. She has no biological family ties. Roslyn went to Christ Church Foundation and at the end of her education went on to become an Executive Secretary.

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She worked until around 1998. Just prior, in 1997, Agnes died aged 93. That same year Roslyn developed Complex Seizures and in 1998 she was laid off from her job at Barbados Turf Club. She never worked again.

In 2000, as a result of her health condition, she came to live in the house owned by Agnes. She can have an episode twice a week and is treated with medication to help control it. Sometimes this will result in a fall within the property.

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Currently, with her particular medical needs, Roslyn attempts to survive on $9 per day from Welfare, along with some assistance from a neighbour who helps with cooking.

The house is a Chattel house which is over 100 years old. Over the last 2 years the water had to be disconnected due to it being unaffordable, and it became infested with termites. This has caused major structural failings sufficient that her personal health and safety is seriously impacted. Floors have or are collapsing. Dividing walls cannot hold their own weight and have fallen down. There are no bathing facilities. Additionally, there is no Well or pit toilet. For Roslyn Forde life is not good.

This not how anyone should live; not least a Barbadian citizen. She is not the only one suffering. Barbados is trapped in an perpetual cycle of economic decline & recovery; now that we've had the COVID pandemic this country is back to square one.

During the period 2019 - 2020 two visits were made to Roslyn's home; the first was by the Ministry of Urban Development (or Rural Development) and the second was a Government visit which left Roslyn with the indication that because there are so many in need the government don't know when they can get round to helping to relieve the suffering... even a little bit!!

"Every Bajan Matters" is what we were all told in May 2018!

But the problem seems to me to be this; priorities! What are Government choosing to spend the Country's money on? I've maintained in my articles that for 40 years there have been Administrations that have come and gone and each has perpetuated what I believe to be flawed thinking. And today I'm tired, I'm tired of ordinary men, women, children and families being sidelined and led to believe they matter when there is very little that is done to actually improve their lives and circumstances.

Bajans need practical solutions not political ones!

After 40 years of rising GDP from US$1bn in 1980 to US$5bn in 2020, what is clear is that Barbados and its citizens has not kept pace with that growth in income. When one looks across the country it is clear to see that one of the major things that gets left behind in the desire of families to develop is their home - because it always comes down to choices - pay a bill or put food on the table. Bajan's are tired of this way of living. It's always the average Bajan who suffers from poorly crafted and thought through economic policy and governance.

Bajan Pride exists to deliver practical solutions

We are a new Charity, but one born out of a deep sense of concern and care for this Island.

The title of this Blog captures the underlying cause -

"Feed my Lambs... Feed my Sheep".

What we simply mean is people matter and if Government can't or won't re-focus their minds on what matters then we shall have to do something about it! We want to be change makers; changing and challenging the political landscape, changing the lot in life of Barbadians, giving the younger people a better chance of building a successful life in their own country,

You can help! "Be a Change Maker"

We really need your help with the Roslyn Forde Project. We have to work pretty fast to build temporary accommodation, before we rebuild the Chattel House and fit it out. The whole purpose is to give Roslyn a quality of life that we all aspire to but find hard to achieve. May be you would agree with me that she is living in very desperate conditions. One way or another we want to be the Change Maker. Will you help us deliver this project for the Roslyn's benefit and the benefit of the community. Can we make this a shining light in this country of what can be achieved with or without the Governments help?

Have a look at our website for the Roslyn Forde Project.

Steve Prescott

Chairman

The Bajan Pride Foundation