Continuing project:
"Ms.
Dorothy", an optimist in the face of life's trials
DP Roosevelt
Gillett-Chambers
The plight of
Dorothy Francis, “Ms. Dorothy,” an indigent, blind
senior citizen living in a one-room house, was brought to the attention of the
Kiwanis Club of the Spanish Town by Mrs. Sadie Pitt, a nurse residing in
Brooklyn, New York. On her last visit to Jamaica, Nurse Pitt bought a few sheets
of zinc and some lumber to replace the leaking roof of the tiny structure,
located in Kingsway, Kitson Town, St. Catherine. She brought the situation to
the attention of the Kiwanis Club of Spanish Town in the hope that they would
complete the project. She was right!
A visit to the
site by members of the club, and interviews with Ms. Dorothy and her neighbours
were even more startling. Rats infested the ceiling of the small structure and
often kept her awake at nights. The doors and windows were waterlogged and
rotting and there was no bathroom facility! When she ventured into the nearby
bushes to relieve herself, it was not unusual for her to lose her way. Simple
bodily functions that we take for granted were often a nightmare for her.
Her brother, on whose property the tiny structure was built, recently suffered
from a stroke and was therefore unable to assist in any meaningful way.
The Kiwanis Club
of Spanish Town acquired the additional building material required, removed and
replaced the entire roof and ceiling, replaced the rotting rear door, and
constructed a pit latrine. Awnings were also installed to protect against rain.
The club donated a mattress and has undertaken to provide grocery items to her
for the rest of the administrative year 2001-2002.
(In fact, every subsequent administration has adopted this
project).
Ms. Dorothy’s
situation is not unique. However, her good spirits mask the tremendous suffering
she has experienced. She is forever singing praises to God and is convinced that
her prayers and tears have finally been answered. Surely, thanks to the efforts
of the members of the Kiwanis Club of Spanish Town, she can now spend her last
few days in relative comfort.
For More Information Contact:
Kiwanis Club of Spanish Town
P.O. Box 507, Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica, W.I,
Email:
[email protected]
Kiwanis Club of Spanish Town 
