Rasbert Turner, STAR Writer
From left: Barrington and his kids and grandchild at home. - Ricardo Makyn photos
Spanish Town, St Catherine
For the past 16 years, Barrington Hunter has had the task of taking care of four children.
The 58-year-old labourer of Bonnet district, near Guys Hill, St Catherine, has been raising the children without a mother.
THE STAR took the trek through Devil's Racecourse and eventually got to the remote community where the team heard his sad tale.
"This is where we have been living for the last 15 years, but things has got worse in recent times," said Hunter, pointing to a small, dilapidated board and zinc structure, which houses their precious possessions - two beds, items of clothing, a dresser and several water containers.
Cramped quarters
Hunter and 17-year-old Alison, 16-year-old Devon, 20-year-old George, who is mentally ill, 18-year old Christine and his grandchild, Christiana, all live in the cramped surroundings.
He has managed financially by doing odd jobs, but is now close to breaking point. He needs assistance to complete a two-bedroom concrete structure he started several years ago.
They are presently living without basic amenities such as a bathroom, running water and electricity.
"I do not know how they go to school, but they go to school everyday, I know that God has blessed me so that I'm able to send them," he said, explaining how he keeps the children in church and school.
With tears in his eyes, he went on to explain a situation how he lost a job when the children were much smaller. "After going to work one day with their bedding and two of the children, the man look at me and told me 'I don't think you should come to work wid two pickney'. I wept bitterly."
Motherless kids
While her daughter played with her grandfather, Christine told THE STAR their mother does not visit them and their father has been caring for them since she left.
The family's plight has really touched constable Mark Tomlinson of the nearby Guys Hill Police Station, who is seeking help for them. Despite his efforts, the family is still in need of help to survive.
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