Lester Gyah is just one of the many Jamaicans who have fallen upon hard times.

At 58, he is a diabetic who has lost both his legs. Known as 'Billy' in the community of Old Harbour Bay where he's lived for more than 25 years, he was a man in need of help.

Described as miserable and outspoken yet jovial, Gyah is such a fixture in the community that there is hardly anyone who does not know him.

He is aided in his daily activities by members of the community, including the Old Harbour Bay Police Youth Club.

Unemployed because of his illness, he was living on charity, sharing a one-room space with a friend. However, in earlier days, like most people in this small community, Gyah made his living from fishing. He was forced to give up his livelihood as his condition worsened and he lost his first leg. The occasional odd job kept him going for a while until recently when he had to have his other leg amputated.

Jamaica still cares

The assistance offered by the youth club came at a time when some thought hope was lost for our young people. The youth club proved that not only were they passionate but also that the young people of Jamaica still care. It was the members of the youth club who, after becoming aware of Gyah's plight, approached the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd (JPS) for assistance. Moved by Gyah's difficulties, a team was immediately dispatched to assess the situation. JPS, which has a power plant in the community, has been involved in a number of community development projects for the area, the most recent of which was the Old Harbour Bay Homework Centre.

JPS joined in the efforts of the youth club by contributing more than $300,000 towards the purchase of building material to construct a home for Gyah. The members of the youth club are providing the labour for the project. In addition, JPS is also working with its partner organisations to provide Gyah with a bed, stove and refrigerator. While plans were being put in place to have his new home built, Gyah was in the Spanish Town Hospital having his second amputation done. Not wanting to leave him out of the process, JPS ensured that he was transported from the hospital so he could be a part of the ground-breaking ceremony. Humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support from the youth club and JPS, there was very little that Gyah could say but thank you.

JPS has been contributing in meaningful ways to the community of Old Harbour Bay for years. Other projects include the refurbishing of the Old Harbour Bay Police Station at a cost of approximately $1 million. Items of furniture were also donated to the station, including a fax machine, stove and television.

Housing construction

There are currently five basic schools in the community that are a part of the JPS Nutritional Programme. Sponsorship is also provided for the annual community football competition. Labour Day saw another housing construction project done in collaboration with the Terminal Road Police Youth Club. The company's power plant has also adopted St Wade's Basic School.

Gyah is recovering from his surgery and looking forward to August 30 when the ribbon will be cut on his brand new home.