Athaliah Reynolds, Staff Reporter

Aston Campbell has been living in the deep rural community of Facey in St Catherine for more than 30 years. - Ian Allen/Photographer

Although he has been without his sight for more than 10 years, 65-year-old Aston Campbell admits that he has still not fully adjusted to his condition.

Living in the deep rural community of Facey, St Catherine, with its hilly terrain, rivers and massive gullies, Campbell says it's only by the goodness of God and the kindness of his neighbours that he has been able to survive so long.

He told The Gleaner that it was only recently, while walking to the shop, assisted only by his white cane, that he fell head first into a gully.

"I walk down this road here so many years and one day me just drop right over inna di gully, pon mi neck!" he said. "If it wasn't for God Himself who catch mi up, mi wouldn't deh here today, because if you ever see the place where I fall, people asking me how I manage to go down there and come back up without hurt. It only could be God."

Campbell admitted that the generosity of the residents of the district has helped him tremendously. He said even the "youngest of babes" have assisted him to make it down the hills and through the gullies without an accident.

No regrets

A devout Christian for seven years, Campbell said he does not regret going blind because it has saved him from a life of womanising and drinking.

"If mi did have mi eye mi woulda turn back aredy, 'cause what mi see mi woulda chase after," he confessed with a smile.

Campbell lost his right eye almost 20 years after he was hit by a cricket ball. He later lost his left eye after he got involved in a motorcycle accident.

"That is the thing that lead me to Christ, but thankfully God is not like man because Him woulda turn me away," he added.

Difficult road

Although he has led an active life, working with the Jamaica Tourist Board as a waiter and bartender on cruise ships, a construction worker, as well as a labourer on the country's railway lines, Campbell has been unable to make a living for himself due to his blindness.

He depends solely on the kindness of his five children, who have all moved out of the district, and many of the residents in Facey and neighbouring, Troja. He said life has been lonely and hard, especially since the death of his wife three years ago, but that he is grateful for every new day.

"I have Jesus with mi and He's the best company I could ask for. My God is taking care of me," he said.

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com