Mr. Trenchfield at work in his escallion field.
-Contributed photo
George Henry, Gleaner Writer
MALVERN, St. Elizabeth:
ALTYMAN TRENCHFIELD, 46, of Flagaman in Southern St. Elizabeth was a successful fisherman on the Pedro Cays. But 13 years ago he had to 'pull his net' when one of his legs was amputated because of blood circulation problems.
But this has not restricted Trenchfield's capacity to be a productive St. Elizabeth man as he is currently a full-time farmer cultivating an acre of beet root, tomatoes and escallion in Flagaman.
However, he said fishing was a preferred activity as it was more comfortable.
"The farming is really difficult for me, but I have to try my best to make it as easy as I can, because I am not going to be dependent on any one for my survival", said Mr. Trenchfield.
The farmer, who spends a lot of time mulching his small farm, uses a significant amount of guinea grass to cover the plot to retain the moisture in the soil, especially during periods of drought.
Although handicapped, Mr. Trenchfield cuts the grass and transports it in small bundles from a nearby property to his farm, without any assistance.
And he said he prefers working alone.
50-METRE DISTANCE
According to him, the most difficult part of his work is the reaping and transporting of escallion after harvesting, given that after he ties the condiment in bundles, he has to take them over a 50-metre distance to his home for marketing.
Mr. Trenchfield said very often he was encouraged by passers-by to continue his practice but noted that there were also those who oppressed him. "Farming has been good to me and I will continue to do it," he said.
Meanwhile, Rubylin Trenchfield, Altyman's mother, said she was proud of her son. She said Altyman was very persistent despite his handicap. "Plenty persons who are in his position just sit down and depend on others to provide for them. But my son is not like that. He prefers to be independent and so he works for himself. There are even persons who have two legs and are lazy to work", she said.
Altyman, although not married, has one daughter: Racquel, whom he said is supported with earnings from his farm.
