By Dionne Rose, Staff ReporterSONIA WALTERS, the widow of 39-year-old Raleigh Walters, who died while on the United States Farm Work Programme, is still in shock after hearing of the death of her husband of eight months and partner of 18 years.
Mrs. Walters told The Gleaner that when she learnt of her husband's death, "I just blacked out completely. When I come to myself, I saw five persons taking me off the ground".
She said that the impact of his death was affecting her emotionally. "When I went to the doctor, she said that me nerves gone!" Mrs. Walters describes her husband as a very quiet and responsible person. "He was so quiet, him don't trouble anybody. Sometimes he is here and nobody knows that he is here."
The couple has a five year-old and Mrs. Walters said that the child has not yet been told of her father's death as he was with a relative for the summer. "I have asked somebody to do it for me because I can't manage it," she said.
SECOND YEAR ON PROGRAMME
This was the second year that Mr. Walters was going on the farm work programme. His brother is also on the same programme. According to reports, Mr. Walters, who was employed as a grounds man at Envirogreen Incorporated in St. Loius, Missouri, was crushed by a truck.
The widow was visited at her home, off Constant Spring Road in St. Andrew last Thursday by representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, including Alvin McIntosh, Permanent Secretary, and Barrington Bailey, senior director of Manpower Services.
In extending his condolences, Mr. McIntosh said, "we are with you and we will help you get over your grief. I am so sorry because when you are with a man for so many years and this happens, I know how painful it must be, but by the grace of God, you will pull through."
LOW ACCIDENT RATE
Mr. McIntosh told The Gleaner that the Overseas Employment Programme, over the years, has had a low accident rate and that this was the first tragic death within the last three years. Along with the in-house claims and benefits from the Workmen Compensation plan, Mrs. Walters will also be assisted with the burial.
Her husband's body is being prepared by the US Government and will be shipped in a casket ready for burial. He will be buried in Frankfield, Clarendon.
