CYNTHIA PERRY is chairman of the Port Antonio Street People Committee and regional manager of the Jamaica Tourist Board in Port Antonio.However, in both capacities she volunteers towards the rehabilitation of street people in the parish of Portland.
V T: Why are you engaged in this form of volunteerism?
C P: As a child, I was exposed to interacting with street people from a very early stage, as both my parents would take street people to our home, bathe, and dress them in clean clothes. It really fascinated me to see their (street people's) change in behaviour whenever they were treated with love. Today I am involved because I believe that we must be our brother's keeper.
V T: When did you actually start your volunteering to the Port Antonio street people?
C P: About 10 years ago when I was with the Jamaica Red Cross. At that time, the Red Cross was the only organisation dedicated to treating street people in Port Antonio.
V T: Have you ever done any form of studies about street people?
C P: Yes, I have done so to be able to effectively analyse them. There are four types of street people. They are the mentally ill, ill by drugs, the destitute and those who just want to be on the streets (e.g., mothers who you see feeding babies on the sidewalk).
V T: What makes you passionate about this cause?
C P: Caring for the less fortunate is something that money cannot buy. To hear these people say thank you gives me a satisfaction that I would not exchange for anything.
V T: What has been your most memorable moment while treating street people?
C P: It is the unifying force of volunteerism that never ceases to amaze me. A case in point is when myself and a group of volunteers were to build a home for a client who was close to complete rehabilitation. The men in that neighbourhood objected to what they described as a 'mad man' living close to them. Consequently, I had to explain the purpose of the mission and it was remarkable to see these men assist with the building. They worked all day, completing the one room house within 24 hours.
To contact the Port Antonio Street People Committee call Cynthia Perry - 993-3051 or 993-2587
