Ivan Williams of Bybrook, Portland, in his home last week. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Well, this is the everyday reality of 86-year-old Ivan Williams of Martinique district, Bybrook, Portland.

He recently told a Gleaner news team about his situation.

The octogenarian was standing at his gate in obvious distress, wearing a dirty cap, a pair of pants and water boots with machete and bag in hand.

"A di fus oonu a pass yah, mi no member seeing oonu before, and mi glad oonu come, because mi need fi talk," he said.

He then started to tell his story. Mr. Williams said he used to be a farmer in the community. He said he was from St. Thomas and the father of one son, but complained that he is in serious need of assistance.

The Gleaner team went into his house and observed the squalid nature of his existence. It was enough to make one's skin crawl. His makeshift bed was in obvious need of a good washing, his personal possessions and pieces of clothes scattered all over.

A carton box containing forks and knives, an igloo and a lamp which he still uses for light were also in the room.

"Bwoy it bad, and mi nuh know wah mi ago do," he said.

The Gleaner team then went downstairs andsaw the open fireplace with pots and pans thrown about and even a chicken laying eggs in a corner.

An occupant of a nearby house, Elaine, said Williams is really in need of assistance and his pride will not allow him to accept only handouts.

"Sometimes we cook and give him, and other times him don't want to eat it and I think he wants to show his independence, but he needs help, bad," remarked Elaine.

Despite his circumstances, Williams had time to smile and as The Gleaner vehicle departed, he was waving saying: "God bless yuh. Safe travel."