'HAPPY AND THANKFUL' - Jamaica Observer - April 23, 2015

Jericho man moves out of fowl coop into own house

BY KIMMO MATTHEWS
Observer staff reporter
matthewsk@jamaicaobserver.com

In this March 18 photo, 81-year-old Rosalvo Patterson prepares to exit the fowl coop he called home for five years. (PHOTO: LIONEL ROOKWOOD)

IN less than a month, 81-year-old Rosalvo Patterson has moved from living in a dilapidated fowl coop to a home of his own.

Two Sundays ago the Jericho, St Catherine senior citizen had to fight hard to hold back his tears as he was being led from the rotting structure to his one-bedroom wooden house, complete with a bathroom.

After all, it would be the first time in five years that the ailing Patterson, who is visually impaired, would be sleeping on a "real bed" and at a place where he is not exposed to the elements.

"I'm happy and thankful for the help," an elated Patterson told the Jamaica Observer.

Patterson has several people to thank for his improved living conditions. Chief among them is producer Wayne "Lonesome" Brown who came forward to offer his assistance a day after Patterson's dire situation was highlighted by the Observer on March 19.

Brown's initial help was to pay for the cost for an overdue medical check-up for the elderly man. Days later, he bought building supplies, drafted relatives and friends with the necessary construction skills and took them to Jericho, where they camped while the house was being built for Patterson.

The house is erected on lands belonging to a woman, who has been assisting Patterson throughout his ordeal. That help from the good neighbour, who has consistently asked that her identity be withheld, is expected to continue.

Last week Brown disclosed that he spent approximately $200,000 on building materials for the house.

"My family members stayed in the community to ensure that the structure was completed," Brown told the Observer.

Meanwhile, Food for the Poor and a number of Observer readers have also said they would help the elderly man.

Patterson, meanwhile, said he is elated that his five-year nightmare is over.

"When I heard that help was coming for me I whispered a prayer thanking God for the Good Samaritans who heard my cry and my calls for help and answered," Patterson related.

His only regret, though, is that he will never be able to see the faces of those who helped him through his ordeal because of his visual problems, but has pledged to pray for the Good Samaritans.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/-Happy-and-thankful-_18752326

A thankful Patterson standing at the entrance to his new home. (PHOTO: GARFIELD ROBINSON)