Homeless but hopeful Man seeks a job after falling on hard times
Despite falling on hard times, Errol Thompson does not look like the average homeless person. The 62-year-old former hotel chef prides himself on keeping clean. He said: “If I do get a dollar from anybody, I make sure I buy soap and toothpaste. My hygiene has to be up there, not because I live on the streets.” Thompson said he has been out of a job since 2006.
“I have worked at the Wyndham Hotel and Sheraton Hotel in Kingston. I was working at Crimson Dawn garment factory. Basically, I went from the kitchen to fashion design,” he said.
In 2006, Thompson said he started his own snack shop in St Ann’s Bay. But an incident set him back.
He said: “I went to the supermarket to do some shopping and fell outside by the doorway. I tripped over the thing you use to strap the saltfish box. It threw me down but I didn’t take it seriously. I went to the bathroom and felt pain all over, my neck was also hurting. I went to the doctor and that’s when I learnt of the seriousness.”
SLEEPING ON THE ROAD
The incident has since become a court matter with a 2020 judgement date. But Thompson said he still feels plenty of pain and can barely turn his neck. “I need some cash. I don’t have help or assistance. I live on the street, I’m suffering. I don’t must live to see 2020. I need help now. Is two years from this (to get the settlement). Weh mi a go do until then and am out on the streets?” he said. “I find myself sleeping right beside Wyndham Kingston Hotel in the nights.” According to Thompson, thieves also broke into his shop in St Ann, so he returned to Kingston to look for a job. “Nobody wants me to work, everybody saying I am too old. I’m 62. I’m a young guy. Mi run lef anyone a dem young boy ya same way. I need a job, I need something. Give me something to do or lend me some money,” he said. Thompson said he has three children, but he accused their mother of telling them lies about him. “They don’t know that their daddy is living on the street because I am not going to bow to or beg anybody anything. Take care or help me if I am your daddy, even if you hear say me neva used to do nothing for you, all when is a lie,” he said.
Thompson passes his time daily in Emancipation Park, where he enjoys the sights and sounds. But he longs to work his way back to a normal life.
Thompson said: “If it comes to fashion, I would work with a company that does bulk cutting. The Eastman machine, I’m a pro on that. When it comes to food and beverage, I don’t think I want to work with anybody on that. I’m 62, I would be underpaid. Would rather get some cash and start a little thing for myself.” Anyone who might be able to offer Thompson a job, can contact him at 876-543-5363.