The Editor, Sir:

On Sunday, December 2, I was on my way to Mandeville with a group of friends. We stopped in Middle Quarters, St. Elizabeth, to purchase peppered shrimps. There I met an elderly woman by the name of Edna Panton. She was one of the many vendors, but obviously too old to be out there. Her hands were shaking violently as she tried to sell the shrimps. When I inquired why she was out there hustling at her age, I was told that her house was burnt down by arsonists on September 7 and that she needs help badly.

Struggling

I understand that she has only one son and together they lost all their belongings in the fire. Since then, her son has been struggling to make ends meet and both he and his mother have been residing in a little shack.

I am appealing to the prime minister and the general public to help this poor lady, so that she can have place to live safely and comfortably.

I am, etc.,

RALSTON BARRETT

big_rallo@hotmail.com