KINGSTON, Jamaica – Seventy-six-year-old Basil Parchment sat with a concerned look on his face late Tuesday, as rain clouds gathered over his makeshift tent along Mandela Highway in St Catherine.

‎It has been close to a year since the story of how he has been left to struggle and live on the streets was first highlighted.

Residents said for almost five years, Parchment would arrive at the same spot on Mandela Highway and sit in silence for hours.

His presence triggered several rumors, one of which was that he lost his wife at the location and would return daily to mourn.

An article by the Jamaica Observer revealed a totally different story, however, that of a poverty-stricken senior citizen who has been struggling to make ends meet while living on the crime-infested streets of St Catherine.

“When the story came out, a number of Jamaicans said they would offer some help. Since then, he has been patiently waiting,” said a concerned citizen who claims he looks out for the senior citizen from time to time.

“Me really feel it for him days like this when rain come and beat down on him cardboard house; more time me look on him it bring tears to my eyes,” said the citizen, who told OBSERVER ONLINE that Parchment is slowly losing hope.

A few minutes after the rain poured yesterday, the feeble-looking Parchment was seen crawling from his makeshift tent.

“If I could find anyone who could give me some work I would be thankful. I am not a lazy person, just need an opportunity,” said Parchment.

Friends of the elderly man said that while he has not disclosed his condition, Parchment is suffering from a medical condition.

“He has a skin condition and has to do a surgery, but doctors told him that the operation cannot be done until he finds a suitable place to stay.”

Kimmo Matthews