Subscribe Login
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Videos
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obits
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Videos
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obits
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
  • Home
  • News
    • International News
  • Latest
  • Business
    • Business Bites
  • Cartoon
  • Games
  • Food Awards
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Bookends
  • Regional
  • Sports
    • Sports
    • World Cup
    • World Champs
    • Olympics
  • Videos
  • Career & Education
  • Classifieds
  • All Woman
  • Environment
  • Webinars
  • More
    • Football
    • Elections
    • Letters
    • Advertorial
    • Columns
    • Editorial
    • Supplements
  • Epaper
  • Design Week
A disabled man’s plea
Kevin Robinson shows off his washing skills
News
BY PENDA HONEYGHAN Sunday Observer writer honeyghanp@jamaicaobserver.com  
April 15, 2016

A disabled man’s plea

Kevin Robinson appeals for support to complete his house

When Kevin Robinson’s story was first published in the Jamaica Observer last year, thousands of people shared it by pledging to provide assistance, but few delivered on their promises.

Robinson, a 33-year-old disabled man, was only 16 years old when he was shot and left for dead while visiting co-workers and friends in Spanish Town.

Since, then Robinson — who owned his independence from he was aged 13 by selling snack items to help his grandmother who has cared for him since he was a baby — has been forced to stay home, without a steady income and has struggled to procure basic amenities.

Robinson’s housing situation, however, has not been the best, and of all the things he needed — including a wheel chair – which has since been provided by Food for the Poor — his greatest need is a place to call home.

Thwarted by many issues, including an inability to source relevant documents for land, a good Samaritan taking special interest in Robinson’s dilemma has contributed $100,000 which has since been used to initiate business transactions with the owner of an unfinished one-room studio, opposite Robinson’s present location. “Some very good people have seen my story and they know my plea is genuine.

Some bloggers, for example, help me out sometimes, while others call or send me positive messages. It’s been 18 years that I have been on my back and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t wish I could depend on myself.

It is heartbreaking. I am grateful to those who have helped me because I didn’t give anybody anything to put down. I am grateful to know that good people are still out there,” Robinson said.

But even with the $100,000 donation, the contract that Robinson and his advocate Kenneth Burrell — who has, over the past years, seen to his care — have engaged in, leaves a balance of $200,000.

The house is still unfinished as the men need construction material such as sand, stone, cement, blocks, tiles, paint and amenities for the bathroom and kitchen.

They also require material for electrical work and other household items. Robinson said that even though he trusts God to bless him as he experiences this setback, he is still a little daunted.

“I trust God to work things out but it has been difficult for me. I have had many sleepless nights; sometimes I cry and I just want to be somewhere comfortable now,” Robinson told the Jamaica Observer. With the kitty now dry Robinson is, for a second time, pleading with Jamaica and the rest of the world to help him to find a place that will protect him from the elements of the weather.

“Many nights me cold. Sometimes I am wet, and it’s always dark and the dust all the time bother me, so I am sure you can see where I’m coming from when I say that I really need the help,” Robinson said.

But Robinson also has another major burden on his mind. “I am not a lazy man. I help myself with everything. I ok, wash my clothes, wash and comb my hair and spread up my bed … everything for myself I can do.

I also spend a lot of time working on my art. I enjoy writing and drawing. But more while I don’t have any material, but I love to do it. A computer and some drawing paper and paint — anything would help,” Robinson said.

He told the Sunday Observer that he has even made efforts to learn how to use several computer programmes, including some art-related, through his friend Tevin. He said that is why he needs a computer and printer — to develop on his skills, and he believes he could make a business from the pen as well as digital art.

“I truly love art … it is just to get the material. I see many disabled people getting the opportunity to learn skills and so on and can become employed. I don’t want to be left out of that. I want to experience the pride of knowing I do myself, and everybody who helped me and going to help me proud,” Robinson shared. Robinson, who has written a song about life, also intends to write a book, which he has already began to plan mentally.

However in the meantime, he says that he depends on his faith in Christ, his art and poems to keep him sane on his roller coaster ride.

Persons who wish to assist Kevin Robinson may call him at (876) 421- 1882 or you can make donations to the May Pen, Clarendon Jamaica National branch, account number 10163126. The account is in the name Kenneth Burrell.

 

 

 

 

Robinson speaks of the inspiration that his artwork provides.
Robinson, who describes himself as a master chef, prepares a meal
Kevin spreads his bed.
Kevin entertains guests from a nearby chruch, among them his advocate Kenneth Burrell.
The unfinished house that is being prepared for Kevin Robinson.

{"website":"website"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

Morris Dixon visits child injured in St Elizabeth boulder incident
Latest News, News
Morris Dixon visits child injured in St Elizabeth boulder incident
September 12, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, visited one of the children injured in Friday’...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
JTA President’s grooming statement ‘out of touch’ — FWCF
Latest News, News
JTA President’s grooming statement ‘out of touch’ — FWCF
September 12, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF) says it is concerned by recent comments from Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) President La...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Gov’t failure is not proof that NaRRA was necessary, PNPYO slams G2K
Latest News, News
Gov’t failure is not proof that NaRRA was necessary, PNPYO slams G2K
September 12, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica —  The People’s National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO) is dismissing what it says is Generation 2000's (G2K) attempt to use the p...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Person of interest in artiste’s shooting held by police
Latest News, News
Person of interest in artiste’s shooting held by police
September 12, 2026
ST ANDREW, Jamaica — A person of interest who was being sought for the shooting of a recording artiste was arrested by the police in St Andrew on Frid...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Shabba Ranks files lawsuit against publishing arm of Greensleeves Records
Entertainment, Latest News
Shabba Ranks files lawsuit against publishing arm of Greensleeves Records
BY KEVIN JACKSON Observer Writer 
September 12, 2026
Iconic dancehall trailblazer and deejay, Shabba Ranks, has filed a lawsuit against the publishing arm of Greensleeves Records, in a move to reclaim th...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer", "olympics-section":"Olympics section"}
Seville beaten in Ultimate 100m final
Latest News, Sports
Seville beaten in Ultimate 100m final
September 12, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Oblique Seville just failed to add the World Athletics Ultimate Championships title to his World Championships and Diamond League ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Chelsea boss yearns for ‘boring game’ after Hull draw
Latest News, Sports
Chelsea boss yearns for ‘boring game’ after Hull draw
September 12, 2026
LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Xabi Alonso admitted he would love Chelsea to give him a "boring game" after their defensive woes allowed Hull to escap...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Jamaica well represented in Ultimate 100m finals
Latest News, Sports
Jamaica well represented in Ultimate 100m finals
September 12, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica will be well represented in the men’s and women’s 100m finals on Saturday’s second day of the inaugural Ultimate Champions...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯

Polls

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

Archives

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tweets

Polls

Recent Posts

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Health
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Letters
  • Page2
  • Football
Categories
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feeds
  • Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Code of Conduct