ANGELLA Murphy has been a butcher for six years.

Currently, she is the only female butcher in the Port Maria Meat Market — a job she has been doing over with pride and joy.

Murphy, who has worked in many different areas told the Jamaica Observer North & East that she enjoys working as a butcher, especially since it is the main source of her income.

The woman, who is from Sand Side in Port Maria, St Mary, said she was motivated to start working as a butcher because of her spouse. He is also a butcher.

“The two of us are in it together. It has its ups and downs but it’s a means to an end. You have to do something to take care of your family,” the mother of eight said.

She said working alongside her husband has helped to provide for their children, two of whom are still in school.

A diligent worker, Murphy said that she has tried various jobs over the years in order to ensure her family is well provided for. And before she ventured into the meat industry she worked in the hotel industry. However, Murphy wanted to be able to provide more for her family. She has also started a small business in Port Maria since.

“With the butchering, I have a night shop where I do sandwiches and tea in Port Maria,” she said, adding that she often travels to the best areas to purchase animals.

And she is not afraid to get her hands messy, making sure customers get the perfect cut of meat when they visit the market.

“Chopping is no problem. I know how to do my chopping up. I know how to handle everything,” she said.

Joseph Brown, her spouse, told Observer North & East that Murphy fits in perfectly among her male counterparts in the market.

“She does as good as any male. There’s no difference,” he said.

Murphy said she is thankful to God for her job and being able to provide for her family.