Radam: PM reaches out to help ‘Peanut Dread’ after Observer story
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has indicated that help is on the way for bonafide social media star Osbourne ‘Peanut Dread’ Ellis.
When the OBSERVER ONLINE visited Peanut Dread’s home in Papine, St Andrew in December last year, the popular storyteller was seen living in destitution.
Twice destroyed by fire, Ellis’ home is an unfinished zinc-roofed structure that lacks basic amenities such as a proper bed, a kitchen, and a visible bathroom. In addition, when asked about his earnings, while others have profited off his fame, he said he had been clueless about his own finances.
Among his worries was a leg injury he suffered five years ago after falling off his bike. Based on the video, he had surgery on the leg.
READ: WATCH: Peanut Dread living in destitution, cries out for help
Holness, who had recently used Peanut Dread’s viral catchphrase ‘Radam’ to bring across a message to those involved in crime, stating that the Government will impose harsher penalties on criminals, said that Peanut Dread will get the assistance he desperately needs.
“I saw your appeal that I should reach out and give some assistance…But, listen to me now, I used one of your phrases ‘Radam’ and I heard you on social media…’Prime Minister, you see like how you use ‘Radam’, you should come and gimmi a likkle ting, and I say is true enuh’. Our creatives are so ingenious…I saw the situation of your housing as well and we’re gonna make some arrangements to assist,” Holness said.
In addition, Holness said that he wants to enlist Peanut Dread’s support in talking to young men, in particular those who are being drawn into a life of crime and deviance.
“…I have seen some of your stuff where you have explained your own life story and things that have happened to you and I want to encourage you to use the audience that you have captured by your unique ways of expressing things to direct them in the right path,” he said.
“…Keep talking positive. Make sure that what you are expressing is fit for everyone to consume. Make sure that you are giving always a positive message and that you are taking care of your health and ultimately, your wealth,” Holness added.
