Senior citizen granted poultry business wish

At 72, widower Clinton Christie is starting over, turning to poultry farming after years of physically demanding work as a plumber.

"I am not afraid of trying something new," he said, as he begins a new chapter following the recent loss of his wife to cancer.

The St Catherine resident and father of six is now building an alternative to support himself, his youngest daughter, Shenika, and his two grandchildren.

His goal is to help Shenika complete her studies and become a forensic accountant.

"As long as I can help my daughter to finish school, it would be a great improvement," Christie said.

Last year he applied to N.C.B. Foundation's Grant-a-Wish initiative, seeking support to build a fowl coop and raise chickens for sale. His application was selected from more than 45 submissions from Jamaicans across the island.

Through his application, Christie explained the limitations he now faces.

"As an elderly and disabled man, I try my best to provide through small plumbing jobs, but my health and age limit how much I can do," he wrote.

Christie received a $100,000 grant to support the development of his small poultry business.

"Mr Christie submitted a practical proposal with clear potential to support his family over time," said Perrin Gayle, CEO of N.C.B. Foundation.

"This initiative is about meeting people where they are and giving them a real opportunity to move forward."

With support from N.C.B. Foundation, he is now focused on building a more sustainable path forward.

"I could not make a fresh start without the help of N.C.B. Foundation," Christie said.