‘Good people still in Jamaica’ - St Catherine family grateful for support after hardships were highlighted

After an Ash Wednesday clean-up project at his family's St Catherine home, talented teen Delano Tucker can no longer say that meat is a scarcity in his home.

From food parcels and clothing to construction material and money, the Tucker family, whose dire financial situation was brought to the public eye this week via a video, has experienced Jamaican kindness at its best. The Tuckers were able to sleep in a clean, dry food-filled home, safe in the thought that garlic and onion dishes are now a thing of the past. Delano, whose heartfelt explanation of the family's situation in the video spurred the outpouring of support, said that his little sister Denisha had her reservations about being included in it. But he said that he knew it would be the best thing for his family.

"The reason why I did the video in the first place is thanks to my teacher who encourage me. Mi teacher was like, 'I know that you're not the spotlight person but some of the time you have to put your story out there fi get the help weh yuh need.' She was the one who saw and made contact with di bredda [from Street Driven. tv] and he was very very nice," said Delano.

"I feel very grateful for all the help that they are giving, both words of encouragement and tangible things. It makes me feel happy and shows that there are a lot of good people still in Jamaica. This show me that I'm doing something good and I'm on the right path and that all I have to do is continue on this path and maybe one day, I can come back and do this for somebody."

Throughout the day's events, Delano's grateful smile was a constant. One addition that just a week ago would have been a coveted delicacy in the Tucker home, was the piece of chicken he happily nibbled on and even shared, as though it was a common occurrence for him.

Speaking with THE STAR, family patriarch Desmond Tucker expressed his endless gratitude for the people who have poured their resources, affections and their hard work into his family.

"We are very grateful. We wasn't nervous because I was struggling and somebody see the plight come in and help because I was trying to make it on my own and somebody from the outside see that mi trying my best. The way I see it it give me faith that we still have some caring people amongst us in Jamaica," he said.

The matriarch Nattris Tucker stayed away from the spotlight for most of the day due to her asthma and was affected by the smoke from the fires that were used to dispose of unclean things from the home But she later told THE STAR that while she is not aware of any arrangements for an indoor kitchen or bathroom, this has not dampened the joy the family has felt.