CARIMAC Times 2016: The JREAM Edition Journalists Reviving Awareness of what Matters | Page 87

He took her to the doctor and it was at that
moment that he received information and,
thereafter, developed an understanding of
the condition.
“Honestly, sometimes I feel like ending the
relationship. But then I consider that she
wouldn’t have anyplace to go and would be
back on the streets wandering. She might even
end up dead.”
He clarified his stance as he said, although he
is hurting, he has made the decision to adjust
to the lifestyle and stay with his wife.
“I am already in it, so mi just mek up mi mind
fi stick with her. I am used to it by now, so I
know how to adjust. I know that when she is
sick, I have to keep a close eye on her because
sometimes the medication doesn’t work,” he said.
Clarke reiterated the claim of rape his wife
made against young men in the community.
He said they tend to target her when she lapses
and in response, he is more vigilant.
He told CARIMAC Times that when his wife
was beaten and raped, he reported it to the
police but nothing was done. He was instead
threatened by the alleged rapist.
“When the police realised that she had that
type of illness [schizophrenia], they ignored
us and the boy even offered to shoot me, so
I left it alone. I just see to it that she gets her
medication and [goes to] the clinic. I can barely
provide for myself, but I try to protect her.”

Strained relationships
Donna Bennett also expressed frustration as
she has a relative with schizophrenia. Her son,
Odane Campbell, 29, was diagnosed with the
condition 14 years ago.
“I have given up. I have done a lot and tried really
hard with him and there is nothing else I can
do. He has attacked me so I [had to] put him out
of the house. I cannot live with him,” she said.
Though she still loves her son, she said she is
unable to offer him the care he requires.
“He is on the streets and I have called the
police to come and remove him because he
is a threat to people. I have had many reports
from community members, but when I call
the police they say it is not their job and they
aren’t trained to handle mad people.”
Despite her son’s obvious illness, members of
the community have not hesitated to hurt him.
“On another occasion, a man in the community
threw gas on him and set him on fire. He
received third-degree burns and I had to take
him to the doctor. However, even during that
time the police still refused to assist me. We
even gave a statement to them [police], and to
this day that man hasn’t been arrested,” she
expressed with great disappointment.
Bennett, explained that her son continued to
smoke marijuana as he refused prescribed
medication.

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