Double amputee to rebuild home with grant money

Brighter days are ahead for double amputee Brandon Miller who recently benefited from the Government's Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme.

Speaking with THE STAR, Miller said he will soon be able to rest well after spending many nights on his verandah then in a makeshift room.

"This cheque will help me in rebuilding the house so I can have a more comfortable place to lay my head. I will once again have a place to call my home. I am still struggling financially as this money can only be used at a hardware but I am very grateful and appreciative," Miller said.

The ROOFS programme commenced disbursement of financial assistance to persons affected by Hurricane Melissa late last month. Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness said the Government has distributed 1,234 grants.

"We have done this by direct transfers... meaning it has gone from the bank account of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security into the bank accounts of the 1,234 beneficiaries, and that process will be ongoing," he said.

"As we verify a bank account, we send you a text to tell you that it has hit your bank account. These are mainly people who would have received minor damage, but are also in the highly vulnerable category... primarily persons who are elderly and persons with disabilities," he added.

Miller, who hails from Paradise Crescent, in St James was electrocuted while performing a good Samaritan act for one of his neighbours in 2018. The incident resulted in the loss of both his arms. Despite his disability, Miller, who is known on TikTok as 'Swizzbank', uses his platform to inspire others living with disabilities, while promoting his music and graphic design business. However, his life became difficult following the death of his mother last May. Just days later, he said he nearly lost his life after he was run over by a car.

"Mi get head injuries and even had to wear a neck brace for a while. I had to learn to be more independent as an amputee so I had to start bathing myself and find ways of providing financially as well," he said.

To make matters worse, Miller's three-bedroom dwelling was severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa last October.

"The roof and everything except the walls went with Melissa. I slept in my gaming chair on the verandah for a long while. After a while I use some old zinc to patch up my room but it didn't stop the leaks and water from coming in.

"The hurricane experience was traumatic but I give thanks that I made it out alive. I was trapped in my house and had to be rescued by the JDF and fire brigade. Isis Charity learnt of my situation as they were also a part of the rescue team and reached out to the Government to help me to get the grant," Miller added.