Blindness threatens former Guantanamo Bay chef’s livelihood

For 21 years, Liston Morrison has been living in a world that has slowly faded into darkness.

The 60-year-old Spanish Town resident, once a proud and hard-working chef who spent years preparing meals in Cuba, never imagined that the same job that allowed him to provide for his family would one day cost him his sight. Constant exposure to heavy steam from boiling pots gradually damaged his eyes, leaving him visually impaired and eventually unable to work.

Today, Morrison’s greatest struggle is not only the loss of his vision, but the feeling of no longer being able to provide for the people he loves most.

With a wife and two children – an 11-year-old currently in school and an infant – life has become increasingly difficult. His wife, Ferol, does hair occasionally to help put food on the table, but the burden weighs heavily on the family, especially their elder child. Morrison said his son has been taking the situation extremely hard.

“He expressed his feelings from time to time; however, he still focuses on his lessons. I know he would do anything for me to see clearly,” Morrison said of his pre-teen.

He continued: “Due to the fact that I am unable to work since 2023, I am having challenges finding the money to take care of my family the way I used to,” he said quietly.

The once-independent provider now relies almost entirely on his wife for guidance and support. “I have to depend on my wife, she is my eyes. I felt restrained not being able to provide adequately for them,” he muttered.

CORNEAL TRANSPLANT

Doctors have offered a glimmer of hope. After examinations, they determined that Morrison is a candidate for a corneal transplant – a common and highly successful procedure in which damaged corneal tissue is replaced with healthy donor tissue. If successful, the surgery could restore his sight for up to 25 years.

But that hope comes at a cost: US$20,000 for surgery on both eyes. For a man who has been unable to work for the past three years, the sum feels insurmountable.

As if his circumstances were not already overwhelming, Hurricane Melissa dealt the family another devastating blow. The storm destroyed most of their belongings and wiped out Morrison’s small chicken farm – his only source of income. He lost 75 broiler hens that were ready for slaughter, eliminating the little revenue he had hoped would sustain his household.

Despite family members creating a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the surgery, the target remains out of reach.

Through it all, Ferol remains steadfast.

“I have to be around him at all times when he is conducting any form of business, to be his eyes. He is very helpful regardless of his visual challenge. He helps with taking care of the children, go to school for report card; wherever he is lacking, I am there,” she said.

Her words reflect a partnership strengthened by adversity, but also the heavy reality of a woman carrying the weight of an entire household.

Morrison’s story is one of resilience, dignity and hope. It is the story of a father who wants nothing more than to see his children grow, a husband who longs to stand independently beside his wife again, and a man who believes that, with the right support, light can return to his life.

He is appealing to anyone willing to help to contact him at 876-455-8460.

editorial@gleanerjm.com