Malta’s holiday gift lifts spirits of couple amid challenges

For over 20 years, Binzmor and Ulrica Oakley have built a life together in Harbour View, Kingston, finding strength in each other through life’s ups and downs. 

The couple met in Portland, where their journey together began, and now, at ages 67 and 68, they face new hurdles—health challenges that have strained their finances and slowed their dreams of expanding their home. 

Despite these setbacks, the Oakleys remain hopeful and determined to make ends meet and create a more comfortable future. This Christmas, their spirits were lifted with a special gift: supermarket vouchers and a care package from Red Stripe’s caregiving brand, Malta, in collaboration with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC). 

It was a simple gesture, but it brought them comfort and a renewed sense of gratitude.

Before settling into their current home, the Oakleys were no strangers to hard work. Mr Oakley spent years overseas as a farm worker, cooking, growing vegetables, and even picking strawberries. “I did every little thing,” he reflects, the memory of his working years filled with both pride and weariness.

It was a time of sacrifice, but it also built the foundation of their life together. 

However, in 2021, Mr Oakley began feeling persistent knee pain, which soon led to a serious health scare. After visiting the doctor, he was diagnosed with a blood clot and was sidelined for five days. 

After carefully going through the contents of the Malta care package, the NCSC team presents the Oakleys with a set of supermarket vouchers, generously provided by the Malta brand. From left: NCSC Officer Anya Green; Binzmor Oakley, Ulrica Oakley; and NCSC Officer Maureen Byfield-Jarvis.

Although he managed to finish the season, he was never called back to work. “I don’t think being out sick for so many days looked good to them,” he shared, the words tinged with a bit of frustration. “It wasn’t about my age either, because another man around my age, who I worked with, was called back.”

Despite the setback, Mr Oakley remains optimistic. His resilience shines through when he said: “Before the farm work, I did a bit of construction and gardening, so coming home, I will get a call from time to time for painting and minor construction work.” He now depends on this to support their modest but evolving home.

Mrs Oakley’s journey has been similarly marked by resilience. She once managed a small grocery shop with her uncle in Buff Bay while balancing family responsibilities. However, prolonged health issues forced her to stop working. 

According to Mr Oakley, she suffers from unexplained facial pain, a condition that doctors have been unable to diagnose or resolve despite numerous visits. This ongoing health challenge has made her struggle to maintain regular employment. “She’s been struggling with this for so long,” Mr. Oakley explained, a note of helplessness in his voice. “But she’s strong, and we support each other.”

Through every challenge, the Oakleys have supported each other, and it’s clear that their partnership remains the cornerstone of their lives. “If she’s not feeling well, I look after her,” Mr Oakley said. “And when I’m unwell, she does the same for me.” This reciprocal approach has set the tone for their relationship, which is necessary now more than ever. 

Binzmor Oakley’s enthusiasm shines through as he shares his vision for the expanded home

Despite facing these challenges, their primary goal remains clear – to expand their home. The Oakleys have lived in their current home for over two decades, a modest structure that has transformed over time through hard work and ingenuity. 

They’ve expanded the previous two-bedroom structure to include two additional bedrooms, a larger kitchen, an additional bathroom and a washroom. Yet, despite their progress, there’s still more to do. “We’ve added so much, but there’s still more to do,” Mr Oakley said, gesturing toward the unfinished rooms. 

“With some help, we’ll be able to finish it.” His gaze lingers on the bare cement structure, where dreams of completion still take root.

Together, the Oakleys have raised a blended family of eight children. Their adult children and grandchildren occasionally lend a hand, but much of the day-to-day care is handled by the couple themselves. “It’s not easy, but we manage,” Mr Oakley adds a sense of pride in his voice. 

Cheers! As they unpack, Ulrica Oakley gazes at a bottle Malta, while her husband Binzmor Oakley patiently wait by her side to join in the toast.

As the Oakleys navigate their later years, their love and care for each other remain constant. “We keep it equal,” Mr Oakley said, describing their shared approach to caregiving. “It’s always been about us working together.” Whether through small acts of kindness or larger sacrifices, the Oakleys ensure that neither of them bears the burdens of life alone. 

“We’re always hopeful that things will work out, just like today when Malta and NCSC gifted us. I know Mrs Oakley is most excited about the socks,” he added. 

As they aim to complete their home by Easter next year, it’s evident that their shared determination and teamwork will carry them through each step of the journey.