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Man living in 'old pickup truck' on Tortola makes desperate cry for help

- Ronni A. Frazer Santana says he needs his medication, food & housing
Ronni A. Frazar Santana has been living and working in the Virgin Islands, his father’s homeland, for the past five years and is now in need of assistance for housing, food, and medication. Photo: Ronni Frazer Santana
Ronni A Frazer Santana is the father of four daughters and a son who all live in the Dominica Republic and depend on him. Photo: Ronni A. Frazer Santana
Ronni A Frazer Santana is the father of four daughters and a son who all live in the Dominica Republic and depend on him. Photo: Ronni A. Frazer Santana
Ronni A. Frazer Santana has reportdly been homeless for the past 18 days and has been sleeping in an old pickup truck on Tortola for the past 15 days. Photo: Ronni A. Frazer Santana
Ronni A. Frazer Santana has reportdly been homeless for the past 18 days and has been sleeping in an old pickup truck on Tortola for the past 15 days. Photo: Ronni A. Frazer Santana
Ronni A. Frazer Santana was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune illness affecting voluntary muscles, at the age of 25. Photo: Ronni A. Frazer Santana
Ronni A. Frazer Santana was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune illness affecting voluntary muscles, at the age of 25. Photo: Ronni A. Frazer Santana
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Ronni A. Frazar Santana has been living and working in the Virgin Islands, his father’s homeland, for the past five years but is now in dire need of assistance with housing, food, and medication.

Mr Frazer-Santana, who shared his story with Virgin Islands News Online today, Wednesday, November 20, 2024, said he was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis at age 25 but his condition has since deteriorated, leaving him out of work and recently homeless.

John Hopkin’s Hospital describes Myasthenia Gravis as a chronic autoimmune disorder in which antibodies destroy the communication between nerves and muscle, resulting in weakness of the skeletal muscles. Myasthenia gravis affects the voluntary muscles of the body, especially those that control the eyes, mouth, throat and limbs.

His condition, he added, was inherited from his father who also has Myasthenia Gravis. 

Mr Frazer Sanatana was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the Virgin Islands five years ago to work. He explained that he worked as a bartender but, like most people in his profession at that time, was let go during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Breadwinner

He is a father of four daughters, ranging from seven to eighteen years old, and a son who all live in the Dominican Republic. His son’s mother, he shared, passed away a few months ago. “It’s only me he has, he’s nine years old”.

Mr Frazer Santana said he found a job at Jost van Dyke but was let go because he was unable to perform his duties due to his illness. He returned to Tortola and found an apartment in East End but was eventually evicted eighteen days ago because he was unable to pay rent.

His first three days being homeless, he said he slept in Beef Island on a beach chair and was told by a security guard that he would not sleep there anymore so he came over to Tortola.

“I cried for my health problems, I cried for my daughters,” he said.

Mr Frazer Santana, through tears, said his children back home in the Dominican Republic are depending on him for their basic needs.

“I don’t have anybody right now,” he said. “I went to Social Development, and they just offered me a food voucher,” he added.

While speaking to our News Centre, Mr Frazer Santana said, “I’m hungry, I haven’t eaten since yesterday.” It has been eighteen days since he was evicted from his East End apartment.

Currently, he sleeps in an old pick-up truck and is without his belongings, which are on someone’s porch in East End. He said he does not feel safe in that area and is unable to rest well.

“A few times I feel like jumping in the ocean and finish with this...I can’t take it no more,” he said adding that he has not gone through with it because of his daughter, “she will never forgive me."

Willing to work

“I need to work; I need to have my medication...I need to have it all the time,” he said, however, because he is currently unemployed he is unable to afford the medication which makes everyday tasks more manageable.

“Myasthenia Gravis don’t play, it can kill you, it can put you in a wheelchair...I am not feeling well...I am not supposed to be alive; I’m supposed to be dead. I am alive because of God,” he exclaimed.

Mr Frazer Santana said he is willing to work and has applied for jobs without any response as yet.

“I want a job...the only thing I cannot do is construction because of my health. I am not strong enough to lift heavy stuff,” he added.

Mr Frazer Santana said he is related to Deputy Premier and Minister for the Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3). He said he was able to get in contact with Hon Fraser and spoke with him yesterday, November 19, 2024.

To anyone willing to assist, Mr Frazer Santana said he is currently most in need of his medication, which costs about $57.00. He has been without it for the past four months. He is also in need of a place to stay and a job.

Mr Frazer Santana can be reached via WhatsApp on 284-342-9876 and email ronnifrazar472@gmail.com. Donations can also be sent to him through his ATH Mobile.

"I hope somebody can help me...God is good," he said.

54 Responses to “Man living in 'old pickup truck' on Tortola makes desperate cry for help”

  • Beware (20/11/2024, 12:57) Like (28) Dislike (10) Reply
    This man is a CON MAN DO NOT GIVE HIM NO MONEY
    • @Beware (21/11/2024, 02:20) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      Why do you say that? Please expound on your statement. Thank you.
    • Ronni fraser (24/11/2024, 17:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I really really hope god forgive you.. whoever you are and I hope from my humble heart NO'ONE in your family never get this tipe of cancer...or in any similar situation.. bless for you and your family.......I don't hate you..I just feel sorry for the heart you have.....????????????
  • VG RESIDENT (20/11/2024, 13:03) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    saw him months ago last year where he had applied for a jo at leverick bay but he wasn't honest in his discussions so here he is. I wish him all the best.
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (20/11/2024, 13:06) Like (36) Dislike (7) Reply
    In response to the Topic Issue, I call on the BVIHA to look into this matter, and if true, address this matter asap. Community service means: Communication and balance to all the people of our community, whether they Born in the BVI or not. Help!!!!!
  • Poor fella i feel his pain (20/11/2024, 13:09) Like (72) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where is the Dominicano association when you need them?
  • Come on! ayo need to step up (20/11/2024, 13:12) Like (46) Dislike (1) Reply
    There supposed to have a few Spanish churches in the BVI.
  • Kushlan (20/11/2024, 13:20) Like (51) Dislike (84) Reply
    Why is this our headache.. he needs to go back home to his home country
    • ... (20/11/2024, 13:46) Like (53) Dislike (16) Reply
      Man is a son of the soil...when is time for work permit and taxing money being sent out we dont make noise but the moment someone needs help is always why you dont go back where gou come from....hope you have all your ducks in a row csuse thr land lord going still want theirs even if its ur momma
    • Heart (20/11/2024, 14:09) Like (58) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is not our headache. However, it should be a concern to us as we are all humans..........If you needed the help, would you want someone to reply saying it is not our headache? The truth is this, we can be doing well today but we never know what could befall us tomorrow. We just don't know. If you have decided not to help, or you are unable to help it is your decision. You are entitled to make your own decision on the matter. However, what you should avoid doing is making statements that would influence someone's decision on the matter. The truth is, at some point in our lives most of us will need some kind of help. It might be emotional, physical or material help.
    • NB (20/11/2024, 14:26) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
      You are truly the definition of 'BVILove' aren't you Kushlan? smdh
    • @kushlan (20/11/2024, 18:18) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      Hope you wouldn’t need help in the near future. GOD for US all.
    • yeap (20/11/2024, 21:17) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      Yeap he needs to
  • peace (20/11/2024, 13:36) Like (35) Dislike (1) Reply
    The messiah never born in the bvi or anywhere in the Caribbean yet you glorify him even tho he was born elsewhere, so do not put this demonically idea about who born here or there will determine if they get help. How can you love me that u cannot see but your own brother that u can see you do not, yet you say you love me remember the words of the lord
  • okay (20/11/2024, 13:42) Like (15) Dislike (64) Reply
    time for him to be deported
    • sally (20/11/2024, 18:50) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Hope you don’t ever meet in a tight spot where you need help. On what grounds you deporting him? Has he done anything wrong?
  • Real Talk (20/11/2024, 13:44) Like (1) Dislike (47) Reply
    SEND HIS BEHIND TO HAITI LET THE BEAT THE HELL OUT OF KARMA IS A B%$#
  • Real People (20/11/2024, 14:30) Like (64) Dislike (4) Reply

    I don’t know this man from no where, if I could help I will if not I wouldn’t comment. This place have some real wicked people in it. If you can’t and wouldn’t help shut the %&*@ up

  • Listen (20/11/2024, 14:39) Like (9) Dislike (34) Reply
    Tell him go down Sea Cows Bay and get assistance from the ones that is working in the rum shops and whore houses.
    • Madussa (20/11/2024, 21:33) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
      @ Listen, you are a DEMON! Hateful, Heartless, and downright Horrible. You will not always be healthy. You will need help with your old age one day.
  • manners (20/11/2024, 15:13) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
    Help him out. Most people need a little help but still we can say give it to the other.

    Someone said he is a con but let me tell you I will never look down on a hustler for trying to sell - now I am not saying he is a con or hustler its an example-

    Its better to be sold and hustled for a sale that the people can use to feed their family, than to be robbed by someone to feed their family.

    At that I dont look down on any person selling no matter what they are selling as long as it isnt heroin or crack.

    Most of the time I give them a ear to give them motivation I dont pass anyone straight if they try to make a sale.

    Better than being jumped and robbed but some people get so offended to be sold on a product. It becomes so hypocritical that even the tourist who come to visit your homeland say you want them as a ATM by trying to make a sale.

    If the locals dont make money by honest sales or service the place wont be safe, people will resort to robbing and you dont get to visit. duhhh.

    The world is upside down people dont respect the hustle.
  • Karnage (20/11/2024, 16:04) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    The GDP of the Dominican Republic is 121.4 billion dollars. Can't you be a bartender in your home country? Is this the labour that is so vital it has has to be imported?
  • 2020 (20/11/2024, 16:19) Like (47) Dislike (4) Reply
    It is time for him to go back home to his wife/woman and kids so that they can take care of him now. He has done his best. He will live longer with care, love and rest. He has no future nor possession to keep him here. he will only become a burden on the state.
  • Free money (20/11/2024, 16:27) Like (4) Dislike (20) Reply
    The man is big strong hard back man like everyone else could work some man just damn lazy want free things get up off your behind a work. If he live in truck he choose to live there
  • Local (20/11/2024, 16:30) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    Stop drink Rum. Watch his face !
    He may need psychological help though.
  • HMMM (20/11/2024, 17:01) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    If he's from the DR and that's where his family resides, he has no family here, then why isn't he returning home for help? Surely he would qualify for aid in the DR. He would also have children who can help take care of him there.
  • hog city (20/11/2024, 17:29) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    He from the third call the esteem please
  • Wait (20/11/2024, 18:47) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    U live here 5 years
    Your kids back in your homeland
    Why don’t you go back DR
    Now I like to help others but this right here not making sense and he’s not asking a tkt back home either sounds like he want us to mind him n send money down n pay his rent etc
  • hmm (20/11/2024, 19:12) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    God help us all. I'm a mother of 2 school kids and I have incurable diseases that is only getting worse day by day. I'm forcing myself to work everyday for the kids. Some days I feel as if it's my last day on earth. I'm afraid to ask for help as I'm on work permit so theyll say go home
  • lk (20/11/2024, 19:14) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    First time isee this man but what he is saying make nò senses you can't make it you don't go where you come from some one tie you here are you handicap i naver see more is this man for real
  • Best advise (20/11/2024, 19:18) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Go back to your country
    You will get help
    If u have medical papers u will get social assistance
    Why stay here for the USD ?
  • Hog qash (20/11/2024, 19:47) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    I cant go in another man country to suffer no way ..not to sound heartless but panah try go back in your home land u cant expect people to help u all the time . Imagine we here in our country crying for help cant get and here is u 5yrs living in the bvi seeking help go home . We here need help we self .
  • Hmph (20/11/2024, 20:05) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    I know persons dont like to hear this but Mr. Santana, go home! If you are struggling here then it is time to go to your country. I am sure there is an abundance of jobs available for you home.
  • Huh?? (20/11/2024, 20:22) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    ATH Movil??? HUH!!
  • Echo9X (20/11/2024, 20:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Myasthenia Gravis is undoubtedly a challenging journey, and my heart goes out to you and your family. Only God truly knows the strength and resilience it has taken for you to face this, as well as the courage to share your story. While I may not be able to offer a place to stay, I am committed to doing whatever I can to support you during this time.

    Please don’t let the negativity on this platform weigh you down—your story matters, and God’s got you every step of the way!

    For those who may not be familiar with Myasthenia Gravis or want to learn more about it, I encourage you to take a moment to explore this condition and gain understanding.

    Together, we can foster compassion and awareness. Stay strong and know you are not alone!
  • Got home (20/11/2024, 21:23) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Get on a plane an go back to Santo Domingo where u from
    Better medical there y u want to use us an be a pest to people here
    • lisa (22/11/2024, 18:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I hope to God, you never fall on hard time.
      Keep in mind. YOU are never too high to fall and never too low to rise.
  • TORTOLIAN (20/11/2024, 23:07) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Now it is rather sad to hear th people speak like this. I know this guy very well and he has applied to numerous places trying to get a job but to no avail. He is asking for a job so he can get out of the situation he is in but the negativity here is much. If he robs for what he wants & needs would it be better???????? He is trying to make an honest dollar so he can better his situation but yet you all bash him. Have a heart, this guy is a very good guy, he is very kind and hard working but we fallin spots at times. Thank God for VINO so he can get his story out. May God open doors n windows that you will not have room enough to receive his blessings Ronnie in Jesus name.
  • asking for a friend (20/11/2024, 23:38) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why he don't want to go to social development?
    • *Hmm (21/11/2024, 09:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @asking for a friend...Clearly you didn't read the article & just the headline????????‍♀️
  • BVILOVE (21/11/2024, 01:18) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Imagine I remember a young lady with 5 or 6 asking for help and homeless and born Tortola and was told to move off island because the premiere head of finance said they can’t help!! And the other politician head of health and social development said the same… if they help this man that would not shock me… they do for outside more than insiders (locals) bvilove ….
  • Jones (21/11/2024, 04:00) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    People are so cruel, and call themselves a Christian society.
  • Is he a depirtee??? (21/11/2024, 08:45) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Just asking, because I know the deprtees are, tricksy, lazy and think they can talk their way out of every situation. Then again he looked big and Strong, he will make a good security, FLR, Top Priority, Baltimore and Top Brass all looking for willing belongers to work. He can get a Job..
  • Lb (21/11/2024, 10:24) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Santo has some of the best doctors and a cheaper cost of living. Unfortunately he will never be able to be an earner again due to his illness. But maybe a charity here can agree to cover his monthly medicines back in Santo where the cost would be cheaper. But if you can’t work due to your illness, then you simply can’t work. Makes no sense staying here where things are more expensive and you are homeless or a burden.
  • Immigation (21/11/2024, 10:48) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is why we need to tighten up on immigration and work permits. We have so many unemployed people here and still we letting in persons into the country and giving work permits. Instead we need to do an unemployment assessment, give persons a time frame to find a job or they have to return back to their respective country. Also once giving work permit there should be a time frame/ contract of 5 years after which you have to return to your country even if your contract is renewed you return and come back and start another term. WE NEED COUNTRY MINDED PERSONS ON THE IMMIGRATION BOARD.
  • SKB (21/11/2024, 10:56) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    Tortola is dog eat place sickening
  • tola (21/11/2024, 11:06) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    I sure he have big house Santo them does come here seem like things so bad but back home them living good. I don't trust dem spanish
  • Popoyed (21/11/2024, 17:26) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Reply, to tola, it doesnt matter whaht he have or no, he just need help, as all of wr need after irma, and maria, and remember, DR welcome everybody, remenber when you was hungry, years ago, you used to go DR to cur canes, to survives, and to live better life, the messages i give you is that all of we are human beings.
  • Athena (21/11/2024, 20:08) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    If someone can aid him with a job so je can get on his feet would be nice. But if he is this ill and has no family to help it would be better that he returns home to get assistance from family. I am all for helping but if the help isn't available here then the next best thing is to return home. It's an eye brow raiser though that he can be reached on whatsapp and has ATH. Does he have money for data or the truck that he lives in has net? Not sure if his story is straight but if someone can at least help him with finding a job it's a start.
  • help us (21/11/2024, 21:12) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Purchase a one way ticket air fare for this illegal vagrant
    Give him a free taxi ride to the airport where he can board his flight home to his wife and children obtain medical services and his basic needs as he is entitled to in home country.
    Unless this violates our Immigration laws as there are any like him roaming aimlessly,stealing and placing legs members of society in danger.

    We the people need help in these situations as they are common and ongoing ,distasteful and disgusting. As far as I know immigrants are informed that they are no longer to remain if they become wards of the country,.
    Unless he an exception has money in escrow with zzimmigrayion ,in the event....
    Do the right thjng.. Send the man at our expense as usual , to his home where he belongs.









    • bvi (22/11/2024, 12:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      He's belonger he's father was born here ...he's Julian Fraser family..he's not elegal....for those who say send he back..you Soo wrong he's BVI BELONGER....
  • He has the same rights as you (22/11/2024, 12:51) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is some foolish talk for grown people on this forum. This man is a belonger just like all the other belongers and even if he wasn't is this the way for us to treat a person in need of our assistance Tolians, is this the way we were broght up. This man is the nephew of the Hon. Julian Frazer look at his last name and buy a clue. Come on show some gratutde for the service he has already put in for this country all he is asking for is a little assistance to get back on his feet again, is that so hard??? Why can't we help our people??? Have we never neede assistance before???? Don't we have kids overseas n some of our husbands n wives are happily married to our fellow DR people???? Do some research guys google his sickness he is not handicap as a result of it, he can work perfectly fine like me and u. The lack of knowledge the people perish
  • Interested (24/11/2024, 20:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A perfect con artist.Send him back where he belongs
  • KM (26/11/2024, 10:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He said that he is related to The Deputy Premier Hon. Julian Fraser RA (3).
    Well, he is the best person to help him.


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