Tobago Amputee Says He Was Left to Survive on Beach for Two Years
A Tobago man who lost his right leg in an explosion nearly two years ago says he has been forced to live on a beach ever since, claiming he received little meaningful support despite promises of assistance.
Speaking during an interview, Timothy Johnson said he was selling fish when the life-changing incident occurred.
According to Johnson, he had gone to purchase bread from a grocery and was leaving when he heard a loud explosion. The next thing he remembers is waking up in hospital and learning that his right leg had been amputated.
Johnson maintains that he was an innocent bystander and had no involvement in whatever circumstances led to the explosion.
“I’m a law-abiding citizen,” he said.
Before the incident, Johnson worked in Tobago’s hospitality industry, serving as a bartender and waiter at several establishments, including hotels and guest accommodations.
However, losing his leg dramatically altered his circumstances.
“Since I lose my leg, I’ve been living on the beach, specifically Turtle Beach, also known as Starfish Beach,” he explained.
Unable to afford rent and struggling to secure employment, Johnson said he has spent the past two years surviving outdoors while relying on the kindness of strangers.
He expressed disappointment that promises allegedly made while he was recovering in hospital never materialized into long-term support.
According to Johnson, most of the assistance he has received has come from private citizens, tourists, former acquaintances, and well-wishers who recognized his situation and offered food, supplies, or financial help.
“People who come to the country help me every single day,” he said.
Johnson revealed that approximately one month ago, he finally began receiving government assistance, nearly two years after the incident. However, he said the support amounts to a monthly public assistance payment of around TT$1,300.
He further claimed that officials informed him the assistance would end once he receives a prosthetic limb later this year.
Johnson expressed concern about that decision, arguing that obtaining a prosthetic leg does not automatically guarantee employment.
“They said I’m young and I will get a prosthetic and start to work, but there are not many people hiring a disabled person at the moment,” he said.
Currently, Johnson earns what he can by working as a ticket agent in the Store Bay area while continuing to search for more stable opportunities.
Despite his hardships, he remains determined to move forward and thanked the many individuals who have supported him over the years.
“I thank everybody who helped me, but most importantly I thank God,” he said.
Johnson also reflected on the mental toll of his experience, noting that while others facing difficult circumstances may have lost hope, he has continued to persevere.
As he awaits a prosthetic limb and hopes for a more stable future, Johnson says his greatest challenge remains finding secure housing and meaningful employment.
