After more than two decades living in Antigua and Barbuda, a 61-year-old man from Dominica is now facing the fight of his life — alone.
Zophar “Tupac” Andrew migrated from Dominica over 20 years ago in search of better opportunities, but life has taken a painful turn. Diagnosed with prostate cancer about 12 years ago, he is now in urgent need of surgery, estimated at EC$6,000 — a cost far beyond his reach.
Andrew said that the illness has steadily deteriorated his health and his ability to support himself. With no Antiguan legal identification — no passport, no Social Security card, no medical benefits coverage — navigating assistance systems has become nearly impossible.
“I came to Antigua from Dominica looking for a better living. I used to work and make a lot of money, but I spent all that money on prostitutes. I used to feel I was Mr Boombastic. I really lived a bad life until things turned worse for me”, he said.
He said he has sought help from several places, including local churches, but so far, no one has been able to provide the support he desperately needs.
“Well, I went to the churches and all they did was pray for me…” he said.
While his roots and family ties remain in Dominica, his relatives there are unable to assist financially. Here in Antigua, he has no family at all. As the cancer spreads, the pain is worsening — and so is his fear that he could die without receiving surgery soon.
For now, Andrew lives in a small wooden structure on a farm in Jennings — land that belongs to someone else. He survives off the few crops he is still strong enough to grow. But even that is becoming harder as his strength declines.
Despite everything, his spirit remains unwavering. Andrew says he is not looking for pity — only a chance to live.
Despite everything, his spirit remains unwavering. Andrew says he is not looking for pity — only a chance to live.
After calling Dominica home for most of his life and Antigua home for the last 20 years, he hopes the community he has worked alongside and lived among will now help him through his greatest challenge.
Anyone willing to assist can contact him directly at 1- 268-723-3379.
So far, Zophar has received some assistance with food supplies and other necessities, but his journey is far from over.
He needs financial assistance for his surgery.
The media whore should organize a radio thon,he is very good at doing that.Raise the $6,000