Orlando

“Stop killing our women, leave the little girls and let them grow.”

—Broomy

Born in Kingston 13, Orlando Barrows affectionately known as Broomy, is never short of words. Despite not knowing how to read or write, he has never been shy about spreading his messages of love and encouragement as he sells his brooms on weekends. So one day, I asked him to share his message for the record and I’m glad I did.

His story is warm but his call to action is urgent and I do hope that his passion, love and tender spirit translates in this brief interview.

Thank you Orlando for your time, and thank you reader and listener for being here.

Man in beret smiling, holding brooms outdoors.
Man wearing a beret and a light purple shirt, standing outdoors beside a bundle of straw brooms, in front of greenery and a house.
Black and white photograph of a man standing on a street, wearing a hat, a sleeveless shirt, jeans, and flip-flops, carrying stalks of sugarcane over his shoulder. Houses line the street in the background.
Man holding handmade brooms under a palm tree, wearing a black beret and purple shirt.