Janet Silvera 
In the hard times, Billy gets a loving touch from Leonie Spence.
WESTERN BUREAU:
A 98-year-old mother's death wish. A good Samaritan's deeds. The Rotary Club of Montego Bay East and a country that cares for its people hasve led to the return of former West Indian boxer Billy Greaves to his home in Barbados.
The former soldier and boxer, who has been living in Jamaica since the 1960s lost his house during Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. He was forced to live in squalor in the community of Salt Spring, where any food he tasted was provided by kind neighbours.
His boxing career took him to countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize and Antigua; his last fight was with 'Kid Ralph' in Barbados.
"I came here because I love this country", he said passionately, "in my early years I did photography at Ventura and Frank Mair Photo Studios as well as security work at the former Mutual Security Bank".
While visiting her daughter, Leonie Spence, a Jamaican living in St. Martin saw Billy's condition. "I saw him living in a shack, no lights, no water, no bathroom, no kitchen, after speaking with him I could hear the Bajan accent," she said.
Her compassion drove her to investigate his background, and on a trip to Barbados, she sought the help of Eric Sealy, boxing promoter, find Greaves' family.
News of his situation spread like wild fire in Barbados, and both the Advocate and the Nation carried stories of his plight.
His mother who thought he had died, after his absence of 40 years, heard the news. "She was very happy to hear he was still alive," said Mr. Sealy, who came here to assist in arrangements for his journey home.
Barbadians like Jack Robinson, former manager of the Royal Bank of Canada, who was also a member of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, sought the assistance of his colleagues.
"We were asked to assist in whatever way possible to get him back to Barbados", said Maxwell Southby, past Assistant District Governor. The Rotary Club did more than assist with his airline ticket; they gave him a suitcase of clothes.
When the former Boxer visited the Gleaner's Montego Bay office, he said he would like to go home to visit, but he will come right back to Jamaica. His undying love and loyalty to Jamaica was admirable in the face of hardship.
On his arrival home it is said the Minister of Social Transformation in Barbados would help him. "There are so many people who have come forward and assisted us, this is an indication, there are positives out there", said Mr. Sealy.
Through the assistance of Air Jamaica, the Rotary Club of Montego Bay East, Lloyd Young and the people of Barbados, Billy Greaves was flown to Barbados two weeks ago.
And just before going to press, news came that the boxer was reunited with his family and the government is going to give him a house.
