Aldeen Campbell, JIS Writer
At 103 years old, Henry Young still looks as sharp as he ever did.
He still keeps abreast of the daily news and 'Papa', as he is affectionately called, looks forward to reading The Gleaner.
Aged 103, Henry Young has no trouble recollecting his early years. And he's never shy about engaging those around him in spirited discussions.
Young, who lives in Dromily, Trelawny, told JIS he has outlived his parents, sister, two brothers, wife, as well as one of his daughters.
Born in January 1905, he was recruited in 1944 to serve in World War II.
"We never fought in the war but we did foundry work. We melted iron for railroads and weapons, and as for the Americans, they really loved and appreciated me because I never smoked and I was never a lover of strong drink," he said, adding that his tour of duty was dangerous.
ventured into agriculture
When the war ended, he rejoined his wife and children in Jamaica and ventured into agriculture, cultivating crops such as coconuts, bananas, sugar cane, coffee, yam and other ground provisions.
"I did my farming and I tried my best to give my family the best. I sent my children to school, and I thank God that none of them came out a dunce," the centenarian said, pointing out that after his wife died in 1969 he continued doing his best as a single parent.
"I have to give the Lord thanks for his keeping care because everybody else that I grew up with around here either died in their 70s, 80s or 90s, but none ever lived to see 100, let alone 103," Young said.
Young sees his longevity as a gift from God and hopes his children experience the same.
A man who prides himself with keeping up with current affairs, Young is pleased with the rate of Jamaica's development.
"I am proud of Jamaica today because the Government is helping to make things better and I appreciate that," he said, making special mention to the National Health Fund (NHF) and how having the NHF card was a blessing, as it was a "major cutback on medical expenses".
Young fully supports the law and reflected on the year 1940 when he was employed as an authoriser (now district constable).
"I always try to do my job the right way. I would always try not to make any unnecessary arrests because I am one person who really doesn't like cruelty or taking advantage of others," he said, while encouraging members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to maintain their dignity in duty.
In addition, Young worked as a supervisor for the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) for over 35 years, where he actively participated in the Denbigh and Hague farm shows.
sour tale of sugar
Young laments the state of the island's sugar cane industry.
"Sugar cane? I tell you, it is gone down to nothing now. Only the name is left."
He pointed out that the sugar industry would strive if planters of the sugar cane dedicated themselves to the task of producing.
The centenarian, who says he is a devout Christian to this day, always tried to instil the faith's principles in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
"The behaviour of some of these young people today is just not nice. They lack respect for their elders and even for themselves. And the Bible says that children must obey their parents for it is right. When I listen to the arguments and watch the actions of some of the young people today, I have to wonder because I remember when I was growing up, I could not even join in any arguments with adults. But today, it is different because these young people will stand up word for word with you in argument and have no fear," he said.
no major illnesses
Apart from minor aches and pains and a common cold once in a while, Young suffers from no major illnesses and is quite happy with his life and grateful that he is still able to see and read well.
"I pray to God and ask him sincerely for long life so that I could be able to help my children and watch them grow up to be adults and he gave me what I ask for," he said, commending his son Hubert Young for following in his footsteps as group leader at Hampden Sugar Estate, a position Young Sr held for 23 years.
For some people, growing old is a thought they fear, but for Henry Young, being 103 years old is a reward for doing good on the journey of life.
"I would be happy if I live to see 104, but if I don't live that long, I can say today that I am satisfied with the way I have lived. If you do good, then good will follow you, and that is what is keeping me. We have to learn to live good with each other and maintain decent behaviour and always stand up for what is right," he encouraged.
This is a special Gleaner feature in collaboration with the Jamaica Information Service. Send feedback to editor@gleanerjm.com.
Young is happy that his faculties have stayed with him long enough to still be able to read The Gleaner unassisted. - Contributed Photos
