Gileon’s guide

by Anesta Henry

Centenarian Gileon Lescar Carrington believes minding his own business and following the Good Book are two of the secrets to his longevity and his ability to still catch the bus and travel to different parts of the island on his own.

He shared these secrets and more with Governor General Dame Sandra Mason today when she visited him at his Crab Hill, St Lucy home, to celebrate his birthday along with his family and friends.

Carrington told Dame Sandra that he knew her from the time she was a Judge. He said now the Governor General has been elevated to the highest office of the land, he was happy she had come to visit him as he turned 100 years old.

“People like to always be fretting at everything. Stop worrying. Mind your own business. Everything that your two eyes see, you don’t have to make a comment. Always listen before you reply. God loves everybody. He didn’t hate anybody,” Carrington advised.

Carrington who kept an impressed Dame Sandra, engaged in conversation throughout her entire visit, said he was a fisherman and later went on to working in the School Meals Department. He said he has always had a love for politics, and noted that he still paid close attention to national affairs, and particularly what is happening in Parliament.

“I like to move around. As a community man I move around. You can’t be a community man and stand up in a corner. You got to know about A B C and what is happening. I does go to Black Rock twice a week. I does go to the bus stop and I got the card and I does get in the bus and go about my way,” he said.

The centenarian said he does not have any favourite food, but he does have a liking for stewed potato and fish.

Those gathered for the brief ceremony which included the singing of the birthday song, described Carrington, who calls several individuals everyday to offer them encouraging words, as a father to many, though he never had any children of his own.

His niece Carra Carrington described him as fun-loving and a cheerful giver who amuses everybody with his ability to move around. She said the centenarian is still in relatively good health, except for the arthritis, which affects his knees.

Carrington, who still maintains a relationship with Selah Primary School, where he attended school, was presented with a birthday card from the head boy and head girl of that primary school. (AH)