Bob and Stephen

BY Gordon Robinson

Everybody knows I can't abide ceremony. In particular, weddings and funerals aren't on my social calendar. In my dictionary, weddings are overrated, pretentious schemes to raise money for the future unhappy couple, and funerals are barbaric, boring rituals where profilers intrude upon a family's grief expecting free food and entertainment. The guests of honour's souls and minds are usually elsewhere. Formalities overcome realities.

I'm with Peter Macintosh:

"Dem want I; Dem want I

fi come a dem funeral.

Dem claim say; Dem claim say

Dem a de general."

As for the traditional invasion of grief-stricken families' homes (after a bout of uncivilised religious chanting over loved ones' remains) seeking free hospitality:

"Let the dead bury the dead

and who is to be fed, be fed.

I ain't got no time to waste on you,

I'm a livin man, I got work to do."

Usually, funerals are less about celebrating the deceased's life and more like popularity contests for attracting VIPs whose seating arrangements take priority over all else. But, as Tosh postulated:

"This man and that man

yes, they are the same man.

You taught us this just as well

that the rich man heaven is the poor man's hell.

You mus' e want I fe com'a com'a funeral

but natty no go no one burial."

So, The Old Ball and Chain was shocked and amazed to hear I'd be attending two celebrations of individual lives. She insisted on accompanying me to protect the general population from my untoward behaviour.

On October 28, she spent the usual six-plus hours at the gym and beauty parlour where a bevy of personal trainers and beauticians attempted the impossible. Finally satisfied with their refurbishing work, she led me to Jamaica College for the Bob Andy benefit.

We weren't disappointed. The outpouring of love for one of Jamaica's best songwriters was heart-warming. The best part was that the Maestro himself was present in heart, soul, mind and body to soak up and appreciate the love.

"To be true to one another.

To be kind and gentle to each other.

To give your best when it's asked of you.

To do what you have to do when you're supposed to.

You've got to feel it

You've got to feel the soul deep inside of you."

A humble man

My enjoyment of Bob's benefit was somewhat restrained by the bad news that Stephen Chung, whom I'd known for 30 years, had died. Stephen was heralded as one of Jamaica's wealthiest, but those who interacted with him would never have known. He was without airs; made no distinction between rich and poor, aristocrat and commoner; and moved among all with the same ease and humility. He was dedicated to community development and spared no effort or expense to that end.

But, here's what many don't know about Stephen Chung. I first met Stephen through my father, who was his teacher at JC. My father told me something I've never forgotten - the most flattering remark he ever made about another person. He said Stephen was the best math student he ever taught (and a decent leg-spin bowler). Years later, I used that recommendation to achieve national benefit. I was at the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission and Stephen was co-owner of Big A, a licensed bookmaker.

To improve bookmakers' pathetic tax compliance, I'd developed a mathematical formula which identified recalcitrant betting shops. I then held one-on-one meetings with bookmakers in the hope that my findings would encourage them to take the necessary corrective steps. Most were hostile. When Stephen's turn came, he was, as usual, diplomatically quiet, but it was clear he was unhappy at the obvious innuendo. Relying on my father's assessment, I emphasised the mathematics behind my allegations. I soon noticed a significant improvement in Big A's numbers.

Years later, I learned why. Stephen worked on my figures himself and discovered that his books were being diddled by trusted managers. He cleaned house immediately. That was Stephen: honest to a fault; family-oriented; community organiser; mathematical genius; and a friend to all.

What could I do? Old BC repeated the massive beautification job required for her to appear in public without frightening children; I showered, dressed up (jacket, tie AND good shoes); and we followed the Wag Water River's curves to the Our Lady Stars of the Sea Church for Stephen's funeral. Nice things were said. Thousands of profilers came. Unfortunately, Stephen wasn't there to appreciate the love. Rest in peace, Stephen.

Peace and love.

Gordon Robinson is an attorney-at-law. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.