97-y-o puts his faith in God

Mark Titus, Staff Reporter

Western Bureau:

Ninety-seven-year-old Theophilus Campbell turned his head at the sound of approaching footsteps, his blindness seemingly sharpening his other senses.

"I am blind," declared Campbell, stating the obvious to Western Focus. "My nerves is giving mi trouble. I have nervous breakdown."

The elderly Campbell, a resident of the community of Alps in southern Trelawny, had no qualms talking about the state of his diminishing health, nonetheless, he was in high spirits.

Campbell is one of several senior citizens of the quiet rural community where residents try to carve out an existence under sometimes trying conditions, including the absence of basic amenities.

Alps, which is situated in the Cockpit Country, is considered a haven for persons interested in traditional medicine as the landscape is covered with several species of plants, which residents claim have healing properties.

In fact, many residents are said to be quite skilled in the art of bush medicine, making various tonics, which they regularly share with outsiders with medical issues.

TRADITIONAL VALUES

Campbell, who grew up against the backdrop of traditional values - the common thread that ties the community together - is a Seventh-day Adventist Church member. His long-standing belief in God has been a tower of strength to him.

As a child, Campbell attended the 'Gibraltar School', where he got a basic education. However, his survival skills were developed while living with a granduncle, and later, his grandfather.

While he cannot remember many of the details of his early life, Campbell can recall going into farming after leaving school and fathering one child.

Now that he is unable to move around as he would like, or even attend church as often as before, he remains resolute in his belief that God will take care of him.

"The nation need to serve the Lord with all their heart and all their might for them to live long on the land," advised Campbell.