Being born in 1962 made her independent
Published:Saturday | August 4, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Nackeshia Tomlinson, Gleaner Writer
SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth:
JENNIFER CARTER was born in a significant year in our history - 1962, the year Jamaica gained political Independence from Great Britain.
Carter, who was born October 3, 1962, is proud of the year of her birth. She said being born in 1962 has affected her sense of Independence.
"My mom always told me, 'You are an Independence child, and you must always be independent. Make sure you have your own and don't depend on others.'"
That message was not lost on Carter. "I always try to work for my own and teach my children not to be parasites."
To support herself and family over the years, Carter, a single mother of three girls and four boys, has worked a number of jobs and has successfully educated all her children to the high-school level.
A proud Carter said, "Not having a direct job and sending all the children to school makes me feel good."
Carter told The Gleaner that she remembers several momentous occasions in Jamaica's history. One which stands out is Haile Selassie's visit to Jamaica. She remembers the fanfare which surrounded the event and the Rastafarians who gathered at her mother's shop to watch the event on a black-and-white television set.
TRANSFORMATION OF SANTA CRUZ
She said she also witnessed the transformation of the bustling town of Santa Cruz, noting that while she was attending school, the area that is now a park was entirely green.
Carter said she has made plans for some low-keyed celebrations with her family that will involve a great deal of food - especially some of the traditional dishes that she said she makes very well.
A patriotic Carter shared her dreams for Jamaica. Topping her list was for a crime-free country. She also expressed concern for the current level of unemployment among the youth, who she wishes will get greater access to education. For herself, she is wishing for a long life, health, and strength.