Delcie Robinson is taking it easy at 102
Published:Saturday | October 27, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Nackeshia Tomlinson, Gleaner Writer
SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth:
AT 102 years old, Delcie Robinson has all her mental faculties intact, complemented by a spirited personality. She can still read a large-print Bible and express her thoughts and opinions.
When The Gleaner visited Robinson recently, she insisted on changing into a more suitable head scarf and a different outfit, especially since it was evident that photos would be required. As such, she ignored any attempt at reasoning that the clothing she was wearing was acceptable for the pictures.
Outfit changed and her cat comfortably nestled against her ankle, Robinson related her life's story.
She told The Gleaner that she led a quiet lifestyle. She was born and grew up in Prospect, St Elizabeth, to parents who were subsistence farmers. Like them, after leaving all-age school, when her official education discontinued due to limited financial resources, Robinson sold items on behalf of a family and later took up farming in a bid to support herself.
Robinson told The Gleaner that she bought a goat and some chickens, which she sold at intervals to a buyer who took them to Kingston.
"Mi a woman used to work mi big ground, plant mi corn and gungo peas," she told The Gleaner.
SALESWOMAN
When her five children were born, she took to the market to sell items. However, Robinson said during those days, she had to walk about eight miles to and from Newmarket to ply her trade.
"Mi buy load and likkle things and carry the load on mi head mek market because you haffi do any likkle thing fi survive," the centenarian told The Gleaner. On occasions, she would make castor oil and puddings to get additional income.
Robinson said at that time, there was no electricity and people had to rely on kerosene lamps. She said persons could move about more freely without being fearful. Before becoming a born-again Christian, Robinson went to several parties. However, she pointed out that the dances she attended were never rowdy, but were decent gatherings.
"Like wedding time, you haffi dress nice for ballroom dancing where you had guitars and mouth organs," said Robinson.
Great-niece Shirley Smalling, who spoke on behalf of the family, said she is proud and happy that Robinson has lived to see 102.
Smalling said, she, along with several community members, has benefited from Robinson's kindness. She said Robinson's longevity is a blessing.
These days, she takes it easy, goes to church, and eats healthy. She seems a bit perturbed by the current state of society.
"Jamaica was very good at that time when mi was growing. You can't go out as you like and do as you like, because the world different now. Is only like di vehicle, dem days you couldn't move around, but dem yah days you can do it."