Delroy McNorton - repairman for 40 years

Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

FROM THE tender age of 15, while attending the Port Antonio Secondary School in Portland, Delroy McNorton learned the art and skill of a radio and television technician.

McNorton, whose electrical appliance repair shop is located on West Palm Avenue in Port Antonio, provides services for residents who are in need of getting their fans, televisions, irons, radios, DVD players, and mini-component sets repaired.

"This is my livelihood. My job is a challenging and complex one, which requires lots of patience. It is also a risky job as the amount of current that flows from the picture tube of a television set is about 10,000 volts, which can kill, or at least can seriously injure, an individual," McNorton told Rural Xpress.

He added: "I have been doing this for more than 40 years, but I keep learning new things as it relates to repairing circuit boards, changing resistors, and replacing transistors. This is my bread and butter, and I have to ensure that the finished work is perfect."

Blossoming in his work

The technician noted that after becoming a certified technician in 1978, following the completion of an online course for which he received a certificate, he started blossoming in his work as more and more persons were impressed with the finished product.

He noted that as a result, news about his ability to deliver high-quality work spread like wildfire, and with his popularity growing, along with money made from his trade, he was able to send his two children through high school and college.

McNorton, who is now nearing 62 years old, also added that new models of television sets have made his work more challenging, and with the advent of digital television to Jamaica's shores, sourcing parts to do the necessary repairs in a timely manner is proving to be difficult.

According to the technician, he firmly believes that digital radio and television were not designed for a tropical climate, which is much warmer than elsewhere. He said also that digital television tends to generate a lot of heat and is better suited for colder countries, including Canada, the United States, England, Germany, and France.

"The circuit board of digital television is easily affected, especially in this warm climate. On the other hand, analog television is ideal for warmer countries. Nevertheless, technology has improved and new modules have emerged over time. I will continue to work at my trade, and hopefully, the patience of my customers will not wane whenever it takes a little more time to repair a digital television."

rural@gleanerjm.com