Neville, C. Lloyd, and Julius did it their way

By Devon Dick

In January, Neville Barrett, C. Lloyd Allen and Julius Creary were buried. Neville was my brother-in-law being married to my sister, Marva. About a decade ago, at Marva's 50th birthday party, he sang the Paul Anka-written My Way which was released in 1969 by the American singer Frank Sinatra. Neville sang it his way in the most off-key tone. He had some ability with the guitar and piano, but Neville could not sing for his dear life. However, he was not the conventional type.

It was ironic that he sang My Way which is about a man who, having grown old, reflects on his life as death approaches. He is contented with his mortality and takes responsibility for how he dealt with all the challenges of life while maintaining a degree of integrity. That was the story of Neville's life, who had a kidney transplant some 14 years ago and subsequent health challenges, but he never complained. He instead engaged in ventures that would daunt a strong man.

Neville, a Kingston College old boy, was a realist who saw life as it was, and a dreamer, who saw life as it could be. He was also a doer who strove to better his circumstances and those of others. He served Verizon for 25 years and recently led the development of a fibre optic network that brings Internet, telephone, and television service to millions of American homes. Two years ago, he and his wife opened Dash-een restaurant at the Norman Manley International Airport. He believed in Jamaica as a place to do business. Last year, when I received a national award, I did not tell him or his wife, but he read in The Gleaner and had a surprise dinner celebration for me. He was so excited for me. But that was Neville; he did things his way.

political work

C. Lloyd Allen, outstanding administrator and political activist, was a no-nonsense man known for his independence of thought and critical analysis. When I visited him at the hospital, he was seriously ill, but he still found time to be critical of my tiepin and gave me a lesson in 'sartorial elegance'. He was proud of his role in being a member of the team that brokered the return of former prime minister Bruce Golding to the Jamaica Labour Party. He was very know-ledgeable about Jamaica's political history from the 1960s, and he helped shape my understanding of this more than anyone else. For a decade, C. Lloyd was the first to telephone me about my article and my most ardent critic, and would delight in providing gaps in my understanding of politics. C. Lloyd had a soft spot for Bishop Don Taylor and Rev Sebert Mckoy, who was pastor of Townhead Baptist Church, where he spent his formative years. He insisted that we visit Sebert McKoy at a nursing home, which we did. For some, C. Lloyd was an enigma, but he did things his way, and he eschewed political violence and corruption and bemoaned poor nation leadership, as he desired a better nation.

evangelism

Julius Creary was Jamaica's foremost evangelist and was one of the first to have an evangelistic organisation in his name similar to Billy Graham. He worked with all churches and was given to prayer and fasting and a mission to ladies who sell sex. He was an effective and uncompromising evangelist and was known for his personal integrity. I am eternally grateful to him for giving me good advice in my earlier years when I was struggling with whether or not I was a Christian.

They have each lived a life that's full; they took steps along the highways and byways; they may even have bitten off more than they could chew; they have loved and laughed. In all of this, they might have had a few regrets, but through it all, they found fulfilment in doing it their way.

May their souls rest in peace.

Rev Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew. He is author of 'The Cross and the Machete', and 'Rebellion to Riot'. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.