BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – JOSEPH BUCHANAN will be 97-years-old on December 12 and Sandy Pointers Inspiring Real Improvement Throughout (SPIRIT) decided to honour him yesterday (Jun. 20) for his contributions to the development of Sandy Point.
Buchanan is the oldest recorded father in that community and Father’s Day came with much love from the new youth-based organization SPIRIT. The group of 30 pampered him with a fruit basket and words of appreciation while he reminisced with stories of growing up in Sandy Point.
“I would like everyone to know that I am a Sandy Pointer. I was born, grew up, was schooled and worked in Sandy Point.... I must say it is very heartening to see a group of my own people, the people of my town, to give me a visit and I am quite pleased,” he told the group members.
SPIRIT members spent the afternoon in lively conversation learning about Buchanan’s earlier years, his family life and his experiences living and working in the USVI and Aruba. The Sandy Point elder is a cricket fanatic and spent almost 30 years of his life working as a building inspector, making his way up the ranks from a general foreman. He got married in 1944 and was blessed with six children thereafter.
Buchanan, still peppy despite his age and the passing of his wife, revealed his secret to long life – one which SPIRIT members were urged to hold dear to their hearts.
“Put your trust in God; no matter what your troubles are Jesus will see you through.... Ask him to give you strength, guidance and mercy... that, I think, has given me the impetus to keep on. That is my real secret to long life.
“To all those fathers, you need to love your children and give them the best that you can. Do not spare the rod and spoil the child... and you must honour your mother and father that you may live long on the earth,” Buchanan said.
His snippets of wisdom resonated throughout the room as SPIRIT members took note. Buchanan was upbeat and wished the group success after outlining some parts of his vision for the community.
SPIRIT Coordinator of the event Treasa Wyatt told SKNVibes that yesterday’s donation to Buchanan is just a small part of the work that SPIRIT intends to continue doing in the community.
“It was nice to get his perspective on the community: what it was like years ago and what he would like it to be like years from now. He has played a major role as a father, tradesman and a community activist in Sandy Point and in St. Kitts by extension.
“I want people to know that this is what SPIRIT is about: giving back to the community and building the community,” she said.
The group is making preparations for long-term community programmes with the view to empower individuals and improve the overall community.
