11th August 1912, to 11th August 2012 - 100th Birthday
BASSETERRE St. Kitts, August 14th 2012 - Life, by its very virtue, is no pleasant stroll, along a smooth path, surrounded by most picturesque, fertile and luscious hills, with an abundance of riches, while waiting to partake of sumptuous breakfasts, lunches and dinners. But, conversely, it is a struggle, using much elbow grease in order to survive.
Surely! This was exemplified by this most venerable patriarch, Mr. Wilfred Martin, where the epitome of courage, resilience and strength was exhibited by this dedicated and enterprising centenarian, who we are here to celebrate on this momentous and auspicious occasion, with family, friends and well-wishers.
It is imperative that we preserve our historical, cultural and social affairs, and to respect and honour our true cultural icons, who we can all emulate: those who have left that rich legacy, such as the likes Mr. Martin, for us to perpetuate, especially our younger generations.
When one reflects on those good and bad old days, when the homes were built of mud and wattle, and reminisces on the days when the thatch house was 'KING', when one had to get up in the 'forenoon' (that's about 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning) to go to the mountain to cut the 'sweet wood' from which the rafters and runners were made, and later to look for the 'stalk meat' and 'whiss' that was used to thatch the roof, as well as the 'ola', which was a key component of the construction, making sure that the roof did not leak. And not forgetting the days of the crocus bag grass bed and fibre pillow case, with the centipedes and bugs, which were quite uncomfortable at times, sometimes creating much havoc and embarassment. Even though it was rough and tough in those days, people somehow were quite contented, making the best of what they had at that particular time.
As a youth, Dada, or Dorlees, as he was affectionately called, was always filled with the aptitude and desire to become a family man, to the extent where he could be the breadwinner and stabiliser for his other siblings and himself. This became quite evident in his attitude towards his fellow men, which gave them the impetus to work hard, be honest and courteous at all times.
Wilfred was born in the beautiful parish of St. Paul's on the 11th of August 1912 to Clarice Mills of St. Paul's and Daniel Martin out of Antigua, who came here to St. Kitts, Belmont to be more exact, in search of work on the plantation of Belmont, where he fell in love with Wilfred's mother Clarice. However, that relationship did not last for long, when shortly after Wilfred's father fled to Santa Domingo seeking a better pay day, when he was just a few months old, leaving his mother Clarice with that extra burden of looking after him. She made sure he attended church and Sunday School regularly, as well as the Church Ghaut school, under Miss Jane Thomas, headmistress, a school also attended by the late Robert Llewelyn Bradshaw, first Premier, and the present Prime Minister, the honourable Denzil Llewelyn Douglas.
In the word of Mr . Martin, who indicated to me that he remembered the days when he went to school bare-footed with the many patches in his britches, and also reflected on the days when he and his friends almost ate off whole cane fields for lunch on a daily basis. He also remembered the good ol' three fire stones, where you roasted the potato and sprat, and when you finished eating you had a big cup of swank, which would hold you for the day.
His mother worked very hard to make ends meet, as well as to instil certain disciplinary traits that were essential towards the basic elements of one's upbringing. This was to uphold and admonish those good moral, ethical values, while making sure that the three R's were of great importance to Dada, namely Reading, 'Riting' and 'Rithmatic'.
Unfortunately, Wilfred's love for school, began to lose its impetus when he was forced to leave school, so as to assist his mother with the digging of grass, and cutting of the sugar cane, etc. Wilfred continued to reitterate the opinion that it was always a pleasure for "he to follow his mother to work on the estate every morning, and helping her at times" This would have enabled him to make the necessary adjustments as he continued to pursue his objective, which was to work hard and help his family.
Being the only child of his father and the first of his mother he was able to establish that fatherly figure which was able to help to alleviate at least some of the financial strains his mother began to encounter, after having to assist with the needs of his other brothers and sisters, Constantia, Theresa, Margaret, Leonard, William, Samuel and George, who is the only one alive apart from Wilfred.
The citizens of St. Pauls and its environs should be proud of this phenomenal character on attaining and accomplishing his objectives, which were to help his community as well as his family. The many jokes he gave were overwhelming; his cool and calm charisma, which he exhibited throughout his lifespan. Never worry! To quote Wilfred, "Turn away wrath" and "aggressive words stir up anger" which sums up his cool and calm character.
The many benefits that were derived from his mountain ground and his home in Rawlins, where he lived all of his life, and its environs, can attest to the love and affection he gave to his children, grandchildren, great grand and great great grandchildren, not forgetting his neighbours and friends, who he shared his produce with always. A man of the people!
Mention must be made of his children, especially Ilene Martin Francis, who visits his home frequently to look after Wilfred, giving him all the care and attention needed throughout his latter years. There is always a bush tea ready every night, whether sun or rain, prepared by Judith his neighbour and granddaughter, who always looks for him as well. Not forgetting all the schoolchildren and other neighbours - in fact the entire community - who look for him on a daily basis, hailing him 'Dado, Dado', when they come and go. That in itself brings a sense of joy and compassion to him.
Wilfred had five children, one of whom is deceased: Murial Martin Williams. Ilene Martin Francis, Agatha Martin Francis, Susan Martin Francis and James Martin, who resides in New York, are the four other siblings.
Sandra Francis, another one of his grand daughters, also known as 'Baby', must be highly commended for her tireless care and attention, and the dedication and inspiration she gives continually. If ever Wilfred feels unwell, his granddaughter 'Baby' is there for him. Mention should also be given to Shakilla.
In conclusion I want to thank all those persons who came for this special occasion to witness this special event and to celebrate with this our beloved centenarian and friend, Wilfred Martin, may you live to see many more Happy Birthdays, and may the good Lord give you the strength, wisdom and perseverance to live to see many many more!
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