George Nooks brings joy to Golden Age Home

Anybody who knows reggae singer George Nooks will be aware that he was raised by his grandmother, Estella Marshall, a woman whom he adored. Her passing in 2001 left a deep void in Nooks' life, and over the years, he has consistently sought positive ways to fill it that would pay tribute to her memory. One such way is giving back to the residents in state care at the Golden Age Home in Kingston.

Last Thursday, Nooks not only treated the golden agers to a tasty meal and care packages but also took along a few of his friends in the music industry - Joan Flemmings, Jodian Pantry, and Gem Myers - and staged an inspiring mini concert.

"It gives me joy inside. I am humbled to be able to give back," he finally managed to say, overcome with emotion when asked about his project. "I was brought up by my grandmother, and when I see the elderly folk, even though they are not family, I see them as persons who have all contributed to society in some shape or form. And I want to show them as much love as I can," Nooks told THE WEEKEND STAR.

It was in 2016 that Nooks and his wife, Heather, started to visit the home, and at that time, he staged a treat for the residents of Cluster C on Mothers' Day. Since then, he has added Cluster B and has made it a year-round activity.

"We asked what was needed, and we were told doors and windows and we dealt with that. And on Mothers' Day, we bring roses and additional cheer. It is so appreciated, and really, it is the least we can do," Nooks said.

The reggae singer, who is also known for his distinctive and chart-topping covers of gospel favourites, admitted that this giveback project is a two-way street as it plays a role in his own spirituality.

"I want to tell you that this is a blessing for me, personally, as it keeps me grounded. When you go there and see the needs and you see the caregivers, just how selfless many of them are, it makes a deep impact on your soul. So money that you would spend frivolously, you check yuhself, and instead of buying a shoes that yuh nuh really need or another expensive piece of jewellery, yuh direct those funds towards the home instead," Nooks said.

With the George Nooks Foundation already in the works, Nooks and his wife hope to fast-track the process and have it up and running early next year.

"This foundation will help us to manage the thing on a more professional level. This is important to us, and I am really grateful to the person who suggested to me and my wife that we visit the Golden Age Home and see how we could assist," Nooks said.

The Golden Age Home in Vineyard Town is a government-owned company that has been operating in Kingston for almost 25 years. It was established to provide residential care and facilities for the indigent elderly of the parishes of Kingston and St Andrew.