Chapelton Cemetery caretaker takes up his father’s mantle

Most students finishing high school have their sights set on 'traditional careers', however, for Clarendon College past student Phillip McCarthy, he wanted nothing more than to walk in the footsteps of his father Delbirth McCarthy.

McCarthy told THE STAR his father was the caretaker at the Chapelton Cemetery in Clarendon up until his death nearly two years ago. McCarthy, who grew up with his father, said that by rapping with him, watching how he did his job, and learning how he did it, sealed his fate and made up his mind about his future endeavours.

"This is history. I am the first pound and cemetery keeper at my age. I am in my 30s," he shared with THE STAR. McCarthy said that as he got older, he used to work alongside his father as they assisted visitors to find their loved ones by locating the grave numbers. McCarthy said that his father would tell him, "Son, after I leave here, if you are interested, you can put in your application and if they see fit, you already know the job."

His final days

In August 2019, when his father died, McCarthy said that he was already doing the job, as in his final days, Delbirth was too ill to work. Now as he carries out his job as the full-time caretaker, he has an even greater interest, as his parents are both interred there.

McCarthy has seen many mourners over the years, but for him, one grave stands out above all the rest. It is of a football trophy and a miniature carving of a sneaker bearing the name Calvin Kelly. The former Wolmer's Boys' footballer died in his community of Lane Pass, Golden Spring, St Andrew, during a football match. McCarthy noted that Kelly's father often sits on the grave and talks to his son.

"From time to time, you would see about six cars pulling up and persons would come out and clean around the grave and just spend some time," he shared.

McCarthy admitted that tending to the cemetery can be difficult, as there are issues like overgrowth of grass during times of frequent rain. But he remains steadfast in his duty to keep the cemetery pristine.