GIFTED HANDS - 8-y-o making his mark as a carpenter

Kaden Beckford is not the typical eight-year-old. Instead of playing with toys, his leisure time is spent building things -- not using building blocks, but using tools like a hammer and his favourite; a drill.

In an interview at their home in Woodside, Clarendon, his parents told THE WEEKEND STAR that Kaden never exuded interest in toys, instead he had a knack for carpentry since he was five years old.

"Him always knock ... always want to fix things. He's always around me wanting to use the screw gun, sometimes he even cry to use the screw gun," said Kaden's father, Kenneth Beckford.

Beckford, a carpenter for more than 27 years, said that with little Kaden's help, his job is easier as he assists him with all carpentry projects -- big or small.

Kaden said he loves carpentry and praised his father for teaching him all he knows. Around his home, are chairs and benches he made.

"I love to make saving pans and chairs," said Kaden. He has also made benches for a school, and is never reluctant to pick up additional tasks outside his home.

BUSY AROUND THE HOUSE

His parents laud him as the "man of the house" in his father's absence. "He's very busy around the house. Sometimes me nuh deh here and a him screw up door, put on lock pan door ... He's very talented," said his father.

His mother, Kemisha, said,"When his father is not around, I can depend on him to do anything around the house. If I want something to screw up he come and do it for me. He's really helpful to me."

Kemisha said that when she noticed that her son was harbouring dreams of becoming a carpenter, she was reluctant in having him pursue such path, citing challenges Kaden's father face within the field.

"I was saying I didn't want him to go into his father's trade, but I see that is what he loves so I just go with it," Kemisha told THE WEEKEND STAR.

The young carpenter aspires to perfect his craft like his father, and has dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.