103-y-o keeps sharp by doing crossword puzzles

Despite being 103 years old, Old Harbour, St Catherine resident Nina Small-Diviney remains as sharp and alert as a teenager.

"I remain sharp by doing my crossword puzzle every day, it keeps my mind very busy," Small-Diviney said. "I also read a special Psalms every morning and another at nights, which allows me to sleep peacefully."

The petite centenarian said that her longevity is hinged on God's blessings, coupled with the caring hands of her children and extended family.

"I thank God that I am getting proper care and despite the pains in the knees, mi still can help myself," she said. "Let mi tell yuh something. If I cook, you woulda lick yu finga how it sweet."

Small-Diviney, who is a devout Seventh-day Adventist, said that she was born September 14, 1918 and was the fourth child of 10 for Phillip and Ethel Small, who were both farmers.

Small-Diviney's daughter, Maxine Diviney-Terrelonge, is also her caregiver, a task she took on 20 years ago.

"I have been caring for her since the death of my father in 2000 after 48 years of marriage and seven children," Diviney-Terrelonge said. "I am honoured as her last child to care of her. The work is made easier as she still washes her clothes and remains very active." Diviney-Terrelonge said her mother watches the news at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. nightly.

Small-Diviney, who was born in Salisbury, St Mary, said that she attended "Jeffrey Town School", adding that she got married in 1952 to Sylvester Diviney months after they met in Retirement district, also in the parish.

"Heh heh, I remember writing several love letters, yes mon, mi a specialist on it," she laughed, before reciting a line. " You I love and not another, you may change, but I will never. Is so mi start some all the letters as he was a very nice man."

Looking up from her crossword puzzle, she said that Sylvester was a carpenter while she was a dressmaker.

"I must be blessed as my mother gets up in the mornings, goes to the bathroom, shower, she then makes a cup of tea. Then after breakfast she move that table which she calls her office and do crossword puzzle until 7 p.m.," Diviney-Terrelonge said. Small-Diviney described herself as a prayer warrior who constantly prays to stem the killings in Jamaica.

"I have seven children, 27 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, so dem nuff and mi love them all," she said. Meanwhile her son Delroy Diviney expressed joy and appreciation for his mother.

"Her presence and wittiness are a treasure to the family, as she is at this age and we aren't tasked with any medical bills. This is truly a blessing and she remembers all birthdays and still supplies gifts. It is a unique feeling and accomplishment that we cherish," he said.