Blessed with 100 years - Centenarian Esmine Harrison says caring family contributes to longevity

As a child, Esmine Harrison hardly attended school because she was ill. She suffered from an ailment that affected her legs, so much so that her parents, Abertina Greenwood and Darnel Harrison, decided it was best for her to stay home most of the times.

"Mi never really guh school as mi was sick wid mi foot dem as a child, suh mi feel bless fi live fi see 100 years old," she said.

The centenarian, who was born on October 23, 1922, in St Ann, has long overcome the issues that affected her school. Although she is no longer physically active, she has no known medical ailments. She is blessed with sharpe eyesight and a healthy appetite. The Bonnett, St Catherine resident credits her continued existence to her caring family.

"Dem tek care of mi," said Harrison, adding that her caring family members ensure that she is properly fed and taken care of.

"I don't joke with mi food. Mi eat anything dat dem prepare fi mi, but mi no eat bully beef, though," Harrison beamed.

Her daughter, Icylin Henry, who is her primary caregiver, told THE STAR that she feels honoured to be taking care of her mother at this ripe old age.

"We love her dearly, so it no problem caring for her," said Henry, who described the matriarch as "a caring mother".

"I belive that this is truly a blessing, as she is so happy and always singing," she said of Harrison's longevity.

Harrison has three children, along with 10 grandchildren, and a number of great-grandchildren.

In her heyday, Harrison worked as a farmer and vendor. She cultivated crops such as yam, banana, sweet potato, cabbage and carrot, which she sold in Linstead Market. The proceeds were used to take care of the family.

Renford McDonald, Harrison's grandson, recalls her beating dandelion and chocolate in her mortar. The product, he said, was used to make tea. He said in addition to planting food cropss for home consumption, she ensured that the family's laundry was done.

"My grandmother is a great person in time past. She would put everbody clothes together and wash it," McDonald said.

Justice of the peace Lynworth Brown described Harrison as a community mother.

"That lady is one of a kind. She works very hard and always love and care about those around her, so God blessed her wid long life," Brown said.