Centenarian ‘Mass Son’ fêted

When centenarian Robert 'Maas Son' Tracey was asked how he felt to have achieved the milestone, he beamed with pride and said, "I feel very good enuh, because if mi never live it, mi couldn't see it."

Tracey achieved his century last Wednesday and was a picture of contentment in the presence of his loved ones, who had a get-together for him. The Monza, Portmore, St Catherine resident, who was born in Sturge Town, St Ann, in 1923, was the centre of attraction at his birthday party.

"Yes, it is the Lord's blessing why I live so long. Di Bible say it is good for us to gather as a family and some are here today; it's a good feeling," Tracey said.

He said that his parents, Evangeline and Alexander Tracey, were devout Christians and he followed their lifestyle. After attended the Sturge Town Tabernacle School, he was trained as a tailor.

But the young Tracey was not making the desired income and he segued into cattle farming.

"Yes, I raised cows for milk, which mi supplied to a company. I used the little money to maintain my family," Tracey said with a satisfied smile.

Looking back on his long life, Tracey said he did not consume milk or cold beverages from the fridge, and loves fruits and vegetables. He said that those dietary choices, along with the love and care of his family, helped in him making the century. His wife Muriel passed away three years ago.

Tracey, particularly in his earlier years, was considered a philanthropist in his community.

His firstborn, Kernon 'Ralph' Tracey, endorsed the kindness of his father and said that his longevity is a true blessing to the family.

"I can remember my father's kindness. He would plant the apple and bananas, ripe them and put out for children to take them," he said. "He remains a true Christian. In the 1970s, he was hooked on Oral Roberts Ministries, every Friday morning he was in tune. He was so dedicated that he named his second child Oral Robert Tracey."

Kernon said that having left home to join the Jamaica Defence Force, each visit, for 30 years, was met with devotion upon arrival and departure.

"My father is a true giant, and now a centenarian. It means so much to the family and all who know him," he said. Tracey's grandson, Travis, was very pleased with his grandfather.

"He is kind and encouraging. He forgets nothing and is a good communicator; we are thankful," he said.

Tracey's daughters, Donna and Stephanie, also had best wishes for the patriarch.

"The celebration just start as by weekend, scores will join us to fully bask in the achievement," Stephanie said.

It was revealed that longevity runs in the family, as Tracey's elder sister, Urcella, lived to 101 years old.