BEING A TWIN is one of the best things that can ever happen to anyone, twin brothers Shane and Shawn Smikle believe.

In fact, the two 12-year-old boys from Mount Moreland, St. Catherine, are so in tune with the idea, that they plan to have twin children of their own. "It's a good thing man, the best thing," Shane told THE WEEKEND STAR upon a visit to their home recently. "You get to do everything together and you are never alone."

Shawn added that what he loves most about being a twin is that "You get to do what you want with someone who you can relate to."

Shane, affectionately called 'Little' and Shawn, nicknamed 'Bigga' are students of the St. Catherine High School. Shane, whose favourite subject is English, would like to become a policeman, while Shawn, who likes Geometry and Mathematics, hopes to become a pilot.

Both are avid sports fans who love to play football and cricket, but as to which one is better at these games, that matter is still being disputed.

The boys' mother, Norma Smikle, 40, told THE WEEKEND STAR that having a twin is a wonderful and fulfilling experience. Smikle explained that she has really learned to how cope and relate to the twins, who are the last of her five children.

Smikle said when having the twins she had a few problems and at times felt really weak as if she was never going to make it, but seeing them now and looking back at those times, she feels really really good she was able to make.

"There have been good and bad times but if I have a choice I would like another set of twin," she beamed. "The experience is worth it."

Smikle, who has been married to the boys' father for the past 10 years, pointed out that the boys, like other children their age, do give trouble from time to time and quarrel between one another alot. But this, she said, never stopped them from showing their affection and appreciation of each other.

"Even if they just had an argument and you are talking to one rough, the other will get vex and tell you to leave him alone," she recalled. "Plenty time them father talking to one and the other jump in and ask if he has to talk to him so rough."

Smikle said she suspected that she would have twins as there are a few in both her mother and father's side of the family. She however, did not know she was going to have twins until later down in the pregnancy but no sweat. "Them father just buy another pair of everything," she said.