Features

Randell and Lucilda Hunter's love draws them CLOSER AND CLOSER

By LEIGHTON WILLIAMS, Staff Reporter

Lucilda (left) and Randell Hunter

IN THE 1950s, Randell Hunter went to St. Margaret's Bay, Portland seeking a job on the railroad. But, what he did not realise was that in addition to finding a job he would also find a wife.

Randell and his wife Lucilda Hunter have been married for the past 34 years. However, they have been in love for the past 51 years. The relationship which both describe as one where there is a lot of love has produced seven children, 30 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

But, if you asked Randell Hunter 51 years ago if all this would have been possible he would have probably said no.

"I wanted a work so I went to work at the Jamaica Railway Corporation (JRC) and they asked me if I could cook and I said yes. They said I should go home for my cutlery and I did. I worked there on and off that was where I met her," he said.

Mr. Hunter cannot recall how the two actually started talking, or the first time he saw her. However, he added that they became friends over time and their relationship got stronger until they moved in together. Shortly after they had their first child.

Grow old together

Since then, they have made St. Margaret's Bay their home and they have grown old together.

Mr. Hunter explained that he did not have a reason for waiting for 17 years before making Lucilda his wife. He said he always loved her and loved her even more now.

His love became more evident when it was discovered that Lucilda lost her sight 16 years ago due to glaucoma and is also diabetic. Since then, Randell has looked after his wife and has not left her side.

"I fulfill every portfolio you can imagine when it comes to looking after her," said Mr. Hunter. "I give her her insulin tablets every morning and the children aren't here so I do the domestic things around the house as well," he said.

Diana Hunter, one of the couple's daughters, told THE WEEKEND STAR that because of Mrs. Hunter's situation the children all take turns to visit them and look after them on weekends.

"We go up there every weekend to wash, cook and stay with them as our sister that used to stay with them around the clock is no longer here," she said.

Mr. Hunter explained that his wife's illness has brought them closer as he would never dream of leaving Lucilda's side.

"When a man used to a ting and set it nuh mek no sense him go away. I would never think of leaving her now as I love her and I have been with her all this time," he said.

It would seem that Mrs. Hunter is grateful for her husband's care as she described him as a caring person. She said they both get along and have never quarreled although they have had disagreements.

"It's just how we relate to each other," she said. "We link together in harmony and we have peace because of it."

Although they enjoy being around each other, the couple said they attended separate churches. Mr. Hunter is a deacon in a Baptist church and sometimes preaches while Mrs. Hunter is a Seventh-Day Church of God attendee.

"Sometimes I go to industry to preach but I always come back early as I have to be home to help look after my wife," said Mr Hunter.

Still, the couple said if they could offer advice to a new couple they would encourage them to love and respect each other as that was the sure way for the marriage to last.