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By MARLENE MCPHERSON, Star Writer

Emmanuel (left), and Anella Beckett - Marlene Mcpherson

ST. THOMAS

IN THE COMFORT of their Somerset residence Emmanuel and Anella Beckett spoke to THE WEEKEND STAR about their love and commitment to each other.

THE WEEKEND STAR could not help but observe the respect that they held for each other and how they have sustained a 45-year marriage.

"From the first time I met this lady I loved her. I decided I would like her to be my wife. I had only one child out of wedlock and eight others within marriage. Two of the children died since," Emmanuel told THE WEEKEND STAR. "I use to pass by her house in Somerset and I would greet her. During this period, I would observe her. She was of a quiet disposition, slim, attractive and industrious," he said of his wife.

Anella also had kind words for her husband. "He was very decent and a neat dresser. I remember seeing him in a brown shirt, a pair of brown pants and a pair of brown shoes. He was smart-looking, intelligent and a church man. I grew up in the church, but was not converted."

As she spoke about her husband, Emmanuel remained quiet, listening intently and looking adoringly on her.

The couple was born and grew up in Somerset. They both attended the Lystra Primary School but was not aware of each other until adulthood. According to Emmanuel, they 'associated' for two years and courted for five months before they were married and settled in the district.

Emmanuel, who spent most of his life as a farmer, worked on a four acre land the couple had.

Lived off the farm

"I sold what he farmed in the Kingston Coronation Market and the Seaforth Market. This is where we got our money to school and grow up our children and other people," Anella recalled.

But Emmanuel also went abroad and worked on the overseas farm work programme, and Anella remembers this was a very lonesome period for her. "I was lonely. I stayed during the days by his parents and in the nights returned home. I had a child then," she said.

"At no time my love can perish for my wife. It remains even more as life demands us to live an exemplary life."

The Becketts are both devoted Christians. Mrs. Beckett is a church leader and minister and her husband is a band leader and Assistant Pastor at the Trinityville Church of God of Prophesy, which they attend.

The couple thinks that their belief has had positive impact on their children and they gave this advice to everyone. "Parents should ensure that they carry them (their children) to church. They should never be left behind. In this way you "guide them and cultivate in them the love of the Lord."

The Beckett family continues to share. Both are retired but still continue to care for each other.