Features

Like two peas in a pod

By WANDEKA GAYLE, Staff Reporter

Nikeisha and Keisha Cohen - HUGH STONE

FROM THE MOMENT they were born, Nikeisha and Keisha Cohen of Southboro, Portmore, St. Catherine, were like two peas in a pod.

They have even nickednamed each other "Twiny". When THE STAR asked them what differences they had, they finally conceded that there was none. "I think that I am more outspoken than Keisha," Nikeisha said after a long pause.

However, the two are as thick as thieves and can always be found deep in conversation. "Sometimes we do wonder what it would be like if it was just one of us, but we really cling to each other," she added.

They also enjoy shooting hoops in netball games, listening tunes and watching movies.

Unique feeling

They however, don't hang out with the same people. "Oh, we definitely have different friends," Keisha chimed in, "Some of the people she is talking to, I prefer to be in my room, or talking with the next-door neighbour who is like a mother to us."

Also, their wardrobe has changed over the years. While they used to look like peas in a pod, always sporting the same colours, and many times the same outfit, they changed their looks at age 19.

Born a mere five minutes apart, the twins claim, they can never direct their anger at each other for longer than that.

The 23-year-old twins, born at the Spanish Town Hospital on September 19, 1981, have a lot of expectations for their future. Both are nurturing dreams of becoming nurses. However, before that can be made a reality, they are both studying to get their CXC examination subjects at the Bridgeport High evening classes.

"We went away to America to be with our mother (Evelyn Cohen) when we were in fifth form at Queens School so we really didn't get to finish," Keisha explained.

The two enjoy the unique feeling of being twins, but lament that they don't have the gift of "telepathy" that twins are reputed to have.

"No, but she will eventually tell me if something is wrong," Nikeisha said.

The twins live with their father, Hepburn Cohen, and their two older brothers and one sister.