A hundred years is a long time in the life of an individual. And, when it is characterised with the adherence to Godly principles and the satisfaction of assisting one's fellowmen, it is even more significant. This aptly describes the man christened Edgar Godfrey Wilks, affectionately known as H.O.

It all began on May 12, 1907 in the district of Top Hill in St. Catherine where Edgar was born to Rodney and Emma Wilks. His parents were shopkeepers and landowners.

As an infant, his father sent him to live with his godmother in the district, but things did not work out as expected. He bemoans the fact that as a young lad his godmother sent him to neighbouring Lluidas Vale some eight kilometres away to sell mangoes and bananas. There were no roads as exist at the present, and mule-drawn carts were used as transport.

The practice of engaging in the selling of these commodities caused young Wilks to miss school a lot. However, he was determined to make the best of the situation and mentioned teachers Parker and Williams as the ones who gave him the most assistance. In the process, not only did he learn to read well but his love for books became an obsession. Armed with the knowledge he gained from these books, he was not afraid to engage headmasters and pastors in intellectual conversations.

Moved to Lluidas Vale

At 15, he moved to his present location of Lluidas Vale in order to learn the trade of tailoring. However, it was at shopkeeping that he excelled. He was said to be the first black shopkeeper in the area and as such was given the nicknames H.O. and 'Old Chiney.' He and his wife, Elsie operated the business together for many years.

Wilks at various times in his life also functioned as a butcher, a farmer and a Sunday school teacher. He practised active farming until up to five years ago.

Reasons for longevity

H.O. now walks with a stick, but his memory, apart from a few lapses, is fairly good. He told Life and Times that he believes his longevity is due to his trust in God and the fact that he has a sense of humour and does not make things bother him. He hails from a family whose members have lived over the age of 80.

He is also known in the community for his kindness, and have reportedly assisted a number of families with sending their children to school.

He has six children of his own, five of whom are still alive: Vincent, Clovis, Joseph, Gloria and Patricia. There are 18 grandchildren, 20 great grand and five great, great, grand children.

His children and grandchildren threw him a big party on Sunday, May 13 to celebrate this great landmark in his life.