The Jamaica Star :: Life& Times :: Uncle Lucius' big 100

Dwayne Mcleod, Staff Reporter

Lucius Evans (right) at his baptism - contributed

Lucius Evans, also affectionately called 'Uncle Lucius' is one special centenarian who is not afraid to let it be known.

"What a way me important, all big big STAR newspaper come a search fi mi," the 102-year-old vivacious man said as he greeted THE STAR

While sitting on his bed at his home in Tredegar Park in St. Catherine, he told THE STAR that he was born in Blenheim, Hanover but moved to Kingston the day of his 18th birthday.

"Mi move come a town on my birthday, I was 18 that day...yes I was a big man on that day," he said.

Sober living

'Uncle Lucius' attributes his longevity to that of sober living, in addition to Christian principles which he says he urges everyone he comes across to adopt.

"Me is 102, yu think that come easy mi son?" he questioned before explaining, "I neva smoke, neva drink, I neva did none of them unhealthy things there, plus is pure good food I eat...Plus I was a Christian from I was bout 25, so since that there was certain things I jus didn't do."

Evans who is cared for by relatives, children and close friends also noted that the love he receives from persons around him also aid in keeping him 'alive and well'.

"Me alive and well, look around me is pure good people take care of me, I cant complain..I love them and in return they love me back," he told THE STAR.

Being the father of three children, and grandfather of six grandchildren, Evans claims that while he is happy to have lived this long, dying any time soon is something he does not need to worry about.

Name and legacy

According to him, there is more than enough persons to carry on his name and legacy.

"If I die right now is nothing...I have kids and grand kids and I taught them well, so I know my name will be carried on in good faith, memba mi tell yu seh mi special eno" he said.

Persons around the 'special' centenarian were quick to confirm their love and respect for 'Uncle Lucious'.

"Wi love him yu si, fi a ol man him full a vibes...More time him gwaan miserable yes but once wi start run some joke wid him everyting get arite agen." Glen, one of his grandchildren said.

According to them, he is a known motivator not only in his home, but in the community.

"Yu frigten fi hear him a di bway dem siddung and reason bout life...Him reason like any young bway woulda reason...him special fi true man," one resident of the community said.