Duff House celebrates with Miss Eva

Noel Thompson, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

As the evening sun was sinking low, the clock was showing that it was almost time for well-wishers to start their journey back home, but not before they embraced Eva May Wright (Miss Eva), who was celebrating her 90th birthday.

The happy occasion was held at Wright's cosy home in the quiet community of Duff House, near Bull Savannah in St Elizabeth, last Sunday.

Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a host of other relatives and friends travelled from adjoining districts and from as far away as overseas and the nation's capital. Among the well-wishers was the celebrant's oldest son, Stallin Gregory, from Florida, whose presence made the milestone extra special for his mother.

Information Minister Daryl Vaz, whose wife Ann-Marie is Miss Eva's granddaughter, admitted that he had adopted the senior as his grandmother.

Chief organisers of the celebration and granddaughters, Trisha Thompson, Digicel's corporate relations manager, and her sister, Michelle, in from Canada, were among those who kept everyone entertained for the event.

Musical selections

A group of youngsters from the community, many of whom have experienced Miss Eva's generosity, kept the crowd entertained with musical selections from different genres. They didn't have a name for their 'sound system', though.

After quiet consultation - hands covering mouths, within 10 seconds - they coined the name 'Stingers'. The rest nodded in agreement, "Yeah, man, a Stingers, di sound name, boss."

About 5 p.m. Beres Hammond's Rock Away echoed from the speakers and the vibes evoked memories of the days better explained by Miss Eva, who told Outlook how she walked the streets of any community in Kingston late at night without fear of being molested or robbed.

At 90, Miss Eva is still very sharp, mentally and visually. She said, "I was busy in the kitchen helping with the cooking and telling them how to do some things."

She still believes Jamaica is the best place to live. "Take away the crime and it is heaven."

Miss Eva received many tributes, led by Stallin, who said, "It is a pleasure that I could be here to celebrate with you my dear mother."

As he sat, shouts of "Uncle Pampie" came from Daryl Vaz as he prompted Miss Eva's brother, Arthur Neil, to speak. "I am the most loved one of all of us. She is one woman who is full of wisdom, integrity and love. It is unbelievable to see her staying as strong and vibrant as she is."