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The Grand old man from Gouyave

Mr. Lionel Ferguson BEM

Story by Dunbar  Campbell  

                                                           The Grand Old Man from Gouyave

When I wrote the first version of the following account in January 2003, I had no idea that it would trigger a move led by the conscientious Arthur Hosten JP to recognize Mr. Lionel Ferguson for his long years of service to the town of Gouyave. A year later, Mr. Ferguson was awarded the coveted British Empire Medal (BEM) by Queen Elizabeth II.  I returned a few months later and had my picture taken with him. He will celebrate his 100th birthday on 19th April 2006, and Gouyave will celebrate it with him. More of Mr. Ferguson, BEM, can be seen on the following website: http://gogouyave.com/mr_ferguson.htm

 

During a recent vacation in Grenada, I visited an elderly gentleman man in Gouyave. He didn’t know me, but I knew him. He was a link to a distant past I treasure. Forty years ago, before the town had electricity, he used to light the hurricane gas lamps that graced the dark streets of Gouyave, and ring the Anglican Church bells like music over the town. He is a link to a time I value more than anything I own today.

I knocked on his door. Without asking who was at his door, he just said, “Come in.” Another reminder of that distant time.

I opened the door and led my family through the narrow doorway. He lay half-asleep on a small couch in a plain living room just big enough for the four of us standing.
He sat up and I shook his hand, surprisingly strong for a man close to a hundred years old.

“I know you,” I said. “But you don’t know me.”

He studied my face for a silent moment. “You’re a Campbell. You can’t hide,” he said. His eyesight, without eyeglasses, was also stronger than his aging stature suggested.

“I am here to thank you,” I said. “For the days you rang the church bell and the nights you lit the lamps for the streets.”

His face lit up like a full moon. “You remember dat?” he asked with a big smile. “Dose were the good old days.”

I remembered those good old days too. The days when we made all our toys: Catapults (sling shots) from guava crooks and bicycle inner tubes, spinning tops from golden apple wood, scooters from old car parts, fishing hooks from needles bent over fire, bamboo kites with mad-bulls and brown paper, with rags for tails.

The days when the height of excitement was jumping out the low window at the temporary school in the Lance fish market to go fishing and swimming. When homework was done under the yellow light of kerosene lamps and candles. When we learned to write by scratching on framed black slates. When erasers were moist lilies. When heavy rain meant racing sticks and coconut boats down flooded drains. When . . .

“Yes,” I agreed with the old man. “Dose were the good old days.”

I introduced him to my kids, girls who had grown up in America with Gameboys, CD players, and DVD’s. Children who pitied me because I didn’t watch my first television show until I was eighteen years old.  I wanted them to feel the excitement the old man and I shared for those simple days.

But in my selfish hope that this grand old man would bring to life the stories I told my girls about my early Gouyave roots, I almost missed the most valuable result of our meeting. The old man seemed rejuvenated, alive in the memories I had re-awaked in him. My visit had done more to him, than it could to me. The man, who was already old forty years ago, smiled a youthful smile as we chatted about those days.

I was so excited to meet him after so many years, that I was halfway to town before I realized that I had not taken a picture with him.

For those who remember the lamps swinging over the streets, and the bells ringing over Gouyave, the grand old man is still alive and well, and happy to talk about the good old days. A brief visit and a handshake seem to do wonders for him, but please be mindful of his need for privacy,

I will return. But this time I will take a picture. I don’t ever want to forget the good old days I shared with this great man from Gouyave.

Webmasters notes:

 Mr. Ferguson is well known for his ability to make kitchen utensils

 

 

Gouyave honoured one of their heroes

 A ceremony to honour the life of a living legend was held on Thursday 28th April 2005 at the Gouyave Anglican Pastoral centre. The community of Gouyave came together to pay tribute to a man described as humble, quiet, respectable, firm, gentle and a true Christian.

 Lionel Ferguson BEM who celebrated his 99th birthday on April 19th was described by former Governor General Sir Paul Scoon, as a man who went about his business without any fanfare. He said that Mr. Ferguson is a living example of great achievements and humility in service. Sir Paul recalled the days when his mother sent him to pick up tin cups from Mr. Ferguson who had done repairs or made a new one. Sir Paul said that the precision with which Ferggie went about lighting the street lamps in the town before electricity, was a testimony of the discipline to which his life is remembered for. Sir Paul was high in praise of Mr. Ferguson who he said was a role model to others by the exemplary life. He was also Sexton of the Gouyave Anglican church for many years and worked in the Vector control unit of the Ministry of health.

 During the ceremony a plaque and envelope containing an undisclosed amount of cash donated by well wishers was presented to him by Parliamentary Representative Hon. Claris Charles. Ms Charles recalled the days when she went to him to collect her tin cups or pan stove which her mother had asked her to collect. She said she was frightened of him since he was so strict. She stated that  she was honoured to be part of this ceremony and share the table with a man who had a part in moulding her life. She further mentioned that she was happy to be able to do something for him while he is still alive 

 Kevin Andrews of the Grenada Breweries handed Mr. Ferguson a surprise package of a Vita Malt polo shirt and one case of Vita Malt. He will receive one case of Vita Malt for the rest of his earthly life.

 Local attorney Lloyd Noel said he was asked by Minister Charles about two years ago to speak to Freggie about his life so that he can present a profile to the Governor General. He said he went to spend five minutes but left three hours later with a wealth of knowledge, much richer than before. He promised that a picture of Freggie will be placed in the new library with his life story so that the next generation will know of that Great man who lived in Gouyave. He also presented an envelope with over two thousand five hundred dollars in cash to him. Monies he had collected from a gentleman who two weeks ago had accidentally bounced Mr. Ferguson with his car.

Mr. Ferguson so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude showed his acceptance with tears in his eyes and stately silence.

 Musical renditions by Kareem Alexis on Pan and saxophonist Algi Belfon formed part of the tribute.

Other tributes came from pastor Theodore Le Blanc who first met Freggie  about 26 years ago and calls him daddy; he said that Freggie has a reservoir of knowledge and young persons should take time to speak with him and learn somevirtues in life.

Pastor speaking                                      Kevin Andrews of Grenada Breweries making a presentation to Mr. Ferguson

 Archdeacon Phillips said that he was fortunate to have met Mr. Ferguson when he came to the Gouyave Anglican church. He said that Mr. Ferguson took his work as sexton serious. He described him as a humble and honest man.  Mr. Ferguson he said, "is a true Christian".

 The ceremony was organised and chaired by a committee headed by Arthur Hosten. Other members of the Organising Committee were:

Archdeacon Phillips

Mr Carlyle Glean

Mr. Charlton Henry

Ms. Evelyn Mc Intyre

Mr. Keville Fredericks

 

     

 

On his birthday 19th April

 

 

 Photos of Ferggie's 100th Birthday