By Mark Titus, Freelance Writer

Louis Crawford who celebrated his 103rd birthday in June. - Mark Titus

western bureau:

Lewis Crawford is 103 and although he is blind, he believes he will live to 'see' a few more years.

Born June 1903 in the community of Granville, located about five miles out of Falmouth, Trelawny, Mr. Crawford recalled that he had responsibility from an early age.

"I am unschooled, I cannot read nor write. There was about three of us and I was the oldest one, my mother was very sick, so I had to stay home and take care of her. I had to cook the dinner for the other two when they come home from school," he recalled.

"As soon as I got a chance, a start to chop pasture, at Good Hope and Shawfield; and I do farming as well. The farm had corn, cocoa, cassava, yam and peas; but them use to thief me out," Crawford said

Mr. Crawford said he also worked as yard boy.

While he is unable to remember the name of any West Indian Cricketer of his time, he bears in mind his days as an all-rounder.

"I was a good batsman and bowler. We play other districts and beat them," he boasted. "We would ride our bicycles for miles to play matches, but because I can hardly hear now, I don't even know what is happening," he told THE STAR.

"I have 10 a dem," he replied when asked about his children. "Three of them dead and most of them are in America. My wife died about five months ago."

His son Maurice remembers him as a disciplinarian.

"My father was very strict and we had to abide by the rules of the house, church was a must and he worked very hard for his children," he said.

A devout Baptist, Mr. Crawford says he still fellowships with his brethren.

"My pastor and a few brethren visit me to serve me communion," he shared before reciting the names of the children of Jacob.

Mr. Crawford believes the revival of the agricultural sector, is Jamaica's answer to its problems.

"Young people don't want to work hard, but my advice to the youngster is that they need to have a clean hand and a pure heart before God," he concluded.