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This is a book which seemingly
contradicts itself. The initial chapters lulls the reader into a world
of hilarity, I literally laughed myself to near death on reading
some of the exploits of Mass Roy. It emerges, however, into
some serious reading which gives the reader a true measure of
the man.
Having met the author and the subject of the book in person, I can’t
say I am surprised at the contents of the book. My meeting was brief
but was enough to be seriously impressed by Mass Roy.
Mass Roy is evocative of everything that is West Indian. When I met
him, he reminded me so much of "home", I was nearly in tears at the
amount of emotion he stirred up in me and on reading the book I had the
wishful thinking that I would have liked to grow up with him - he is a
combination of old world manners but with a modern twist. From seeing
his pictures and reading the first chapters the picture of a saga
boy (Trinidadian term for ‘a player’) emerges, but like all saga boys
he comes across as a very lovable rogue.
It’s amazing to see how his character pans out. Although I guess he
always had that old fashioned West Indian way about him, being
very responsible and commanding respect in the army to one
where he goes "home" to become the well respected patriarch. His
advice to fellow countrymen on sustaining the economy and their
individual means is nothing short of genius. His idea that they sow and
reap at different times is amazing, a view perhaps that should
have been perpetuated by the Government.
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"Life According
to Maas Roy" is a book
to treasure - if you are from the Caribbean, it will strike cords and
pull at the heart strings. You will remember significant periods in
your life, your school days, the horror of hard labour in the 60s and
70s such as no running water inside the house, no washing machine
etc, and marvel at how the Caribbean has emerged today. We have
made great strides and it’s down to people like Mass Roy who returned
to give something back to his country. As long as Mass Roy does
not object, you will see him as a father figure because he is a font of
wisdom. Long may he live.
Margot Montague
Development Design and Conservation Officer
Click HERE to read whole article
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“Life According to Maas Roy” has attracted all kinds of support for the
Jeffrey Town Farmers' Association and for the Health Centre – mainly
thanks to the articles in the Jamaica Gleaner as written by Mr Paul H.
Williams. We’d like to highlight two special supporters of the Our
Peace of History project.
To date, Mr Ivan Flynn who resides
in
Kentucky, US and is now retired, thanked us profusely for telling his
story whilst telling that of Maas Roy’s. Mr Flynn is originally from
Halifax, a neighbouring community, and he’s been very generous in the
level of interest he’s shown for the project. Also, he is the first to
have made a donation to the Health Centre (unsolicited). Mr Flynn told
us that he has never managed to finish reading a book in his life, but
he certainly completed this one. He told us the amazing story of how he
only managed to attend the Jeffrey Town Elementary school for 3 months
of his life, the same one also attended by Maas Roy. Mr Flynn has been
in regular telephone contact with Maas Roy since hearing about the
book. He has been inspired to write his own autobiography, with
Yvonne's help, as part of the 'Our Peace of History' project.
Dr Tony McFarlane, also originally
from
Jeffrey Town (the Salisbury Plantation) – has been amazed by how Maas
Roy’s vision for the community has coincided with his own. He has
shared his own story about growing up in the district as it was very
different and rather privileged in contrast to that of Maas Roy’s. Dr
McFarlane is very excited about the opportunity to volunteer his time
whenever possible as a medical doctor at the Health Centre and with the
community - despite his advancing years. He also has a licence to
practice medicine in Jamaica. He’s been encouraged to write his own
story and has already shared a first chapter with Yvonne. He was
welcomed to Jeffrey Town in September when he visited his family for
the Jewish festival of Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah.
Mrs Velma Walker (L), Dr Anthony
McFarlane who was born
and raised at the Salisbury property in Jeffrey Town but is now living
abroad, Dr Erna Broadber (R), University Lecturer from the Woodside
Community with Maas Roy who takes them on a tour of Jeffrey Town's
radio station, Jet 88.7 FM
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