Our Readers' Opinions
August 3, 2007

Jestina Charles, my friend and mentor

03.AUG.07

Editor: Ms Jestina Burke Charles is my life long friend and my mentor. When I needed her she was always there to give me words of wisdom and to give moral support.{{more}}

When I was not successful during my final pupil teacher’s exam, she encouraged me to take some extra mural classes. I enrolled to take Literature and English Language and Missey enrolled as well. We both attended classes and at the end of the term, we had a social. Mr. Mulraine was our tutor. He made learning fun for his pupils.

Ms. Charles was my seamstress and made some fabulous and fanciful dresses for me to attend various functions such as church, weddings and school. She would charge me a little stipend which sometimes I hardly paid her. I believe I still owe her. She never frowned whenever I took the dresses Wednesday for Saturday. She was always there to help me.

I grew up with two brothers and one sister. I am the second of the four. There was always sibling rivalry. Ms Charles was always there to give me advice and to console me.

Missey was in charge of the 4H Club in her district. She made a difference in those children’s lives. The children learnt how to bake and cook and to be decent citizens. Presently Missey is taking care of some elderly. She plans programmes for them and help them to be happy, by organizing field trips for them.

When I was working with Planned Parenthood Association, I passed by Missey Charles and I would take part in the morning devotion. Those moments made me quite happy while I was doing my daily task.

Even though I am abroad Missey is still keeping in touch with me to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and do some exercise daily.

Missey, you’ll be seventy five in July, I wish you the best of health, long life and prosperity. May God richest blessings be yours.

Claudette Seaton
USA