Even though he was a baby, Jefferson Hinkson seems to have embraced the call for Barbadians to be self-reliant that was echoed in the pre-Independence period.

The 53-year-old was born to Stephen Benjamin and Esmay Hinkson of Cane Garden, St. Andrew on February 15, that is, nine months before Barbados reached nationhood. Jeff and his sister, Dale were their parents’ second pair of twins. Jeff and Dale lived with their parents until they were unable to care for them and the twins went to live at Farr’s Children Home and later the Thelma Vaughan Memorial Home (TVMH), at Glebe Land, St. George.

Jeff attended the St. George Primary School and later the Garrison Centre Block B. “I was also a member of the 4H club that held meetings here and I completed a gardening course offered under the Skill Training Programme,” he said.

In 2000, Jeff secured work in Bridgetown where for over 16 years, he was employed at retailers. His last job was at Shoes First (S.O Pilgrim) which closed in 2016. “I want to find steady work again, so I can be independent,” Jeff said. He loves sports especially cricket and confidently engages anyone whom he can pull into a cricket debate. He also likes to watch football, lawn tennis but he plays dominoes. Jeff is helpful and community-minded and will travel long distances to attend funerals to show support for grieving relatives and friends.

Like his fellow residents, Jeff recognises the need for a God-centred life. He once worshipped at the Victory Pentecostal Church and later, Love and Light Ministries but now shares fellowship with the religious groups that visit the Home.

Jeff said he would like to see more done In Barbados for people that are differently- abled and he suggested that officials visit their homes to see the conditions, so the right policies and action can be taken.