Everald Calbert Lewinson strumming away on his home-made guitar. By Anthea McGibbon, Staff Reporter
CUBAN-BORN Everald Calbert Lewinson, has been rooted in Jamaica since he was five years old. And 68 years later, he is a model of energy and dynamism.
In 1932, his parents took him and his four siblings to Jamaica to learn English. There were a total six girls and three boys in the family.
Of his existing siblings, the eldest, Enid, 76, lives in London, and the youngest, Ruby, 54, lives in the United States. Locally his other siblings and himself bond from Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston and St. Thomas.
Twice married and a Christian for 24 years, Mr. Lewinson insists, "Christianity is the best thing that has ever happened in my life".
In 1956, he emigrated to Britain to seek a better life for his wife, Hortense, and their four children (now London residents). His 16-year sojourn in London included schooling in electronics, dancing and on-the-job training in joinery, machinery and cabinet making. It was also in London that he met his second wife, Monika from Sweden.
In 1972, after four years of marriage he ventured to Sweden, where he studied veneering and finishing.
He returned to Jamaica in 1976 with his new family, Monika and daughter, Annika, and has since left Jamaica for visits to the United States, Cuba and Haiti.
So what has been happening all these years?
For nine months after returning to Jamaica, Mr. Lewinson focused on building his house in Yallahs. He did it all with the aid of a mason. On 2,500 square feet of land sits the house he modelled, surrounded by fruit trees which he has planted and pruned.
His reintroduction to Jamaica led him to Christ, but this decision shook the foundations of his 19-year marriage to Monika, an avowed atheist.
Soon he was left with his God, his daughter and his home. But Mr. Lewinson who has no regrets about his decision to follow Christ, remains a shining model of manhood to youngsters today. "It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make, but the most rewarding... it has made me stronger ... living alone, furnishing a house wasn't easy", he says.
"Ending 19 years of marriage, my enthusiasm died, but I had to push myself ... and my Christianity helped," he added.
Not only did he build almost everything and anything made of wood (including the ceiling parquet with 3,000 pieces and the 5/16-inch thick parquet flooring) in his house, but the 73-year-old has been travelling 34 miles to Alpha Boys Home to teach woodwork since 1980.
And up to recently, he used to drive 300 miles each week to Montego Bay, where he was involved in working with the Teamwork Christian Centre in Torado Heights.
I am a people's person
"I am a people's person" says the senior citizen who for four years has been chairman of the Citizens Association in Sun Valley, Yallahs. He also fills a leadership role at the Sunday School at Yallahs Baptist Church where he worships. Talented and gifted as he is, his thirst to be more rounded in skills remain unquenched. He has been involved in the Colour Photographers Club of Jamaica, where his daughter Annika is secretary, and the Jamaica Bird Association (formerly Gosse Bird Club). Already he has made two Caribbean trips with the photographic club.
With electronics as a hobby, Mr. Lewinson has made a range of equipment -- amplifiers, signal generators, burglar alarms, gadgets, radio, an electronic organ and an electronic guitar.
The hands of this multiskilled giant are always full. He has worked for many embassies and high profile clients.
Mr. Lewinson ceased the Montego Bay run and only gives two days at the Alpha Boys home since July and is working mainly from home to compensate for his meagre pension.
His determination "to living a pure ..., stronger life" has kept him focused though he admits feeling lonely at times, in need of a wife. Still, he says he is not alone. He believes soon God will reward his commitment with a third wife and already there are signs on the wall.
Quick Facts
Birthdate - born May 20, 1927
Siblings - Enid, Ruby, Myrtle, Lydia, Nelly, Beryl, Joseph and Leonard (deceased)
Off Springs - Perline, Calbert, Derick, Selmore, 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren
Food - almost vegetarian
Hobbies - assisting people
Pasttime - family life, stimulated by casual bible discussions, fasting, and praying for youth and leaders
Motto - Do unto others as you would like them do unto you. I do my best and leave the rest to God
Thoughts on Jamaica - Many Jamaican women could learn discipline and intelligence from Cuban women. Jamaicans can, on the other hand, teach Cuba about freedom in worshipping God.
