Alert, articulate and immaculate… Herman Haynes is Linden’s latest Centenarian

Jan 23, 2021 Features / Columnists

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By Enid Joaquin

Kaieteur News-Living to a ripe old age, to many, is but a dream. Few experience the reality. But for Herman Fitzgerald Haynes, it is not merely a dream for he is currently experiencing it.
On Wednesday January 20th last, Haynes celebrated his 100th birthday with much pomp and ceremony.

The Section B, Christianburg resident celebrated the milestone at the Blue Berry Hill, Mount Carmel Catholic Church surrounded by his children, relatives and friends. Also gracing the event was Mayor of Linden, Wanneka Arrindel and Regional Chairman, Derron Adams.
I did not attend the festivities because I wanted to have Haynes all to myself.
Finally, I was being given the golden opportunity to meet this man whom I had secretly admired for many years. Naturally, I did not want to have to vie for his attention!
I wanted to know the secrets to his longevity and from whence he derived his passion for fashion.
Haynes, at 100, dresses immaculately and looks as dapper as he probably did at 30, 40 or 50. He also possesses a memory that is enviable and the alertness and articulation of a man half his age.
During my interview with him, I was astounded by his prompt answers to questions and his penchant for details.
He proudly chronicled his journey over the years, citing dates of events that occurred several decades ago quite accurately and off the top of his head.
I listened and I was enthralled by his recollection of those events, and how they impacted his life.
Life’s Journey

Haynes is not a born Lindener. He was born at Den Amstel, West Bank Demerara. There he spent part of his childhood and attended school. He even remembers the name of his head teacher, which he told me, but I’m ashamed to say I forgot.

Haynes later moved to Georgetown with his parents.
Our centenarian’s first job was at the Atkinson Field (Timehri Airport). He subsequently moved to Mackenzie (Linden) after the company he worked for at Timehri faced imminent closure.
At Mackenzie, he was fortunate to land a job with a local dispensary. That was on September 7th, 1939. He later went to work with a naval base in Essequibo.
Haynes graphically remembers securing employment with the Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA) on May 10th, 1946. “I worked there until November 30th, 1983,” he stated matter of factly.
He recalled that in those early days, when he sought employment, one had to acquire a pass to come to Mackenzie.
Haynes worked in the bauxite industry, in the civil engineering and construction departments, moving from the rank of labourer to a supervisory capacity.
He worked as supervisor during the construction of the number eight and nine Kilns at the bauxite plant.

Haynes also worked in the area of road building and maintenance until the Mayor and Town Council took responsibility for that.
He remembers being threatened by a project engineer who observed him demonstrating a particular process to an employee. “He told me that if I was caught doing that again I would be served a warning letter. But I continued to do it, and so I was called into his office and was told that I was flouting his instructions. I told him no, and that there were many employees who had no experience at all where their work was concerned, and therefore needed leaders, who could pilot them.” Haynes said he was never bothered again.
Haynes also served as councillor with Linden’s first Mayor, Egbert Benjamin. His constituency stretched from One Mile to Section C, Christianburg.

He proudly reminisced on delving into politics and contributing significantly to the development of the formidable PNC party in Linden.

He confessed though that dabbling in politics saw him moving away from church.
“As a child I had to be in church every Sunday. My mother ensured that. She also ensured that we were all properly attired, or we couldn’t leave the house!”
Haynes, even at 100, has not deviated from his mother’s principles, regarding his dress code.
His daughter Claudette attests to this. “My father always knows exactly what he wants to wear…which jersey, which shirt, what suit. He tells you exactly what he wants to wear!
And he has his clothes lined off…his suits and everything.”
Regarding the way some young men dress these days, Haynes expostulated, “I blame the parents, especially the mothers. They have to pay more interest in their children. They also need to pay attention to how they dress and carry themselves. Set a standard and the children will follow!”
Back to Church
Haynes underscored that it was Claudette who eventually steered him back to church. “She invited me to her church one Sunday because I had not been going to mine for some time. From then on I started attending every Sunday.”
His recent failing health would, however, curtail those religious rendezvous.
But despite the health issues, Haynes still weeds his yard and burn the debris. He also clears the drains. He proudly asserts that it is his active lifestyle, religious persuasion and contentment that are responsible for his longevity.
Strict but loving
Haynes was married to Clarice Haynes nee Lewis. He is the father of nine. They are Mayglen, Doreen, Claudette, Wesley, Joseph, Denise, Merle, Dolorese and Lennox. He is the grandfather of 30, great grandfather of 49 and great, great grandfather of 26.
Claudette and her brother Joseph described their father as a strict but loving and caring man, who has a humorous side. “He was strict but he was funny…he used to make us laugh,” they quipped in unison.

 

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