Jerome, 84 yrs

“When I was two years old, I started playing cricket with a couple of tree branches from my mother’s garden. When I started going to school, I was a batter for our cricket team. Because of my height, they thought I could do better as a bowler than a batter. My coach used to draw a big circle about 15 feet afar and ask me to put the ball in that circle. I used to put 6 or 7 balls inside, so that’s when I found out I was a very good bowler. They used to call me Crapaud, which means 'frog', because I could jump so high. The first match I played was with Dominica against St. Lucia. I played against Clive Lloyd and guys from Guyana; they were the strongest team. I played in seven first-class matches around the Caribbean Islands. I played my last match in 1986 because of a heart problem that I have.

I gained so much knowledge as I’ve grown older. I never think of my age because age is truly a number. Even two years ago when I was in Dominica, I was still coaching cricket. The guys couldn’t believe my agility. I also walked 9 km every morning. People asked me 'why', but I just love walking.

I don’t think I’ve lost anything with age. I’ve made mistakes in the past, but I’ve grown up. I’ve let things go. I’ve become more mellow. Before, I used to blurt out whatever came to mind. Now I listen first, then talk. I don’t let the moment get to me. I am very happy with who I am right now.

I know I’m going to die someday and the only thing I know is I’m prepared. Before this happens, I need to make sure that everything that is bothering me is resolved. I try to help as much people as I can. I don’t expect anything in return; I give to people because I want to. I want to be remembered for the good things I did for my country: being a cricket player and helping the people in my village in Dominica.”