He does not like to publicise the things he does, so it was not easy getting Nesroy Grey to talk about his involvement in the communities of Thatch Hill, Mile End and Lodge in St Ann.

However, residents will tell you that Grey, popularly known as “Ackee”, is very active in these communities which are in close proximity.

It was a former resident of Thatch Hill who pointed out to the Jamaica Observer that Grey has been making an invaluable contribution to that community and the neighbouring districts of Mile End and Lodge.

Grey, who is from Thatch Hill, has been working assiduously for the development of the communities.

“He is the one that keep up the play field. Him tek him own money and cut the play field. Without him we couldn’t have 150 people go there when we have cricket and sit comfortably,” one resident, Godfrey Foresythe, told the Sunday Observer.

Foresythe said he has known Grey all his life and has seen how dedicated he is to the community.

“He is the best now. I give him 95 out of 100,” Foresythe continued.

Foresythe was not alone in praising Grey.

Clifton Lodge Basic School Principal Tellecia Jackson said in her three years at the school, Grey has always been contributing to the maintenance of the facility. She said when he is unable to do something for the school, he seeks sponsors to assist.

“He has always been contributing,” she said.

One of Grey’s biggest contributions to the community, and one which he has been making for the past 27 years without financial assistance from anyone, is cutting and maintaining the play field used by the communities for sports.

“I have taken up that responsibility over 27 years now to keep and care the play field, standing all responsibilities,” he said during a recent interview.

“I don’t know where I get the money sometimes, but I get it done,” Grey said.

He has also adopted Clifton Lodge Basic School, ensuring that the infrastructure is maintained. In fact, when the Sunday Observer spoke to Grey, he was in the process of preparing to paint the school, which is housed at the Lodge Community Centre.

“I do painting, anything around the school,” Grey said, adding that he does whatever is needed willingly and from his heart because he wants the best for the children.

“I love children,” said Grey, who is also a construction worker.

Grey, who grew up in the area, said he wants only the best for his community. He explained that being able to contribute gives him a sense of purpose.

“I feel [good] that I am able to give back,” he said.

Grey has also been instrumental in the development of young people in the communities through sports. As manager of the Lodge cricket team, he has been determined to develop young talent in the community.

He said he currently has a group of youngsters under 12 years old who he intends to train and help to make into great cricketers. He is also involved in football in the community; however, he has given more focus to cricket.

“I put on competitions and I invite other teams,” he said.

The dedicated resident said he intends to continue serving his community as long as he is able to. For him, it is not about what he gets in return, but knowing that he has done something to make the lives of others easier and happier.

“As long as the strength is there I will not stop. It’s about the little that we can do. I try to play my role. I am involved in just about anything in the community… whatever is happening in the community; they can depend on me, Ackee,” he said.

Grey also has big dreams for the community. Apart from producing great cricketers, he wants other sports to develop. It is his dream to see the community’s multi-purpose court completed. Work on the court had actually started, but has stalled due to insufficient funding.

While he supports sports and encourages young people to participate, Grey said he notices that fewer children are interested in playing these days.

“When I was growing up more children would be playing. I don’t see as much children playing; that’s why we have so much obesity,” Grey stated.