Spirited personality behind Jamaican centenarian’s longevity
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Even at 100 years-old George Quallo continues to be a spirited personality, according to those who know him best.
Known for his quick quips, witty jabs and snarky remarks, his son, former police commissioner George Quallo, notes that the aging process has not tempered his father’s personality. In fact, he says it has made him feistier.
The younger Quallo believes that it is this spirited personality and God’s blessings that account for his father’s longevity.
“Some people say it is because he’s feisty; he is very witty but he’s also just very, very blessed, that’s all I can say, ” the younger Quallo said laughingly.
According to him, despite his father’s age, he continues to be very active noting that he still does most things for himself, including preparing light snacks.
“He’s very, very strong. Very active. I mean he does everything for himself. Not necessarily the cooking, but he does get in the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea and he takes care of his personal hygiene,” he said.
The younger Quallo added that days before a birthday celebration held for the centenarian, he went out walking with his daughters, Marie and Delrose, clocking over 1,000 steps which amounted to nearly half of a mile.
And, speaking about the birthday celebration held for the older Quallo, the son noted that it was a community affair with the majority of the King Weston community in attendance.
“The house adjoins the Mount Carmel church where he is a foundation member. He is still very active in the community, often frequenting his shop to say hi and hello, as well as, offering his little words of advice; so he is familiar with both the young and the old,” he said.
“It was more like a big community bash as people came from even neighboring communities filling up the streets. Plus, there was plenty of food and drink.”
The older Quallo was born on January 5, 1923 to Lawrence and Gina in the community of Florence Hill, St Andrew.
Affectionately known as ‘White Nose,’ the former farmer and shopkeeper settled in the King Weston community where he attended school and went on to own a few trucks that transported market produce and market vendors.
In the 1950’s he met and married his wife (now deceased), Myrtle Quallo (Nee Hussey), with the pair having seven children together.
