ISLINGTON, St Mary — Tapping into skills learned during a previous job in tourism, Albert Johnson has made a name for himself as a cab driver who provides excellent customer service. He’s also hailed as a mentor and protector of the youngsters he ferries to and from school, starting each day with a prayer in a social media group comprising a number of parents who rely on him to keep their children safe.

Johnson has been plying the Islington route for years. He’s just one of many cabbies but his warm smile and infectious enthusiasm have made him a beloved figure in the community. It also helps that he knows the names of all the students whose excited chatter fill his taxi each morning. He knows each student’s favourite subject, he regularly buys them frozen treats (more popularly known as ‘suck suck’) on Fridays, and at the end of each summer term he is the cabbie chosen to take them and their parents on an excursion outside the parish.

A humble man, Johnson takes pride in ensuring his passengers’ safety and providing a nurturing environment during students’ daily commute.

“I feel blessed to be able to serve these young minds,” he told the Jamaica Observer with a broad smile. “They bring so much joy and energy to my day. I consider it a privilege to play a small part in their daily lives.”

Johnson’s dedication to his young clients goes beyond just providing transportation. He’s always willing to lend a listening ear or offer words of encouragement when needed. His taxi has become a safe space for them to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement.

A well-respected member of his Islington community, Johnson is a former security guard at one of Jamaica’s well known, all-inclusive hotel chains.

“I was attached to the SuperClubs hotel so customer service was a vital part of your job description because you had to interact with many persons from different walks of life and stature. Politicians, entertainers — local and international — millionaires and the ordinary man [stayed at the hotel], and you have to treat each one as if they are special and important,” Johnson explained.

He brings the same energy to his interaction with students who take his taxi.

Sanchia Campbell, one of the parents who utilised Johnson’s taxi service for years, described him as a “top-of-the-line” cabbie who is punctual, courteous, and begins with a prayer in the parents’ WhatsApp group.

“Mr Johnson carried my two daughters for years when they were attending Port Maria Prep School. I was introduced to him by a teacher at the school and also another taxi operator recommended him to me, saying he would be the best person for the job. I have no regret in having a contract with him and would do it again if I had to. He’s like a father to all the children he carries and doesn’t show any favouritism among them. Each one of them is special,” she told the
Observer.

“One of my most memorable moments interacting with Mr J was when my daughter graduated from prep school to go to high school. He cried like a proud father. He said he knew she would have done well,” Campbell added.

She said even though her two daughters are now in high school, Johnson often asks how they are doing.

“He was the one that found a taxi that my girls can travel from Highgate to Islington. I can rest assured that I have a peace of mind that they [arrive] home safely. I will always be grateful to him,” Campbell said.

Describing Johnson as a man with a “big heart”, she spoke of times she has seen him provide lunch money to students who had none.

“I have seen one of the children that had a school belt that was worn, and he took her to the dressmaker to get a new one and paid for it out of his own pocket. This is really awesome,” Campbell said.

Father to a daughter and a son, Johnson told the
Observer he has always regarded all the children who take his taxi as his own kids. So, when others have walked away from the job, his commitment to his passengers has made him stay.

Taxi operator Albert Johnson on the job.

Taxi operator in Islington, St Mary, Albert Johnson gives a thumbs up as he prepares for his daily pickups which begin at 7:00 am.