KINGSTON, Jamaica — At 92 years old, veteran Sergeant Peter Xavier Williams, also called “Poppy Man” remains firmly grounded in service, discipline and faith.

Born in 1933, in Long Road, St Mary, Williams’ life story spans wartime Jamaica, the formation of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and decades of national service that has continued well beyond his years in uniform.

He recalls a childhood shaped by hardship during World War II and after losing his father at the age of seven, he grew up amid food shortages, blackouts and fear of aerial attacks.

“That time at war time, you couldn’t get butter. After 10 o’clock, no lights anywhere,” he stated.

At 13, Williams came under the care of national hero, the Right Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante, who supported him until he reached adulthood. The veteran still holds letters and photographs from that period, including images he took at Sir Alexander’s funeral.

Williams’ fascination with military life began through public parades and recruitment displays held on Queen Victoria’s birthday. Watching boy scouts, cadets and soldiers march in uniform, also left a lasting impression.

“I see this group of boys dressed up in pretty uniform…[and] so, I started to walk like them, march like them,” he recalled.

At 18, in 1952, he enlisted in the Jamaica Local Force, which was then under British command. His early military training, he said, was uncompromising.

“Training was between life and death…You have to be obedient,” he said.

His service spanned the transition from federation to independence, and he witnessed the formation of the JDF.

“Jamaica had to form their own defence force. Hence, the Jamaica Defence Force was formed,” he explained.

Over a distinguished 28-year military career, six years beyond the normal retirement period, Williams served in several key roles.

He was a trained medical orderly, a drummer and bugler, a postmaster responsible for sensitive military correspondence across the British Caribbean, and a supervisor of military telephone exchanges.

He also trained the first group of women soldiers in communications when they entered the JDF in 1965.

A self-taught photographer, Williams later became chief photographer for the JDF and the West Indies Regiment, documenting military life and national history.

“All my photographic work can be found at the National Library at the bottom of East Street,” he said.

During the state of emergency, Williams was assigned as postmaster at the detention centre in Up Park Camp, where he managed correspondence for detained political figures.

“Not prison…we call it detention…I was the postmaster looking after the mails,” he said.

After leaving the JDF in 1976, Williams transitioned seamlessly into civilian life, joining the Telephone Company of Jamaica as island-wide security manager.

His work earned him national recognition, including certificates of exemplary conduct and the Governor-General’s award. He also received the Independence Medal in 1962 and the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service in 2008.

His life story was later featured in a three-page spread titled “Peter Xavier Williams: The Extraordinary” in the JDF’s 60th anniversary publication.

Now regarded as the JDF’s oldest living soldier, Williams describes himself as an “ambassador” to the force.

“I appoint myself ambassador to the Jamaica Defence Force. I am a leader, leading by example,” he said proudly.

He currently serves as chairman of the Jamaica Legion’s Northeast District, covering Portland, St Mary and St Ann, and remains actively involved.

“I still attend meetings…I have the minutes right now to show my total participation,” he said.

Williams is believed to be the only soldier permitted to still wear his original uniform, issued on October 6, 1952.

“I am proud of the uniform that I wear from there on, up to now,” he said.

A central figure in national Remembrance Day observances, Williams has delivered the exhortation at ceremonies across the island, including in Parliament.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old…and all of them shout, ‘we will remember them,” he recited.

Reflecting on the values that shaped his life, Williams pointed to discipline and obedience as essential.

“The most invisible uniform that anyone can ever wear is obedience. When you can discipline yourself, then you are right,” the veteran stated.

Faith, he added, has been central to his longevity. He recalled a defining moment while on duty as a bugler near Palisadoes during a violent storm.

“I said ‘this is the end of the world, and Jesus, I’m going to give my life to you,” he recalled.

Despite his age, Williams remains mobile and independent.

“I don’t need a walking stick…I just carry my umbrella just in case,” he said.

For Peter Xavier Williams, service did not end with retirement. It became a lifelong calling, anchored in faith, sustained by discipline and dedicated to country.

“Yesterday is dead, tomorrow does not exist. Today is here, use it,” he stated.

At 92, Williams stands not only as Jamaica’s oldest soldier, but as a living testament to service, sacrifice and national pride.

—   JIS