by Derrick Scott
Washington, DC – Mrs. Sybil Leslie, the educator, author and “cultural ambassador of Jamaica” this past February 9 became one of the latest to enter the exclusive rank of centenarian, with family and friends celebrating and Governor General Sir Patrick Allen “most heartily” helping to mark the milestone.
“Celebrating a century is indeed a very special occasion,” Sir Patrick told the Charlotte, North Carolina, resident in a letter hailing her momentous achievement. “I trust you will be surrounded by loved ones who will help make it a truly wonderful time for you as you embrace life and the many blessings you have enjoyed along the way.”
A special birthday cocktail hour was held in Charlotte honouring the Bethel Town, Westmoreland, native who was born in 1923 to Eva and Adolphus Seaton. The celebration was hallmarked by recollections from her daughters, international finance and small business consultant Dr. Winsome Leslie and gynecologist Dr. Heather Leslie-Brown.
Mrs. Leslie was also presented with a plaque from the Jamaica Atlanta Association and was regaled with a surprise appearance and performance by The Sugar Canes singing group she formed 20 years ago.
Proclamation
The Jamaican Consul-General in Miami, Oliver Mair, issued a Proclamation recognizing Mrs. Leslie not only for her special birthday but also acknowledging how she has “greatly impacted many as a dedicated teacher, enhancing their lives richly through education while instilling discipline and self-confidence.”
Consul General Mair, declaring in the Proclamation how proud he was to recognize those who render significant contributions for the enhancement of all people, said he wanted to “honour, commend, and thank Mrs. Sybil Leslie for her long-standing commitment and service.”
Among her distinctions the Consul General singled out was that, after migrating to Atlanta in 1993, Mrs. Leslie returned to her love of history and culture and headed the cultural committee of the Jamaica Atlanta Association for many years, organizing cultural events for Black History Month and other events. He also lauded her for forming the folk singing group The Sugar Canes “to bring Jamaican culture to audiences in Atlanta.”
In her tribute, Dr. Winsome Leslie told her mother: “You have lived a life with purpose, focus, and you have been “all-in” … fully committed.” She elaborated, noting how Sybil was “all-in” as daughter and sister; as student; as scholar and academic, publishing several books, including her latest, Uncle Zekie Seh; as wife and her husband Astley’s “second brain and confidant”; and as mother – a role model to her two daughters, showing the critical importance of having a career as a woman, but also equally important, the commitment to family.
“You have had several ‘lives’ – in Jamaica as teacher; in Barbados, where you gave up your job to be with Dad in his new role,” said Winsome. “And [you] had to build a new career, at the University while developing your art. In Atlanta, where you became a ‘cultural ambassador’ and formed The Sugar Canes – well into your 80s. And now in Charlotte, where you are now a ‘star’ at Waltonwood, and where Uncle Zekie was written.”
In her reply, the grateful, newly minted centenarian acknowledged the very warm wishes that “came from the heart.” She recalled her parents for the way she was raised, always being polite and helpful, and considerate of others. She said her leadership qualities had been spotted early on, from kindergarten, when she was put in charge of the other children during recess. This continued through school and Bethlehem Teachers College.
While conceding she had no magic formula for her longevity, she cited two things as having guided her throughout her life – patience and perseverance in all circumstances, even difficulties, and excellence – always doing a task well.
Master of ceremonies was Tony Gray, with special tributes by Harveybelle Seaton, Pauline Jones, and Casmel Williams, as well as Tony Lee-Hing and Wayne Leslie.
A retired teacher, Sybil Leslie is a historian, storyteller and published author, whose late husband Astley was a labor relations expert and represented Jamaica at the International Labour Organization.
Her work has earned her national honours from the Government of Jamaica and recognition from Jamaica diaspora organizations, including those in Atlanta. Educated at Bethlehem Teachers College and with an M.A. in Educational Administration the from University the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica, she also holds and an M. Phil in History from UWI Cave Hill (Barbados).
She taught at different levels of the Jamaican education system, including Shortwood Teachers College, where she was head of the Social Studies Department, and at UWI Cave Hill. Sybil has published previous works, among them a series of four Social Studies textbooks for schools in Jamaica.
