He was the youngest among the self-helpers; 16-years-old when he joined the team to clear what was deemed a mini-jungle now known the world over as Carifesta City.
Indeed, Randolph Jeffrey was among the first to wield the axe to clear the land to make the Carifesta Village of 1972 a reality. Time was certainly not considered the self-helpers best friend, as they benefited from little time-off from their jobs as they struggled to make the most of daylight saving time, a maxim introduced by the Burnham administration. Though they played a small role, their input was of tremendous value and their commitment to make a reality of the then Administration’s programme of providing housing facilities for the many artistes from the Dutch, Spanish, French and English-speaking countries.
Jeffrey recalled looking on in awe at the stronger men as they banded themselves into groups to uproot stubborn tree stumps, moving them out of the way in minutes. He was fascinated as he saw men, with bare hands transforming heavily forested areas into empty lots. “Fifteen pieces in five minutes for lot 26,” a booming voice had roared, as the men sawed, nailed and fitted the structures together. Soon, rafters were up, a testament to the determination of men and women who ensured that the festival village was completed on time.
They came in large numbers; the Trinis, Bajans and Antiguans who were all but mesmerised at the gaily painted buildings equipped with water and lights and furnished with local furniture. Carifesta 1972 had begun.
