I have always admired the attractive stone-masonry on Bequia, from the simple retaining walls built to protect properties to the fanciful arches announcing the entrances to some of the homes. The rocks used by the stone-masons are arranged carefully in a precise yet artful way, and the end results are as pleasing to the eye as they are sturdy and durable.
One Bequian in particular devoted his life to masonry and, although usually a man of few words, is more than happy to recount stories about the structures he created throughout his long career. Percival Cunningham, affectionally known throughout the island as “Old Year’s”, began working as a stone-mason at the age of 23 when he assisted in the building of a wall at Friendship. From that day onwards “Old Year’s” and his craftmanship were in great demand, and I can attest to the quality of his work.
When Mac built the Pizzeria in 1979 it was made primarily of wood, but when the time came to extend the dining room we needed Mr. Cunningham’s masonry expertise. This was the first time “Old Years” was hired by Mac but by no means the last; the man’s work was simply the best, as was his work ethic, and we were pleased with the beauty of everything he put his hand to.
“Old Years” played a huge part in the construction of our home at Belmont, a project that required a great deal of masonry. I could set my clock by the stone-mason; always eager to get an early start, he would arrive at sun-rise and work steadily until noon. At 12:00 sharp he tucked into the contents of his lunch pail, then worked again from 1:00 until about 2:30. Quitting time for the crew was 4:00, but “Old Years” wanted to ensure a clean work-space for the following morning, and would spend quite a bit of time tidying up any mess made that day. He was meticulous, a trait I heartily approved of and encouraged!
Mr. Cunningham was married to a lovely soul named Janet, and together they had 7 children – 5 girls and 2 boys. Their daughter Sophia worked for me at the Pizzeria for 25 years, and is still employed there. Sophia inherited a strong work ethic from her father and so did his daughter Maguette (island name “Darky”), known for her exceptional fruit and vegetable stand. “Old Years” has retired, and now spends his days helping Darky with her business and, because some things don’t change, he still arrives for work at the crack of dawn!
Percival’s masonry skills live on through his sons Shad and Sherwin; trained by their father from a young age, both sons continue their father’s legacy and are steadily employed as stone-masons. My late brother-in-law Nolly once told “Old Years” that the stone walls he had built throughout the years, if stitched together, would probably stretch all the way across the channel to the mainland. I figure if all the walls built by Shad and Sherwin are added into the equation, the line might well reach all the way to Martinique!
Percival Cunningham will turn 80 this year on December 31st, hence the island name “Old Years”. His life as a stone-mason was remarkable, and his many lovely structures are lasting testaments to his hard work and skill.
