As I learned of the death of Ms Georgina Brack, affectionately known as Miss Betsy, I reflected on the calm, optimistic, and charismatic person she was.
Miss Betsy was one of those people whom life turns into family through bonds. As a child, I remember visiting her and my great-granduncle at Jokeman Bank on Little Corn Island. She would always welcome you with a smile and offer ginger beer or sorrel drink, corn or cassava cake, or whatever she had in the kitchen at the time.
During my teenage years, when hosting programmes at La Isleña radio station, she became one of my faithful listeners. Whenever I saw her, she would say, “I heard you on the air. I always listen to your programme. I’m a faithful listener….” Even in recent years, as part of the archiving work for The Corn Islands Virtual Library, I had the opportunity to sit down with her twice to discuss the history of Little Corn Island and its people, where she generously shared her ancestral knowledge.
Just a few months ago, I had the chance to visit her. During our conversation, I asked her how, despite her age, she still looked so young and strong. She smiled and replied, “Though the knee is a bit weak, I am still going hard. The key is to eat good, not worry about what doesn’t concern you, and live one day at a time.”
Her words always came with a smile, and she always had some conversation to share while sitting, making doormats, or gazing out at the Caribbean Sea, which she called the best view.
For many of us, she was family and someone we had known since a very early age. I truly cherish the conversations and the advice I always received from her.
My condolences to the Sjogreen Brack family on the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother.
Rest in peace, Miss Betsy.