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Jamaican History February 2004 |
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Anthan
Francis Berry was a Jamaican who won for himself a place as a successful druggist. He was the second son of Mr. Henry
Bailey Berry and his wife, Caroline Berry, of Porus, Manchester, who were respected for their diligence and uprightness in
their agricultural pursuits.
He was educated at St Augustine’s Church of England School, where his teacher was Mr.
S. C. Thompson, later President of the Jamaica Union of Teachers in 1912. He showed special aptitude for Mathematics and Mr.
Thompson was very favourably impressed by the young scholar’s ability and character.
After leaving school he studied under Dr R M.
Stimpson who had a high opinion of the young student. He passed his examination and qualification as a dispenser in March
1905 after two and a half years. In June that year he started business at Albert Town, Trelawny. Later he removed to St. Elizabeth,
and in October, 1906 opened up the People’s Dispensary at Balaclava. There he built up a fine trade in drugs and groceries
based on his sterling business ability and unfailing courtesy. He later opened a branch at Santa Cruz where there was great
need of a Dispensary.
Mr. Berry was always interested in books,
particularly histories, and was an ardent newspaper reader. His interest in public affairs was strong and keen. He had strong
opinions on the need to sell Crown Lands and raise the minimum wage in order to encourage agriculture and reduce the numbers
of young Jamaicans emigrating to find work abroad.
He also had strong views on the legal status of druggists which he felt was not adequately protected by the
existing laws. He strongly advocated the formation of a Druggists Association. |
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