- Marlene McPherson
Trace Williams, right, with his father Detective Leslie Williams.
Marlene McPherson, Outlook Writer
IF YOU were to write a character reference now for Trace Williams, it would read: always neatly attired, he has an even temperament and wears a contagious smile.
This is a portrait of a young man who has come into a new lifestyle. But prior to an intervention which occurred in his life and his decision for Christ, he could have been another of the crime statistics in the St. Catherine area, being exposed to guns and all kinds of wrong doing.
He was born in Glengoffe, St. Catherine, living with his mother, grandmother, aunt and cousin.
This is his story:
"We struggled to have food, many times, no breakfast, nor dinner. So we always appreciated the little that we had."
"At school, at the Cassava River Primary, I did very well. I was one of the best students in mathematics. I even passed the Common Entrance Examination for Oberlin High at 10 years old. First form was great, but my life took a downward turn during second form, and it just deteriorated every year after because of bad company."
"I could not graduate because I did not meet the requirements. I had low grades, poor attendance and punctuality records, and then there were the detentions and suspensions. These were the crowns on my record. This was due in part to my mother's inability to send me to school regularly, and my refusal to go when sent. Sometimes I ended up elsewhere, perhaps in a friends house in Kingston or I would just waste time on the road."
Life's ugly side
"As a youngster growing, I was exposed to everything evil. Smoking, guns, heavy drinking until I was drunk, early sexual exploits, leaving the home on my own to do anything I wanted. I was not under much authority."
"My mother called me one evening and introduced me to a stranger, to whom she was talking. 'This is your father', she said. I looked at him, unexcited. At 13 years old, it meant nothing to me. My interest in him had waned. My queries about him had never been answered, and he was never spoken of in the household." Trace's father is Detective Leslie Williams. These are his reflections:
"I was really happy meeting Trace. It was a new day in my life. After I learnt of Trace's existence, arising from a school relationship that was severed, I went in search of him to ensure that it was not rumour, because the mother did not tell me anything about her pregnancy. She admitted that it was her fault, not letting me know about him, but she was glad that I came. She confessed that she was not managing financially, and she was afraid that he could end up in bad company."
So, on the 26th of September 1996, Trace came to St. Thomas to live with his father.
Trace continues his story:
"I had to make a number of adjustments, my father as a police officer, was a disciplinarian, so I came under strict authority. One of the things I could not rebel about was going to church. This was the recipe for future changes.
"Within two weeks I was registered at Seaforth High School but discreetly I carried on my old bad habits. Reverend Courtney Walters, the school's councillor was there for me. He created a wholesome relationship with me, and I shared issues that affected me. My father had a listening ear out for me. I remember he learnt I was wearing caps to class, and he confiscated every cap that I had. I did not like to wear the school tie, but dad insisted that I obeyed and wear it. Now, I do not go to work without my tie."
His father interjected, "I went to every Parent Teacher Association meeting, was in constant contact with all of his teachers, and was kept updated, so I could monitor Trace's behaviour."
The result
Trace was successful in high school and went on to college. In 2000 he made a decision to follow Christ as Lord and Saviour of his life.
Trace confessed, "This decision has been a defining moment for me." He cited this scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things have become new."
Mentors
He named his father and his pastor Reverend Roger Kirby as the main persons who have mentored and followed him. The impact of his father's decision to take him has been tremendous.
"I am disciplined, well-mannered, humble, more loving and see the need for law and order. I can relate to people going through problems, youngsters have come to talk with me about their problems and I have been instrumental in pointing them to answers," said Trace.
His father concluded, "He is a completely different person, we share a lot, and we reflect."
Currently, this 24-year-old is a model to all his family members. His mother, Constant Marriott is now going to church, as a result of his influence. Trace believes that his father's intervention has played a significant role in his life.
It is through this earthly father that he has come to know his heavenly father.
