A legacy forever etched in Old Harbour’s history | Reactions to death of popular newspaper vendor ‘Dummy’

Born with mutism and unable to hear, Morrison never let his disabilities hinder him from earning a living or gaining the respect of those around him. Known for his quiet yet dignified presence, he became an integral part of the town’s daily life. His passing has left a profound void, silencing a man who, though he never spoke, made a loud and lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

After his mother’s death in 2015, Morrison was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and received treatment at the University Hospital of the West Indies. Over the years, he also developed high blood pressure and diabetes, conditions that required constant monitoring and careful management. On Friday, February 7, he fell from a stool and was taken to the Old Harbour Health Centre before being rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital, where he was admitted and treated. Sadly, he passed away days later at the age of 59.

Marcia Morrison, one of his sisters and the head of the Grade One department at Old Harbour Primary School, remembers him as a kind and loving person who will be deeply missed. “Even though my brother couldn’t speak, he was very jovial. He had many friends everywhere…even the person organizing his funeral was his friend. He had many police friends and knew everyone’s business. He loved his family, and whenever one of us passed by, he would proudly introduce us to his customers as his family,” she shared.

Despite his disabilities, Morrison faced few challenges on the streets, as he was deeply loved and respected by the community. He communicated through sign language, and though people sometimes joked with him, occasionally causing brief moments of frustration, he always quickly returned to his cheerful self. Morrison shared a special bond with some of his customers, often allowing them to take newspapers without immediate payment, trusting they would settle their debts later. His trustworthiness was well-known, as people would leave items with him for others, confident they would be safely delivered untouched and intact. In addition to selling newspapers, Morrison spent his evenings packing bags at a local supermarket.

Another sister, Nadeen Morrison, shared that her brother had a passion for playing dominoes and horse racing, but his greatest dream was to travel abroad. “His father was a racehorse owner and trainer, so he was always interested in horse racing. He would visit Caymanas Park on Saturdays, study the race paper, and show people which horse was likely to win. However, he was fascinated with planes and going abroad…his lifelong desire was to migrate. He had friends who migrated and would return to visit him, bringing gifts,” she said.

Morrison, the eldest of four children, lived with relatives who provided him with a strong support system and ensured he received the care he needed. Among them was Annmarie Jackson, who took great pride in overseeing his daily health and well-being. “We were very close. I would take his blood pressure and check on him regularly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we played dominoes at night, but he didn’t like losing and would gesture to people, ‘You talk too much.’ Overall, he was very caring and pleasant to be around. Whenever something was happening, he would read the papers, inform me of the latest news, and warn me about places to avoid,” Jackson recalled.

Morrison’s finances were managed by his cousin, Jackelin Latty, who lives overseas and described their relationship as being like that of siblings. “He was a strong-willed person who couldn’t be convinced to do anything he didn’t want to do. Everyone knew him. Today, I received calls from Canada, New York, Connecticut…people asking if the news of his passing was true,” Latty shared. She added that Morrison was a tireless worker, showing up every day without fail. “If I could talk to him again, I would tell him, ‘Don’t go out today, rest.’ He worked from Sunday to Sunday. I arrived in Jamaica today, and as I sit at his doorstep, I still feel like he’s out in town and will return home later.”

Morrison’s presence was unmistakable, and his legacy endures as residents remember his dedication to keeping them informed. Among those who will miss him is Karim Lyn, acting principal of Monsignor Colin Bryan Preparatory School, who told Old Harbour News that he had seen Morrison selling newspapers in the same spot since his childhood. “He was essential to the town and had been there for decades. As a regular customer, I was saddened to hear of his passing. I would buy the Star during the week and the Sunday Gleaner. I am incredibly proud of him for not letting his speech disability stop him from making a difference,” Lyn said.

Morrison was more than just a newspaper vendor; he was a symbol of perseverance and community spirit. His silent yet profound presence spoke volumes, reminding everyone that actions resonate louder than words. Though ‘Dummy’ will no longer be seen at his usual spot, his legacy as a veteran in his trade and a pioneer of consistency will forever be etched in Old Harbour’s history.