Happy birthday, Urbain Javois!
Urbain Javois celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday. Born on 25 May 1926 in La Savane, this Saint-Martin native has led a full life: a car mechanic by trade, he also drove the school bus and worked as a taxi driver until 2009.
As a pupil at the school in Grand-Case, he would climb up to work the hillside fields every morning before heading to class. Those years shaped his character and the sense of responsibility he has retained throughout his life. He is now surrounded by four generations. His message to young people is straightforward: “Respect yourselves, respect others, work hard. I’ve made mistakes, I have regrets, but I’m grateful for what life has taught me. Family—that’s the one thing that never changes.” When asked about the secret to his longevity, the centenarian doesn’t bother with long speeches: “I don’t worry and I take life as it comes.”
