Leo Cousins at 100: A pioneer’s unfiltered reflection on Jamaica

FOR decades, Lydford Mining Company co-founder Leo Cousins poured his life into building businesses and imagining a brighter future for Jamaica. Now, at 100 years old, the retired engineer believes the country has still not lived up to its potential.

Cousins welcomed this Jamaica Observer reporter into his home — nestled in the lush hills of St Andrew, overlooking the city of Kingston — for a cup of coffee and a walk down memory lane.

Born on October 8, 1926, Cousins still stands tall, is quick-witted, and has little patience for anything other than speaking his unadulterated truth.