Michael wants markets or farmers
Maximin John better known as Max hails from the community of Marigot. From the age of seven or eight years, he learnt the art of weaving coconut baskets, hats and other creative ornamental pieces such as birds, fish, flowers out of coconut leaves by observing an older gentleman at the time. Max amusingly speaks of climbing a coconut tree in his tender in an attempt to pick his own leaves and falling off and breaking one of his arms. Today he is a skilful climber and can be seen on top some of the tallest trees in his community, including coconut trees where he gets coconut leaves for his trade. While he has sailed many seas and speaks several languages, his passion for creating his craft and just being one with nature is what he enjoys most. I asked Max 47 zippy questions in an effort to get to know him better and understand his way of life.
Daisy: Good afternoon Max and thank you so much for agreeing to speak with me and answer my 47 zippy questions.
Max: Good afternoon Madam. Yes, I am not sure I am ready but go ahead(smiles).
Daisy: (Smiles). Super, Max. The questions will not be difficult. They will cause you to think deeply at times but you can do this…Your first question is, on a scale of 1 to 10, how excited are you about life right now?
I would say a nine (9) because I am doing some things that I have always wanted to do like having my own garden.
What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness is my heart.
What is your biggest strength?
My biggest strength is my spirit.
What is a cause that is important to you?
Love is a cause that is important to me.
When are you the most inspired?
In the night, when I am on my bed, thoughts flow through my head.
Sweet or savory?
None of them, too much sweet or salt is not good for us. I like bitter.
What song can you listen to on repeat?
False Prophets by Lucky Dube.
What makes you smile the most?
Anything I find funny.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
My heart or who I am inside. People don’t know me.
What are three things you can’t live without?
Water, Wind that is blowing which provides the oxygen and food.
What is the most adventurous thing you have done in your life?
The most adventurous thing for me was climbing Petit Piton.
How would you define yourself in 3 words?
Love, knowledge and wisdom.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The best piece of advice is to be good.
What is your pet peeve?
Noise irritates me.
What is one thing you wish people understood?
I wish people could be together as one.
What is your biggest regret?
Anything that I have done wrong. We all make mistakes.
What is a secret talent that you have?
Learning languages quickly.
How do you start your day?
My day is always good. I get up, drink water, climb the coconut tree to pick some palms or coconut leaves which I use to make my baskets and other items so that I can earn my own living, make my own little money.
What is something you still want to be doing in 10 years?
Still talking to you because you inspire me to do better for myself.
Aww..Max, you are too kind. What is the best thing that happened for you this year?
Harvesting my first set of bananas from my garden (Smiles from ear to ear). I was so excited..it felt so good. I don’t know if I will be alive to taste the rest but at least I can say I ate from the fruits of my labor.
What is one thing you had to learn the hard way?
Working hard.
Coffee or tea?
Tea.
Diamonds or pearls?
None.
What makes you feel accomplished?
Harvesting bananas from my garden for the first time. It was exciting and it felt so good. For me seeing that I planted something and wondering when it will bear and how long you have to wait to see it bear fruit. Sometimes you might wonder if you will live to enjoy the fruit of your labor.
Favorite food?
Ground provisions.
Favourite snack?
Bush tea and sandwiches.
What is a super power you wish you had?
Being the world Prime Minister
What is your favourite color?
Blue
What is something you would like to see happen in our society?
No more littering.
What is the most important thing your mom taught you?
To always be polite to people- say good day to others, good morning, good afternoon, good night so and so.
How would you describe your upbringing?
In my mind’s eye, I can picture it. I rewind my thoughts and picture it, it is imagination, it is memories.
What kind of childhood did you have?
I spent a lot of time in nature, in the bush, climbing trees, feeding the birds, catching them for pets, going to the river, picking flowers, picking up stones for my slingshot, roasting what I caught and eating it. It was fun.
Who is your role model?
I look up to the One that I have not seen, the Most High.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Spirit that is inside of me gets me out of bed in the morning.
What do you want to be remembered for?
I think people remember the goodness in others when they have died. For me, I like to help people so I think people will remember the good that I did for them whether it is helping them to plant flowers or something else.
What is your biggest fear?
I have no fear, I fear no evil and no one.
What is one book you think people should read?
The bible or the book of knowledge.
If you had to make a movie, what would it be about?
It would be a great movie about having fun in nature, creating things from using parts of the plants, some comedy with joyful moments.
What makes you laugh?
The joy in my heart.
Favourite time of day?
Anytime of the day is good for me.
How do you define beauty, whether of people, the world and so on?
I define beauty with my eyes.
What is the weirdest word in the English language to you?
Any obscene language is strange.
Any last words for your audience?
I hope they enjoy my thoughts.
How do you feel now that we are done?
I am not sure about it…you decide. What are you going to do with it?
(Laughs) Thanks so much Max. Was that so hard?
Uhhh, no but maybe next time I will do better.
You did great Max, you spoke from your heart and I am sure our readers will enjoying knowing a piece of you. We wish you the best Max and for our audience you can catch Max in Marigot, near the newer look out point.
