Richard 'Danny Germs' Austin: One who forgot his Troubles, and Danced

Even with his troubles, a smile was never far from Richard Austin's face.
 
It's ironic, that he would die a day or so, after Bob Marley's birthday. Because like Bob Marley encouraged, 'Danny Germs' was one, quick to forget his troubles. And one, quick to dance.
 
To see 'Germs' at the New Kingston nightclub Epiphany in the days of old, was to see 'Germs' in his element. Austin relished having a good time. Some now, will be quick to say, "too quick." But that was Danny. And a leopard does not easily change his spots. And spots, Danny had many.
 
Born on the wrong side of town - Jones Town; schooled at St. Andrew Technical High School, also on the wrong side of town, Danny in Jamaica's eyes, committed the unpardonable sin. He went to South Africa with Lawrence Rowe. But of all those who went, he of them all, should have gone. Because, even before Austin became an untouchable, in his native Jamaica, he was an untouchable.
 
Who was ever going to give him a job? And if they did, he might not have been able to have kept it. But we should always do, what we know what we should do. And not do it necessarily, because the outcome we so desire, is a long-shot odd. And in that sense, 'Germs' brought out the worst in us.
 
At our worst, we do not, as a society, carry life-rafts. Once you're overboard in our Jamaica society, then that's it. For the most part, you're left to sink or swim on your own. And 'Danny Germs', God bless his dearly departed soul, could not swim.
 
I'll always remember 'Danny' though. Because, he was my opening batsman.
 
"Viv will be here." And that's all I needed to say. Because in Packer cricket, "Viv was up and down with him," Michael Holding once told me. And somehow, 'Germs' made his way down to the Kirkvine Sports Club, and on his own, to play for my invitational XI.
 
People would always admonish, (quote); "Don't give him any money. He's only going to use it to buy drugs." So what? He played for me. And played for me, for free.
 
And he so enjoyed himself that day, rapping with Viv, and bowling some mean seamers. That's 'Germs'. His car had no brakes.
 
And talk about fighting for his country. There was none like him. "Dem haffi gu bus-up mi mout," I heard him once say, as he prepared to face Guyana and the venomous Colin Croft in a Shell Shield match.
 
Richard 'Danny Germs' Arkwright Austin, was one who gave to his country, more than he took.
 
He for sure, for one, is in a better place.
 
May his soul now rest in peace.