The world does not promise all glory and blessings, and even at our greatest point of success comes disappointments and failures.

Howard Sweetness was a shining star in the prime of his teenage years. The aspiring Trench Town son was much more than a singer. He showed promise at three high schools – Edwin Allen spending three years, then a year at Vere Technical High, and finally St. Mary High School.

“I started high school at Edwin Allen High. I was about 12 years old and coming from Frankfield Primary, I was a striking footballer and athlete. I represented Edwin Allen in the 200 and 400-meter races at Central Champs. I ran against Jon Jones of Knox College who in 1979 represented Jamaica, winning four gold medals at the Carifita Games in Kingston.”

Howard Sweetness was also a footballer, who was good at almost every position at Edwin Allen High School. He could defend his goalkeeper, pass his opponents with fans cracking up with laughter, and easily place the ball at the back of the net. He recalled travelling from Trench Town on a bus to Vere Technical High and back, five days a week.

“The bus, which was owned by our athletic coach, carried extra students on Fridays who went home on weekends. The great Ben Francis was the principal at Vere Technical. I was more known as a footballer. We played a number of practice matches going into the Dacosta Cup competition.”

Howard Sweetness took an early transfer to St. Mary High, as a footballer and mid-distant runner.

“I was well known as a top striker, playing against such schools as Titchfield High and Happy Grove High School. I was part of the St. Mary team which played a semi-final match against Morant Bay at the National Stadium.”

Howard Sweetness got an injury while at St. Mary High School.

“Doctors claimed the ligament in my left knee was torn. I could no longer perform well and decided I just had to pursue my other dream, which is music.”

(Photo contributed)