Bo-Paul

Henry in his workshop

Bo-Paul and Rufina

In every organization, town and group of people there is a Bo-Paul.  A person always with a smile on his face and a positive attitude who is willing to do anything asked of him at any time, any where.  At St Martin de Porres Hospital that person is Bo-Paul.  Bo is the Kom word for Father.  Henry has only one child, Paul, so he is Bo-Paul.

Henry is 59 years old and was born and raised in Njinikom.  He began working at the hospital in 1977 as a yard man.  He has worked in the laundry, a cleaner in the wards, plumber, water supply, maintenance and the last 30 years as the head driver.  Henry knows this hospital inside and out and everyone relies on Henry when something needs a fix.  Never a grumble will come from Bo-Paul, only that smile and an increased hustle to his gait.

Henry married Rufina, also a Njinikom girl, in 1980.  Their son Paul teaches in one of the local schools.

Bo-Paul officially retired from the hospital 15 months ago but has not missed a day of work since then, a truly dedicated worker.

He has left Cameroon only when traveling to Northern Cameroon and the road briefly cuts into Nigeria.

He laughed when I asked him what his hobby was.  Working on his farm is his hobby where he raises plantains, bananas and coffee.

His dream is to buy a car and open his own taxi service.  Idle is never a word that will be associated with Bo-Paul.