Henry Wright MoBay’s beloved sprinting newspaper vendor
Published:Saturday | August 9, 2025 | 12:08 AMAshley Anguin/Gleaner Writer
Western Bureau:
While navigating peak hour traffic would be a challenge to most people, for veteran newspaper vendor, 59-year-old Henry Wright, sprinting at top speed along Dr Marco Brown Road, Arthur Gilchrist Boulevard and West Green Road, in Montego Bay, St James, to sell newspapers to passing motorists has made him an admired personality.
Wright, who has been selling The Gleaner and THE STAR for 20 years, says he feels a sense of purpose and connection running through the streets to catch up with his customers.
“In the sun, in the rain, you can always find me here selling the newspaper. I 100 per cent love this job,” declared Wright, who said his love affair with selling newspapers started in 2005 when he was introduced to the business by a friend.
The fit-looking Wright, who could be easily mistaken for an active track athlete and who is always ready to respond to a toot from a customers’ horn, says retirement is far from his mind.
“I always admire Usain Bolt. He is my inspiration so for that reason, I keep on running to the cars,” said Wright, whose workday runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Despite the care he takes running between vehicles, Wright said he had a frightening experience in February when he narrowly escaped being injured.
A driver overtook another car and ran the red light while I was running across. When I run where I was going, that was where the car was going as well. If I was not paying attention, then I would be hit down,” said Wright, who credited his quick reflexes to avoid being injured.
In 2022, two Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) officers were among three persons who were seriously injured in a three-vehicle accident at that same location. There was also another collision between an ambulance and a Toyota Voxy.
On average, Wright, who has become increasingly popular among motorists, generally sells close to 100 newspapers on Sundays. He said if his target is not met, he still sees his effort as a job well done.
“This job has a very big impact on me. The customers make me feel proud of myself and The Gleaner Company. I just want to thank all my customers so much for supporting me and the company,” said Wright. “Some customers just love to see me in action, and they have fallen in love with my work.”
In addition to selling newspapers, Wright also works as a regular street vendor, which basically keeps him on the street all day.
“Weekdays, from Mondays to Saturdays, I do sell sweets and bag juice, that is my other living. I love both of my jobs,” said Wright, who gets a twinkle in his eyes talking about the admiration he gets for his athleticism.
One customer, who takes great delight in watching Wright in action is his longtime customer, Viola Barrett.
“He is so nice and moves quickly on the job. When you see him run up and down in the traffic in the broiling sun, you can tell him nah play. I only ask God to cover him because I fret for him when he is in action,” said Barrett.