With a small gathering of family and close friends at the Egvinalle Senior Citizens Home, in Lower Carlton, St. James, Egbert McCurdey Clarke, who was in a “feel good” mood, celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday, September 9.
President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, his sister, and other family members living overseas joined the celebration via Zoom.
Born in Archers, St. Lucy, to Irene Clarke and Zechariah Patrick, Mr. Clarke was educated at Selah Primary School, St. Lucy. Upon leaving school, he became an agricultural worker at Husbands Plantation, in the same parish.
During World War II, the centenarian travelled to and worked in the United States in a military kitchen. He returned home for some time but eventually found employment again in South Carolina, as an agricultural worker.
On his final return to Barbados, the centenarian worked at Friendship Plantation, St. Lucy, where he met his future wife, Enid Clarke (nee Blackman – now deceased). Mr. Clarke also worked in the Ministry of Health until he retired from the public service, later becoming a watchman at Speightstown Mall, St. Peter.
Although the couple had no children, they raised Mrs. Clarke’s nephew, Senior Superintendent of Police, Graham Husbands, as their own. The two were also credited for raising others within the community and supporting those in need.
Senior Superintendent Husbands, in expressing his gratitude to the centenarian, whom he called his stepfather, said: “I would be forever eternally grateful for what he has done for me.
He has helped shape my life and I am extremely happy for that…. He and my aunt raised me from a child, and he is the only father I know and the best anyone can ask for.”
Dame Sandra, in acknowledging the centenarian’s goodwill, stated: “We owe you a debt of gratitude because you have done so much for so many people, especially Senior Superintendent Husbands…a very senior police officer…. If you hadn’t done your part, instilling proper values and discipline in him, he would not have reached there.”
Mr. Clarke, who is a Catholic, loves to share his memories and knowledge of families and individuals from St. Lucy and St. Peter. He is in good health and loves to eat ground provisions, fish and chicken.
Troy Barker