Reaching the age of 100 is a reason to celebrate, unless you were born before the biblical flood of Genesis. It was celebration time in Sangre Grande, as George Ernest "Tailor" Clarke hit the 100 year mark on June 22. The celebration at his house, just off of Ramoutar Street, began from early morning and went well into the the night. Family members from USA, Canada, Australia and England made the trip to be apart of the celebrations. While members of his family were somewhat concerned that he may not have reached the milestone on account of his deteriorating health, it seemed that the Creator had other plans in store.
The father of 12 has survived his three brothers and one sister. His wife, who died two years ago, would have been 101 years old on June 23. George, who was named after England's King George V, was born in Manzanilla where he spent his childhood years. He became a pupil teacher, and later a witch-broom inspector, which did not pay well. He was unable to pay the bills comfortably, so he ventured into San Fernando where he learnt and mastered the skill of tailoring, from where the alias "Tailor" sprung.
In 1954 his business was destroyed by a fire and he was forced to find another source of income. The "never say die" man diverted his energies into cultivating cocoa, coconut, citrus, mangoes, bananas and coffee. By the time George reached his 80s, he was happy to spend most of his time with his wife and sell newspapers from his home. George has 45 grandchildren, 48 great grand children and four great great grandchildren.
