Many persons among them parents and guardians with their children filed pass the casket of Sir Ellis Clarke, TT’s first President, to pay their respects and be part of a historic occasion.
The mood at the rotunda of the Red House was solemn with only the strains of classical music punctuating the quiet atmosphere.
Karen Brooks brought her five-year-old son to the viewing. She told Newsday she had downloaded information on Sir Ellis to share with him. While her son had no memory of the man whose coffin he passed, Brooks was overcome with emotion and her eyes became glassy. She paused to compose herself and said, “I wanted him to be here to have the experience.” Brooks herself said she had fond memories of Sir Ellis.
Larry Joseph of Chaguanas brought his daughter Selisha, 11 years. “I wanted to see the first President. I wanted to offer my condolences,” she said. Joseph said he wanted his daughter to see what a state funeral was about. She also wanted to see the rotunda of the Red House. Joseph said he had never been in the rotunda and took the opportunity to visit for the first time. (The area is closed to the public and has been this way following the 1990 coup.) Sue Charles brought nine year-olds Stephanie Hernandez, Alisha Edinburgh and Tishana Jack.
Lawrence Samuel said he brought his son Adam, because Adam was a history student and wanted to be part of the experience.
“I find it is a good thing to remember in the future and for them to see it,” Samuel said.
Hart Edwards, chairman of the TT National Commission for UNESCO, and former permanent secretary, Ministry of National Security said he wanted to pay tribute to a great “son of the soil”.
He said Sir Ellis was a “tower of power and man of the people. He exemplified the best that we have and are.” Former government minister Lindsay Gillette said Sir Ellis was a great President and he saw him many times in the Catholic church. “He was a pillar of strength in the Catholic church.”
Consultant cardiologist Dr Rasheed Rahaman said his visit was in recognition of Sir Ellis’ role in the development of the country.
“He was a true patriot, a good role model. I came primarily to be part of it and recognise that.”
Gwenyth Brizan, of Maryland, said she felt blessed and privileged to be “part of a historic event” and had to sign the condolence book. She left TT in 1964 and recently returned for Christmas. Brizan extended condolences to the Clarke family. Ernie Downing also said he felt a “great part of history”. He said Sir Ellis did a lot for laws in TT and his death was a sad day. “I wish politicians would follow in his footsteps instead of talking and not working.” Students from schools around Port-of-Spain took time to view Sir Ellis’ casket. Among them was South East Port-of-Spain students Shenika McAlister and Symoi Mottley. they said, “we came to see the first local governor general, and president and pay our tribute.”
Sir Ellis, 93, died on December 30. He will be buried today.
