Franklyn Browne Gets To 90

Charlestown-Nevis-Saturday 15th September, was a very significant day in the life of former long serving Teacher and Headmaster, Franklyn Browne, of Camps Village.
On that day, the venerable gentleman who has served to mould the lives of so many of his past students, celebrated his 90th birthday.
In a quiet ceremony held at the Yachtsman’s Restaurant in Cotton Ground, his family members and representatives of the Ministry of Social Development, united in making his birthday, extra special.
The brief ceremony was chaired by Miss Trudy Prentice, Coordinator of the Seniors’ Division.
Miss Joyce Moven, Deputy Director of the Social Services Department, congratulated him on his sterling service to the community in Education and other facets of life and wished him many more happy years.
Minister of Social Development, Hon. Eric Evelyn, in presenting the celebrant with a certificate and fruit basket, complements of his Ministry and the City Drug Store, not only mentioned the contributions made by Mr. Browne in Education, but alluded to his upbringing of his children, who are all making meaningful contributions to the society themselves.
He told him that just like his son Virgil, who was an established cricketer, he admonished him to continue batting so that he could get to the century mark.
Mr. Browne who himself is never short of words, thanked God for allowing him to live thus far and noted that every day is ‘his lucky day.’
He spoke of a special attachment to his daughter Veta and his son Roger. He noted that they had a special place in his heart.
On the 1st of August 1970 he was one of the persons on the MV Christena who managed to survive, along with his son Roger who swam all the way to Nevis with him and were among the first to break the news of the tragedy.
He stated that he was inspired by the ‘sight’ of his little baby daughter Veta, telling him ‘Daddy you can get out of that. You always told us how good you are.’
When he came to his senses, he realized that she was not really there but he was inspired to survive, so that he could see her again.
He thanked everyone for helping to make his birthday such a special one