Montserrat Welcomes Newest Centenarian
Montserrat welcomed its newest centenarian on Monday.
He is Mr. Charles Richard Lee, affectionately known as “Margetson” or “Long Life,” who celebrated his 100th birthday on May 19th.
In a heartwarming ceremony held in his honor, Mr. Lee was joined by Governor, Her Excellency Harriet Cross, Premier, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade, family, friends and members of the Salem Community Group.
Governor Cross presented Mr. Lee with a special birthday card from His Majesty King Charles III.
Premier Meade, conveyed birthday greetings on behalf of the Government and people of Montserrat.
He also unveiled plans to display a wall of the island’s centenarians at the John A Osborne Airport.
Members of the Salem Community Group, meantime, reflected on Mr. Lee’s contribution to the community and island at large.
Julian Romeo and before him Herman Francis.
Born in Lower Friths in 1925 to Margaret Buntin Lee and John Lee, Charles Lee has lived a full and dynamic life.
A former lorry driver for the Public Works Department, he also participated in the U.S. farm workers programme before migrating to St. Croix and later to the United Kingdom in 1960. In the UK, he served as a park police officer for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Known by many as “the man who drives sideways behind the steering wheel” or the “kerchief man Margetson,” he is also a passionate fisherman and a devoted masquerade dancer.
Mr. Lee is celebrated not only for his longevity but also for his vibrant personality.