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Chief Justice Ivor Archie’s mother, Moulda Archie, was celebrated for leaving a legacy of unselfishness and steely resilience at her funeral at the Evangelical Church in Scarborough yesterday.
Archie’s funeral took place one day before her 89th birthday and was attended by some of the most powerful people in the country, including President Paula-Mae Weekes, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, former immediate president Anthony Carmona, Deputy THA Chief Secretary Joel Jack, and several judges from Trinidad.
Archie was remembered as one of the most influential people in Tobago, having taught many influential citizens English and Latin at the Bishop’s High School.
In delivering one of the eulogies, PM Rowley recognised this.
“It is fitting that the Office of the Prime Minister... be associated with the life of Ms Archie...This ceremony represents the closing of a chapter that the best Tobagonians could have ever been,” Rowley, a former student of hers, told the congregation.
“Of all the tributes you would have heard, ambition, sacrifice, caring, all that embodied one Tobagonian woman.”
Recalling how Ms Archie influenced his life, Rowley said she taught him proper manners, including eating with a knife and fork. He said he remembered her on his three recent visits to Buckingham Palace and wondered if he would have learnt that skill if she had not taught him.
In his eulogy, Chief Justice Archie said his mother would have preferred her funeral be a celebration than one of mourning and pointed out that the smile she bore in her coffin was a testimony to that. He especially thanked all the dignitaries who attended, especially the President, PM, former president Carmona, his staff and several judges who travelled from Trinidad.
Describing his mother, who was also his teacher in the third form, he said she lived her life “fully, unselfishly,” was “born before her time” and “was a visionary who understood the importance of self-understanding.”
He said even her name, Oreila, was prophetic as it means “golden”.
“How prophetic for a little baby to be given that name and grow up to influence the lives of three generations of Tobagonians,” the CJ said.
Archie’s interment took place at the Buccoo cemetery.