kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt
“Always have a good heart and mind towards everyone. Never hold any malice in your heart, even to people who do you wrong. It is for yourself.”
It is the recipe for longevity that Charlotte Sabga gives to anyone who asks how she lives such a long and fulfilling life.
On New Year’s Day, Charlotte, the oldest member of the Syrian-Lebanese community, turned 100, celebrating with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at her home in Woodbrook. She is also a member of the Syrian-Lebanese Women’s Association.
Not only is she the matriarch of her clan, but her son Richard Sabga describes her as the pillar of the family, guiding them through thick and thin since the death of her husband Naim Sabga on November 28, 1978.
“I was 28 when my dad died. She looked after everything after my father died and has always been a pillar of strength for us. She is a selfless mother,” Richard said.
Charlotte and Naim made five children, Ramon Sabga (deceased), former powerboat racer Carlos Sabga (deceased), Richard Sabga, Janet Sabga-Elias and Juliet George. Together, they gave her 17 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.
As the family erected tents in their garden on Saturday to celebrate the remarkable milestone, they honoured her wishes by having a priest over to share a blessing and give her holy communion. In return, she asked the priest to bless everyone.
Born in Adeket, Lebanon in 1922, Charlotte was surrounded by a family of politicians, enjoying a well-off lifestyle. She met Naim in 1939 during his visit to the Middle East. They fell in love, got married. She often related the tale of her perilous travel from Lebanon to Trinidad, having to pass through Europe during World War II and travelling to Trinidad by boat.
“She arrived in Trinidad, and my father lived on Charlotte Street. My mother felt anxious and excited as she came to a new world. My father told her that he lived on Charlotte Street, and she expected the moon and stars. Obviously, they lived in much poorer conditions back then.
“My mother came from a good family in Lebanon. Most of her brothers were government officials, deputies and mayors. She was accustomed to a good affluent life back in Lebanon.”
Charlotte did not have the amenities she usually had and lived with her relatives, but she was about love and family and quickly adjusted to life in Trinidad. She remains in love with Trinidad to this day, even when her children speak of migrating.
As Richard put it, “This is her home. Her husband and sons are buried here.”
