84-year-old man graduates with Bachelor’s degree in Trinidad

An 84-year-old man, who once worked as clerk with the British government, Sunday graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication from the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT).

“I feel great, having achieved one of my milestones,” Curtis Thomas told reporters, adding that he is a “positive thinker” and intends to publish a history of the oil industry in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as  books of fiction, non-fiction and short-stories. He also intends to write plays and direct documentaries.

“Age is just a number. I don’t see it as a stumbling block, once you have good health. I look forward to what is possible,” he said, adding that he was pursuing a degree in law from the University of London, but had to stop due to illness.

“Three weeks before the final exam it (appendix) burst and I had to be rushed to hospital for an immediate operation,” he said, advising senior citizens that they should be persistent, constructive and confident and know what they want in life.

“I pray quite a lot,” he told reporters, adding also that he eats a balanced diet, and that he never drank alcohol.

Thomas said he had once worked as a government clerk in London and in a British factory.