CLAD in his black and white birthday suit, attorney-at-law Clive Munroe Sr was the toast at his 60th birthday party, held at Sea Garden Beach Resort in Montego Bay on Sunday, October 1.

He celebrated with his wife, attorney-at-law Erica Boswell-Munroe, by his side, accompanied by his mother, sons, grandchildren, siblings, relatives and close friends.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang, who was a mentor to Munroe Sr in earlier years, and his wife Paulette Chang were among the distinguished guests who attended in support of the feat.

Munroe Sr was born in Duanvale, Trelawny, on September 28, 1963. He attended William Knibb High School from first to fifth form, and transferred to Munro College for sixth form.

Marcia Hylton, Munroe Sr’s English language, English literature, and speech teacher at William Knibb, who was also in attendance, had fond memories of the celebrant as a student.

“Clive’s nickname was Chizzy. He entered the JCDC speech festival several times and won gold medals. One of his most memorable performances was with the poem If We Must Die by Claude McKay,”Hylton said.

Millicent Allen, Munroe Sr’s mother and who will be 80 in March 2024, was elated to be part of her son’s epic accomplishment. “It is an honour; I am happy to be here. I am in good health and I get to see my son’s 60th birthday. The Lord is good — all praise and glory to Him” she said.

Munroe Sr’s wife epitomised the phrase “for better or worse” as she has stood by her husband from their years in the starting blocks at Hampton High and Munro College, through the early years of family life, and is still the wind beneath his wings.

“Clive Munroe is the quintessential gentleman and scholar. He works very hard as an attorney-at-law and is very supportive of his wife. He is always working, so we decided to show him how much we appreciate the hard work. We looked for the people who always has his back, and those from every facet of his life, and brought them together and just shocked him,” said Boswell-Munroe.

The couple produced four boys, attorney-at-law Clive Munroe Jr, Khalil Munroe, twins Jelanie Munroe (Rhodes scholar), and Dr Jabari Munroe.

There are three grandchildren.

Friends, relatives and clients travelled from various parts of Jamaica and the world, including New Jersey, USA; France; Cameroon; and those from Chancellor Hall during his time as a student at The University of the West Indies — a testament to the love for Munroe Sr and how much he is valued.

“We just want Clive to know that we love him. This is a man of dignity, and dignity to be emulated. We were so happy to have shared this fabulous day with him. Clive, may you live to see many more,” said Boswell-Munroe.