Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, joined family and friends to wish Mr. LeFroy Brownlow Place a happy 102nd birthday. Mr. Place was born on 24 July, 1916 to Mr. and Mrs. A.B. and Julia Place. He was the oldest of six siblings, two who are still living, Ms. Hilda Place (93) and Mrs. Rhoda Burrows (91).

Mr. Place was married on 23 June, 1940 to Mrs. Sadie Marguerite Bassett for some 59 years before she passed away in 1999. From their marriage they had three children, Tucker, Glenda and Charlene, all but the youngest, Mrs. Charlene Tyrrell, are deceased.

Mr. Place was a printer for the Bermuda Recorder and worked there until the newspaper closed its doors. He then went on to work for the Corporation of Hamilton for 30 years. He is a lover of cricket and is known to travel to Cup Match every year, to watch his beloved Somerset play. He traditionally leaves his home at 7:00am and stays at the field until the last ball.

Premier David Burt stated, “On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I extend heartfelt birthday greetings to a truly remarkable gentleman. It was an honour to celebrate with Mr. Place and his family. Mr. Place’s life spans a period of tremendous development in Bermuda and his work with the Bermuda Recorder added to that publication’s significant voice on behalf of Black Bermudians during the era of segregation. Mr. Place is also a proud supporter of Cup Match and a true living legend in our community. I wish him many more years of health and happiness.”