A teacher for 39 years, ‘Champ’ turns 103

Born on March 31, 1919, Georgetown resident Hilton ‘Champ’ Lewis is celebrating his 103rd birth anniversary and despite his age, he remains alert with a strong memory and wise tongue.

The father of three got the name ‘Champ’ after he won numerous competitions during his days as an athlete and then as a teacher, a career he held for 39 years.

Lewis told the News Room during an interview on Wednesday at his Albert Street, Georgetown home that the late former President Desmond Hoyte was his student.

Lewis is also a former Sports Coach and National Service Officer.

To this day, he remains mentally fit with no serious health issues although he suffered a stroke last year that has left him bedridden.

“I was an outstanding teacher athlete, right now my foot is hurting but I would be running and training,” Hilton stated.

But what is Hilton’s secret to such a long, healthy life?

“That is easy, good eating and good sleeping, I start sex late at 24, so there is a lot of strength in me still and I eat a lot of fruits,” Hilton said.

He further said, “live clean, don’t curse and want to fight and that kind of thing. Get a good education that is the secret to a good life.”

Hilton was awarded numerous medals during his athletic journey and explained that he gifted each family member a medal.

“The family each got one, my son got a medal and his son – my grandson- got a medal,” Hilton explained.

Hilton grew up on Carmichael Street in Georgetown and had seven siblings who are now all dead. As a young boy, he attended the St George’s Government School and after he completed his secondary education, Hilton wrote the Pupil’s Teacher Appointment exam and started his teaching career at the Lodge Congregation School.

Hilton spent the next three decades teaching at the primary and secondary levels and was even appointed headmaster at a few of these schools.

“I liked teaching, I like to see children progressing and so on,” Hilton said.

Lewis was only married once – to the mother of his children Pinky Williams. After she died about 16 years ago, he spent his days alone.

He describes himself as a very simple person and said he is not afraid of dying and “wants to see what is on the other side.”

After suffering a stroke in October last year, Lewis is now being cared for by his niece Rosalind on Albert Street in Georgetown.

He is patiently waiting for his son to visit from the United States in a few weeks.

He spends his days now listening to cricket and football on his radio. For his birthday this year, his niece will host a Thanksgiving dinner.