Photo: Christopher Famous, far left, attends a 102nd birthday celebration.
Thomas Christopher Famous, JP, MP is a graduate of The Berkeley Institute, a long-serving, 25-year employee of Bermuda Electric Light Company (BELCO), and a business owner. He is also an award-winning columnist, having written hundreds of columns for The Bermuda Sun, Bernews, Caribbean News Now, Today in Bermuda and The Royal Gazette. Mr. Famous also served in the Royal Bermuda Regiment for five years and achieved the rank of Acting Sergeant, responsible for a platoon of 20 soldiers.
Instilled with the values of equality for all, worker’s rights and forward-thinking policies, Christopher Famous has served as the Party Organiser for the Progressive Labour Party and is a member of the Party’s Campaign and Public Relations Committees. Now as MP for Devonshire East, his main passion and responsibility is to ensure all residents of Devonshire have their concerns addressed. One of his goals as a Parliamentarian is to strengthen cooperation and assistance among Caribbean governments.
Chris is married to Maxine and is the father of six children and grandfather of two.
Questions:
1. What is your favourite Bermudian tradition?
Cup Match is our very own unique tradition that happens nowhere else on earth. It allows one month of ribbing each other, two days of biting our nails and 11 months of bragging or crying.
2. Where is the best place for sushi?
Sushi. I love L’oriental’s selections. However, I do like the new place on Burnaby street as well.
3. What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
The very best advice was from my brother Wendell: nothing ventured, nothing gained. It was our grandfather’s motto and mantra towards going after things in life to further yourself and your family.
4. What keeps you up at night?
I do a fair bit of writing at night and I also work at Belco from 8pm-8am, so keeping your lights on is my main job that keeps me up at night.
5. How long have you been in Bermuda?
I was conceived, born and raised in back of town for the last 50 years. Apart from spending time in the Caribbean, I have been here all of my life
6. What was your first job ever?
My first job was as a helper to my Uncle Jimmy, who is a master carpenter. He taught me many life skills, such as working for yourself, customer relations and the importance of having technical skills.
7. Who was your favourite teacher as a child?
My favourite teacher in primary school was Ms. Mary Helen Bartram, as she exposed us to the real life realities of colonialism, racism and colourism. She also took us to Jamaica in 1977 so we could broaden our horizons about other Caribbean islands. Essentially, she helped to shape an entire generation of critical thinkers.
