Marchelle D. Clarke Brown (Debbie Brown) - 1982

Marchelle D. Clarke Brown

Born on St. Eustatius, in the Dutch Caribbean, I traveled to Curacao for my secondary education. After completing that segment, I enrolled in our dear alma mater, the College of the Virgin Islands, in August 1978 and graduated with a BA in elementary education in 1982. As part of the CVI family, I took part in many aspects of college activities ranging from student government and playing on the Bucs volleyball team, as well as serving as resident assistant for the South C dorms.

Reflecting now, I realized that the general knowledge and experiences I learned from my time at UVI prepared me for the many tasks which I am able to carry out on my little island.

Upon my return home, I commenced teaching at the Golden Rock Elementary School, later becoming the assistant head teacher, and then head teacher of the same school for the last 12 years. For the past 30 years I served as president of our only official daycare for children and also served in various capacities as a member of the St. Eustatius Lioness and Toastmasters Clubs.

Other community service involvement include president of the St. Eustatius Basketball Association, member of St. Eustatius Youth Council, softball and volleyball player for several years, president of a national funding agency, president of Cleaning Machine (a cleaning and beautification group), chair for a road-naming committee, member of a political party, secretary for the secondary school-board, and as an aids committee member.

In 1983 I founded Brown’s Car Rental NV with my mother, Leonie Brown, and in 2001 established, with my husband, Gordon Clarke, TRICO Supplies NV, a concrete and building materials company. We consistently work towards improving the quality of services provided to our customers and the building of our community in general.

Marcelle Brown - CVI 1982 Yearbook

Special to me is my spiritual life as I endeavor to grow in Grace with God. So, I have in the past served in several capacities in the Methodist Church and continue to do so with the children and youth of our church. I also visit the sick and shut-ins in our community, bringing them a word from God, which is a great blessing for me.

Life for me at CVI was always exciting as I took part in most activities. After all, my entire time was spent on campus. I recall acting in the Lion and the Jewel as Sidi, and being a contestant in the Ms. CVI competition. As a past member of the Bucs volleyball team, I consider myself as most fortunate to have been trained by Coach Blake who embedded respect, endurance, commitment and a full drive to achieve in all of us. When I look back I see a strong foundation, built on solid rocks that can withstand anything. Three cheers to our alma mater!

Debbie Clarke is Head Teacher at the Golden Rock Elementary School on St. Eustatius.