Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

BOUNDBROOK, Portland:FROM THE days when computer screens were black and white, Ian Clarke has been toying around with the technological equipment, and after more than a decade and a half, he continues to showcase his talent and skill in Boundbrook, Portland.

Clarke, who is now 49 years old, explained that his first real contact with the equipment was in the 1990s when a friend from the United States of America gave him a computer with a Windows 98 programme which was not working properly.

"At that time, I had in my possession about three computer books," he recounted.

fascinated

Clarke added: "I studied those books day and night; as a matter of fact, I was fascinated. I have been around electrical items from a tender age, so back then, I was anxious to see what such an equipment was all about. I would spend sleepless nights on the computer, until one day it final came up. Those were the days when floppy disk was used to store information for future use. When I finally got the machine to start up, dozens of persons came to look at what I was doing, and they were amazed."

Clarke pointed out that, since then, persons in and around Port Antonio have requested his service to repair computers, something, which he often does voluntarily, as it is his favourite hobby.

He noted that his experience in repairing amplifiers, speakers, television sets, equalisers, and other sound-system equipment is valuable, as the knowledge gained in being able to identify wattage, voltage, decibels, and frequency, is paying off.

But while Clarke, who is very experienced in repairing computers, sound-system equipment, and doing house wiring, works alone, he is urging young men to visit his residence at 32 Boundbrook Crescent so that he can pass on the knowledge to them.

Continuing, Clarke said, "Well, in fact, I have passed on some of my knowledge to a few young men who used to visit my home. I am also involved in music, and I am the proud owner of a sound system. But what I have found out is that the youth love to hear the music, but when it comes down to actually learning about electronics, they are not too enthused.

The few who have expressed an interest in learning, have made it abundantly clear that they have to be paid each week. I cannot afford to pay them a salary each week, as sometimes for the month I don't collect a dime."

Nevertheless, Clarke is optimistic that things will take a turn for the better this time around, as he will be putting in place new policies which should see him earning from each job in the future.

rural@gleanerjm.com