Cox-Nevis-The village of Cox is a close knit community and this was further demonstrated on Tuesday 7th February, as villagers, family members and friends, gathered at the Gazebo in Cox, to celebrate the 80th birthday of Mr. Carlton Pinney, a resident of the historic village.
The ceremony was ably chaired by one of his daughters, Mrs. Chanelle Pinney-Myers who used the opportunity to warmly welcome everyone to the occasion.
Mrs. Wilma Ward presented the invocation and then Chanelle’s sister, Marva Pinney, read the scripture passage which came from Psalm 21, verses 1 to 7.
All present sung the well-known hymn, ‘To God be the glory.’
Then it was the turn of Rev. Amos Browne to give words of encouragement. He saluted Mr. Pinney on the achievement of such a significant milestone and noted that he was a hardworking and dedicated family man. He referred to him as ‘King Carlton.”
He used Psalm 21 to make reference to the life of Mr. Pinney who he pointed out is now in the company of royalty; that God has been gracious to him; he has received the blessing of life and love; blessed with eternal life; and he has God’s presence in his life.
He congratulated the family for allowing him to ‘smell the flowers’ while he is yet alive.
Also speaking at the ceremony was Mr. Keith Glasgow, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Social Development. He not only saluted the ‘birthday boy’ but saluted his wife who was sitting at his side, as he pointed out that ‘behind every great man, is a good woman.’
He presented a fruit basket and a plaque on behalf of his Ministry and the City Drugstore, to Mr. Pinney.
Former Area representative, Mr. Hensley Daniel, a fellow villager, also addressed the gathering and he pointed to the fact that Mr. Pinney and his wife, along with other villagers, would have set the precedence for the younger villagers to follow.
Examples of how families should stay together; the value of a long and fruitful marriage; hard work and discipline and also stated that Mr. Pinney was one who was always punctual at his work place.
Mrs. Chanelle Pinney-Myers than read the profile on her father which reviled that he was pounded on his knuckles as a child by a Teacher who wanted him to write with his right hand, instead of his left. This has had adverse effects on him throughout his life, as his hand trembles now when he writes.
She also spoke to his dedication to work as he served for many years at the Electricity department’s Power plant. She stated that after the passage of hurricane Hugo, he reported to work to assist the community to be restored to full power, leaving his family without a man at home.
Mr. Alsted Pemberton, another fellow villager, in representing the Cox, Beaumont and Montpelier Improvement committee, made a presentation to Mr. Pinney, on behalf of his group and also advised the gathering that the village of Cox will be celebrating its third reunion from the 23rd to the 29th July and used the opportunity to invite all present to be a part of it.
A touching reflection was read by Candice Pinney on behalf of another sister who resides in Maryland, during which she pointed out the many attributes of the celebrant and thanked him for teaching them principles that have helped them throughout their lives thus far.
A very emotional and overjoyed Mr. Pinney was seen wiping the free flowing tears from his face.
The birthday song and several choruses were also sung lustily and then Candice Pinney gave the vote of thanks, which was followed by the benediction, delivered by Rev. Amos Browne.
The gathering then enjoyed the sumptuous meal provided by the family.