Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 03, 2019 (SKNIS): Older persons within St. Kitts and Nevis continue to be recognized and honoured. The latest activity was the visit paid to Centenarians in St. Kitts on Friday, May 31 by several government officials.
The Governor General, His Excellency Sir S. W. Tapley Seaton, issued a proclamation designating Friday, May 31, as Centenarians Day. A release from Government House stated that “the annual commemoration is a celebration of the lives of our Centenarians and in honour of their significant contributions to nation building.”
The honourees in St. Kitts are Samuel Depusoir – 103; Una Duport, 103; Norma Stapleton, 102; Joseph Powell, 101; Bridget Davis-Brazier, 101 and Laura Manners, 100. Celian Martin Powell, 107 and Mary Browne, 102 are the Centenarians in Nevis.
Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Shawn Richards, extended congratulations to Centenarians for reaching such significant milestone. Minister Richards was at the time speaking to Ms. Duport who is originally from Middle Island but now resides at the Cardin Home.
“You have thus far lived a very long life. Of course, that has come from the many blessings that I am sure you have provided to others and in turn the good Lord has blessed you with a very long life,” said Deputy Prime Richards. “We are happy for the years of service that you would have provided to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and I am sure that all of the citizens of the Federation are indeed also quite thankful and look forward to having you around for many more years.”
While visiting Ms. Manners, Deputy Prime Minister Richards congratulated her on being 100 and still having the ability to be vibrant.
“You’re still speaking quite strongly, looking very strong and so I have no doubt that with the blessings of the Lord you have the resolve to live to see many more years to come,” he said. “You have worked long and hard on behalf of the people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis; you have helped to build the foundation and so, today, we are happy to honour you; we are happy to say thanks.”
Senator Akilah Byron Nisbett, in addressing Mr. Joseph Powell, congratulated him for reaching the milestone of 101 and thanked his family for “continuing to work so closely with you to ensure that you carry on… as you continue to bat hard in this nice, ripe old age of 101,” she said.
The Honourable Senator Wendy Phipps, Minister of State with responsibility for Social Services and Community Development, and Acting Director of Community Development and Social Services, Ann Wigley, were among government officials who visited the Centenarians.