Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 24, 2015 (SKNIS): The 100th Birthday celebrations of Samuel Depusoir of Challengers Village, St. Kitts, was made even more special as family and friends welcomed honoured guests such as Parliamentary Representative for the area, the Honourable Lindsay Grant, His Excellency S.W. Tapley Seaton, Governor General, and Anne Wigley, Assistant Director of Social Services, who visited him on Wednesday, December 23.
Parliamentary Representative, Minister Grant, gave remarks on behalf of the Government and wished Mr. Depusoir even longer life. He told the centenarian that his milestone of 100 years comes at a time when the village of Challengers is celebrating 175 years in being the first free village in St. Kitts after slavery. Minister Grant made note that Mr. Depusoir produces one of the best mauby drinks in St. Kitts and still does so up to the present time.
In a letter to Mr. Depusoir, Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, joined well-wishers in extending birthday greetings to the centenarian.
“I join your family and close friends, the Challengers community and your Methodist Church congregation in wishing you a most joyous 100th Birthday,” said Dr. Harris, while equally extending best wishes to Mr. Samuel and his family for a blessed Christmas Season and a prosperous 2016.
“I am indeed honoured to be able to address you on the occasion of your 100th birthday,” said Prime Minister Harris. “The attainment of this major milestone is no small feat, given that it is an age which many individuals aspire to but relatively few are able to see come to pass.”
The prime minister extended God’s richest blessings, good health, happiness, peace of mind and a more humbled walk with God to the centenarian. He saluted him for his service to the country on behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“I am advised that your entrepreneurial endeavours included your operation of a poultry and egg farm, a small village shop, and trucking and taxi businesses which made your name a household word around the island,” he said. “Many of your contemporaries would also remember you fondly as “Depo” the taxi driver and small farmer.
To further commemorate Samuel’s birthday, a dinner is scheduled for Saturday, December 26, at the Challengers Community Center, with a keynote address to be delivered by former Governor General Sir. Probyn Innis. In addition to the dinner, a church service will be held on Sunday, December 27, at the Challengers Methodist Church. All activities are organized and paid for by Mr. Depusoir’s family.
Mr. Depusoir who has never smoked a cigarette or taken a drink of alcohol is graciously loved by his 10 children and his grandchildren.