Seven Centenarians were honoured by the Social Development Department for reaching the incredible milestone of 100 years.
Mrs. Enelle Smith and Mrs. Emogene Augusta Creque both 105 years old, Mr. Evelyn Hodge 101 and Ms. Christeen Hodge 100 residing on Tortola; Mrs Betty Yates age 102, Mrs. Floresa George and Mrs. Iris Leonel Harrigan both age 101 were honoured by the department for their wisdom and contributions to the Virgin Islands community, as the Territory observed National Centenarian Day on Friday, September 20.
Chief Social Development Officer, Mrs. Annie Malone-Frett said the tributes presented were a meaningful gift honouring not only the longevity of the centenarians, but also their resilience, wisdom and resourcefulness. She also noted that the moment was used to recognise the profound impact the honourees have had on the community and the strength they have shown in shaping its history and progress.
Mrs. Malone-Frett said, “It is an honour and a distinct privilege to reflect on their collective life journeys and pause in the moment to say with gratitude, thank you for being such wonderful and awesome people, thank you for utilising your God given talents and patience throughout your differing cycles of life, thank you for the numerous sacrifices each of you made, to enrich the lives of others.”
The Chief Social Development Officer also thanked the honourees for their unwavering faith in God and their enduring strength to forge ahead even in the midst of challenges.
“Thank you for being that path of connection between the past and the present, but most importantly, thank you for your collective and unforgettable commitments to your families, communities and this Territory,” Mrs, Malone-Frett said.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, joined the team in visiting the homes of the seven honorees as part of the day’s activities.
Honourable Wheatley presented gift baskets and extended greetings, offering words of encouragement, appreciation, and goodwill to each centenarian.
“It was an honour and privilege to be in the presence of these centenarians, three of which I know personally and who live on Virgin Gorda,” Honourable Wheatley said.
The minister added, “These remarkable individuals are living connections to our past, offering invaluable lessons and perspectives that shape our present and future. Their enduring contributions to society serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, reminding us of the importance of perseverance, community, and history. They are shoulders on which we stand and for this, they deserve our love, admiration, respect, assistance and care.”
National Centenarian Day celebrates the remarkable lives and contributions of individuals who have reached the incredible milestone of living for a century and beyond. It is also an opportunity for society to show its collective gratitude and respect for their wisdom, experience and cultural legacy.