Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 01, 2017 (SKNIS): Centenarians across St. Kitts and Nevis were acknowledged for their contribution to nation building on May 31, in observance of Centenarians Day 2017.
In an official statement in recognition of Centenarians’ Day 2017, the Hon. Senator Wendy Phipps, Minister of state with the responsibility of Health and Social Services, invited the public to “pause to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable socio-economic contributions that our senior citizens have made towards the development of the federation.”
Governor General, His Excellency Sir Tapley Seaton, and members of the Department of Social Services paid visits to the homes of the elderly to present them with tokens of appreciation for their service to the country. This is the second year of celebration for centenarians since being adopted in May 2016. There are currently 17 centenarians in the Federation, 11 residing in St. Kitts and six on Nevis.
“It is a pleasure for me to be here with you today to celebrate Centenarians Day and we are very happy to congratulate you on this special day to show appreciation for all of the persons who have reached 100 and beyond”, said the Governor General, while commending the centenarians.
Senator Phipps urged citizens and residents in her official address to “acknowledge and appreciate the love, patience and care that are provided by families, neighbours, friends, healthcare professionals, service organizations and the Government’s Home Care officers who individually and collectively care for the nation’s senior citizens.”
The centenarians observed in St. Kitts were Louisa Isaac (103), Gladys Williams (103), Lilian Griffin (101), Una Duporte (101), Samuel Depusoir (101), James Pemberton (101), Nora Stapleton (100), Edward Solomon Bailey (101), Alfred Tyson (102), Doris Warner (100), and Ernestine Cross (100). Additionally, those observed in Nevis were Celian Powell (104), Florence Liburd (102), Rosetta Hull (101), Dowie Elliot (101), Mary Browne (100), and Ettie Jeffers (100).
