(ZIZ News) — On Wednesday centenarians across the island were celebrated on what has been designated as Centenarians’ Day by the Department of Social Services.
Governor-General His Excellency Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton, GCMG, CVO, QC, JP and Department officials paid visits to several centenarians throughout St. Kitts on Wednesday in commemoration of the second annual Centenarians’ Day.
During each visit the Governor General wished the seniors well and presented them with a commemorative leather wall hanging depicting the masquerades, the bull, the moko jumbie and the clowns, aspects of our culture with which they would be familiar.
“I am very happy to be here to be able to greet you on this special day because we appreciate all of our citizens who have contributed over the years and you at this age would have contributed significantly to this country’s development. All the best to you. Happy Centenarians Day,” he said.
Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services Anne Wigley said the department felt it necessary to designate one day to centenarians.
“Today we have adopted as centenarian day in the federation. Last year was our first and so we are continuing. We are delighted that the government has seen fit to agree to accept this day for all our centenarians in the federation,” she said.
The visits and presentations were made to 5 centenarians; Lousia Isaac and Gladys Williams who are 103, Samuel Depusior and Edward Bailey Morton who are 101 and James Pemberton who is 100 years old.
The first Centenarian’s Day in 2016 was celebrated with a reception at Government House for the centenarians and their relatives and caregivers, hosted by His Excellency the Governor-General.
St. Kitts currently has eleven centenarians, four males and seven females.