Centenarian Joyce Carrington thankful she was able to meet President

At 100 years old, Joyce Isabelle Carrington says she is grateful not only for reaching a century of life, but also for having the opportunity to meet President of Barbados, Jeffrey Bostic, during a visit on Monday to her Taylor’s Land, Bank Hall home.

Surrounded by relatives, friends and well-wishers, Carrington reflected on a life shaped by faith, family, hard work and community spirit, while sharing memories of a Barbados she said was built on respect and neighbourliness.

“All I would tell you is one thing, live an honest life,” she said. “It hurts me sometimes to see what’s going on with the young people in our country. I don’t like it at all… We grew up as children with poverty. We never did those things. We had respect.”

The newest centenarian recalled growing up during the Second World War and attending school, describing a childhood that was far different from today.

“We were happy children. Even if we were hungry… we were happy children, and we got along with respect.”

Carrington spoke warmly about the close-knit communities of her youth, when neighbours looked out for one another and no one was left without food.

“You can go to sleep hungry, and your neighbour would help. We have lost it now,” she said. “But we still have that little unity… We accustomed to ‘good morning Miss so-and-so or Mr so-and-so’.”

She also revealed a lifelong interest in politics, recalling how she attended political meetings as a teenager with her father.

“I like politics. I love politics,” she said with a laugh. “I used to go out as a teenager with my father for Grantley Adams.”

The centenarian, who has two daughters and several generations of family members around her, expressed gratitude for the life she has lived and the people who continue to support her.

“I bless God for it today,” she said.

Meeting President Bostic was the highlight of the occasion. Carrington told him she had admired his journey and was pleased to finally meet him in person.

“I was so proud of you watching you,” she said. “I said you deserve it. All these years you deserve it. And now I have seen you in person. Makes me feel better now.”

Offering words of encouragement, she added: “Let God carry you through all your undertakings. Face it like a hero. Don’t look back. Keep looking straight… You’ll finish a wonderful job that way.”

Nephew Colvin Mascoll said reaching the 100-year milestone was especially significant because no one else in the family had ever come close.

“What makes this so special is that I used to always think that our family would never reach this milestone,” he said. “Nobody in the family had ever gotten near.”

Mascoll described his aunt as someone who always made family members feel loved and welcome.

St Michael North West MP Chris Gibbs, who has celebrated Carrington’s birthdays for several years, said the occasion was one he had eagerly anticipated.

“The first thing I said to her when I came through the door is: ‘We made it,’” he said. “We had this running joke that I can be here. I’m counting down the days that when I could be here to celebrate her hundredth with her and her wonderful family.”

He praised the close bond shared by the Carrington and Mascoll families and noted that being welcomed into their circle had been one of the rewarding aspects of public service.

“Joyce, the first thing you told me is that you’re going for another 100, and I will be there for every year,” Gibbs added.

Daughter Norma White paid tribute to the role her mother played in supporting the family over the years, particularly in helping to raise her autistic son.

“As we celebrate your birthday, I give thanks to God placing you in my life,” she said. “May your day be filled with joy and hope for the year ahead and may God continue to bless you, watch over you all the days of your life.”

Though her hearing is not as strong as it once was, Carrington remains sharp, engaged and eager for conversation. Her outlook remains rooted in gratitude, faith and family.

As laughter and stories filled the home in Bank Hall, the newest centenarian summed up the day in simple terms. “I bless God for today,” she said.

(LE)

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المصدر: Barbados Today