Antigua and Barbuda’s oldest centenarian, Gladys Hodge, marked her remarkable 106th birthday on December 20, 1917.
Hosted by the Community Development and Citizens’ Engagement Division, a festive celebration drew Gladys’ family, friends, and distinguished guests, including Sir Clare Roberts and Colin O’Keiffe.
Fondly known as “Nenen,” Gladys, a resilient mother of five, displayed enduring strength despite the loss of her daughter at the tender age of 16.
Throughout her life, Gladys worked as a gardener and cleaner, maintaining her independence even in her advanced years.
At the event, she expressed gratitude, acknowledging the unwavering support of her children and grandchildren.
The presence of dignitaries, community officers, friends, and religious leaders from Beacon Light Nazarene in Villa added to the joyous occasion, underscoring the widespread admiration for Gladys’ longevity and vitality.
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ONE THOUGHT OR TWO
Congratulations on your 106 years of excellence!
Respect and honor Ms Gladys Hodge, SGOE (Senior Grandparent Order of Excellence)!
Our native, venerable, noble Centenarians, descendants of our heroic, enslaved African ancestors had few and no choices within the economic and education systems of colonialism and slavery to earn a living: “Washing, cleaning, working in the canefield, picking cotton.”
Their labor produced the economic wealth and cultural benefits of our colonizers.
Our Centenarians survived by practicing the fundamental economic survivor (scarcity) principle: “Eat a little, Save a little, Spend a little.”
The African spirituality of our Centenarians internalized the hope of a better life, faith, while using the social benefits of the organized churches.
At this time of giving, in case we forget, ” ‘Baba Vigo’ (Vigo Blake), head slave with the other slaves on Lyon’s, Hope and Blake estates, were teachers, many could not read, but taught whatever they knew – memorized poetry, bible verses and even alphabet – in a building built by them with its roof made of trash of sugar cane.”
Let us interact with humility, grace, honesty, good intentions!……Be nice to each other!
Save our Humanity, Save our Youths, Save our Environment, Save our Soil!!!
Be safe and well!
Respect
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