FROM OFFICE OF THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION HON. JAMALE PRINGLE
My dear Citizens and Residents of Antigua and Barbuda:
It is indeed an honour, once again, to join with the Community Development and Citizens’ Engagement Division and to celebrate Centenarians Week, 2025.
Like many of you, I have often wondered what it actually takes to attain the grand age of 100: “What is the secret potion?” Well, after conversing with several centenarians, I’ve come to realize that they practiced humility, discipline and gratitude.
Upon rising each morning, they gave the Almighty thanks and praise and they relied upon Him, daily, for guidance. They also maintained a level of discipline that most of us, today, could not sustain: discipline in the way they lived, the foods they ate; and the practices they rejected.
Having spoken to many seniors in my community, they confirmed that there were no special diets back then. People ate what they grew… or reared on the farm… or fished from sea. And this simple diet has brought many centenarians to this milestone and kept them able to tell their stories.
I also acknowledge and respect the importance that family ties held for our elders – along with cultural traditions and values that most of them have generously passed down. It is my hope that we can keep these alive and flourishing, and in this way we, too, can pass the baton to those who come after us.
On the other hand, over their 100+ years, our super seniors have witnessed the development of Antigua and Barbuda in so many phases and so many ways: The advancement from oil lamps to electricity; from grass beds to foam mattresses; from typewriters to computers to artificial intelligence; and from black-and-white tube televisions to flat screens and projectors.
Likewise, they have seen dirt roads become asphalt highways; wattle-and-daub houses give way to mansions; cane and cotton fields become housing developments; and the horse-and-buggy make way for modern SUVs.
Psalm 68:19: says, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits,” and this has been manifested in the lives of Antigua and Barbuda’s oldest citizens.
On behalf of the United Progressive Party, I thank them all for their service to family, community, and country. I wish all our centenarians and seniors an excellent week of celebration and commemoration. May they continue to love, live by faith and allow God to sustain them in good health, strength and joy. May they continue to be a blessing and motivation to Antiguans, Barbudans and all who live here. I am happy to celebrate life with them and to give them their flowers while the scent is still on the roses.
Happy Centenarians Week!
CHARLESWORTH SAMUEL HOUSE
Independence Drive || St. John’s, Antigua W.I.
Tel: (268) 562-8506/7/8/9 || [email protected]
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