Centenarians Honored in Saint Kitts and Nevis for Lifetime Contributions

Centenarian’s Day, a cherished national observance in Saint Kitts and Nevis, provides an annual opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary lives and enduring legacies of citizens who have reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years and beyond. This year, on May 30, 2025, the eve of Centenarian’s Day, the nation honored its centenarians with heartfelt tributes led by Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd, Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Accompanied by the Honourable Isalean Phillip, Minister of State for Ageing, and officials from the Ministry of Ageing, Dame Marcella embarked on a series of visits to personally acknowledge and express gratitude to these exceptional individuals who have witnessed and contributed to a century of national development.

The celebratory visits commenced with Esther Harris of St. Peters, a woman whose life journey reflects the resilience and strength of the Kittitian spirit. The delegation then proceeded to The Grange Facility to honour Clarence Hendrickson Williams, whose presence within the esteemed care facility represents the enduring respect and care afforded to the nation’s elders. The itinerary continued to Sandy Point, where Angeline Revan, another centenarian, received well-deserved recognition for her remarkable longevity. The final visit was dedicated to Edmund Morton of Greenlands, the newest member of this esteemed group, whose attainment of 100 years signified the continuous cycle of wisdom and legacy passed down through generations.

Each visit was marked by expressions of deep gratitude and appreciation for the centenarians’ contributions to the nation. Dame Marcella Liburd and Minister Phillip personally presented each honoree with a gift basket, a vibrant bouquet of flowers, and heartfelt words of thanks, acknowledging their decades of service, unwavering resilience, and instrumental roles in shaping the nation’s identity. The gifts served as tangible symbols of the respect and admiration held for these living embodiments of national history.

Minister Phillip’s words resonated with the significance of the occasion, emphasizing that the celebration was not merely about the length of years lived, but rather the profound wisdom, strength, and enduring legacy these individuals have bestowed upon the nation. Their lives have witnessed and weathered countless historical events, economic transformations, and societal shifts, making their experiences invaluable to the national narrative. Their presence embodies the living history of Saint Kitts and Nevis, a testament to the strength and spirit of its people.

Dame Marcella echoed these sentiments, expressing profound gratitude to each senior for their unique and invaluable contributions in shaping Saint Kitts and Nevis into the nation it is today. Their lives, she emphasized, are living legacies, testaments to the power of resilience, the depth of accumulated wisdom, and the unwavering commitment to service that has shaped the nation’s trajectory. Each centenarian represents a tangible link to the past, a bridge between generations, and a source of inspiration for the future.

Centenarian’s Day in Saint Kitts and Nevis transcends a mere celebration of longevity. It is a profound national moment of reflection, gratitude, and reaffirmation. It is a time to honour the enduring legacies of those who have reached the century mark and beyond, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the fabric of society. It is a time to reaffirm the nation’s unwavering commitment to caring for and learning from its elders, recognizing the wisdom they hold and the importance of ensuring their well-being. The celebration exemplifies the deep respect for elders ingrained within the culture and the enduring value placed on intergenerational connections, ensuring that the wisdom and experiences of the past continue to inform and enrich the future.