Government Officials Honor St. Kitts and Nevis Centenarians

Celebrating a Century of Life: Honoring Centenarians in the Federation

The federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis holds an annual tradition of honoring its centenarians, individuals who have reached and surpassed the remarkable milestone of 100 years of age. This celebration, held on May 31st each year, serves as a poignant recognition of their longevity, resilience, and invaluable contributions to the nation’s growth and development. These individuals, representing the living history of the islands, embody a wealth of experience, wisdom, and strength that has shaped the fabric of society. Their stories, etched over a century of life, provide invaluable insights into the past and offer inspiration for future generations. This annual event is a testament to the respect and admiration the federation holds for its elders, underscoring the importance of honoring and preserving the legacy of those who have paved the way for the nation’s progress.

The 2025 Centenarian Celebration, held on May 30th, was a particularly special occasion, marked by the esteemed presence of several dignitaries, including Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd, Deputy Governor General Her Honour Mrs. Hyleeta Liburd, Nevis’ Minister of Social Empowerment the Hon. Jahnel Nisbett, and Federal Minister for Ageing and Disabilities the Hon. Isalean Phillip. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and demonstrated the nation’s commitment to honoring its oldest citizens. The dignitaries’ participation added an extra layer of reverence and respect to the celebration, making it a truly memorable occasion for the centenarians and their families. The visit served as a powerful symbol of national unity and appreciation for the elders who have contributed significantly to the nation’s narrative.

The 2025 cohort of centenarians comprised nine remarkable individuals, each with a unique story to tell. On the island of Nevis, five centenarians were honored: Eliza Jeffers, the oldest in the federation at an astounding 105 years, Olga Francis Jeffers, Leontine Clarke, Evelyn Browne, and Geraldine Berry. These five women represent the strength, resilience, and wisdom that comes with living a century of life. Their individual stories, woven into the fabric of Nevisian history, are a testament to the enduring spirit of the island and its people. Their presence at the celebration served as a living reminder of the island’s rich history and the invaluable contributions of its elders. The island of St. Kitts honored four centenarians: Esther Harris, Angeline Revan, Clarence Hendrickson Williams, and Dale Edmund Morton. These individuals, each having lived through a century of transformative change, represent a living link to St. Kitts’ past, embodying the strength and resilience of the island’s community.

The Nevis’ Social Services Seniors Recreational Group eloquently captured the essence of the celebration in a poignant statement: "A wise man once said we age not by our years but by our stories." This observation highlights the profound truth that the true measure of a life lies not in the number of years lived, but in the richness of experiences accumulated, the lessons learned, and the legacy left behind. Every wrinkle, every smile line, every silver hair tells a story of resilience, of laughter, of love, and of loss. These stories, etched on the faces of the centenarians, are a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and a reminder that every life, no matter how long or short, is a story worth telling.

Governor General Liburd, in her address to the centenarians, eloquently described their lives as "a living legacy of strength, wisdom, and service." This statement encapsulates the profound impact these individuals have had on their communities and the nation as a whole. Their resilience in the face of adversity, their accumulated wisdom gleaned over a century of life, and their unwavering commitment to serving their communities have left an indelible mark on the fabric of society. Their lives stand as a testament to the enduring human spirit and a source of inspiration for future generations. The recognition of their contributions serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing the wisdom of elders and the richness they bring to society.

The annual Centenarian Celebration in the federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is more than just a recognition of longevity; it is a celebration of the rich tapestry of human experience, a tribute to the enduring strength of the human spirit, and a testament to the invaluable contributions of elders in shaping the nation’s identity. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the stories that have shaped the nation, a moment to honor the individuals who have lived through a century of change, and a moment to celebrate the enduring legacy of wisdom, resilience, and service that they leave behind. This tradition highlights the importance of intergenerational connection and the invaluable lessons that can be learned from those who have witnessed the unfolding of history firsthand. The celebration serves as a powerful reminder that the true measure of a life is not in its length, but in the depth of its impact on the world.