Leaders pay tribute to Centenarian

Resident of Bull Savannah in St. Elizabeth, Mrs. Simonette Rochester, was showered with praise by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen; Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding, and Leader of the Opposition, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, for reaching the milestone of 100 years on October 22.
Mrs. Rochester is the mother of former State Minister and Member of Parliament, Derrick Rochester.

Leader of the Opposition, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller (right), having a few words with centenarian, Mrs. Simonette Rochester, on October 23.

At a special service held at the Bull Savannah Seventh Day Adventist Church, on October 23, the Governor-General said that Mrs. Rochester’s contribution to the community should be sufficient to inspire members of her family, others in her community and her extended family in the area.
In his tribute, Mr. Golding said that Mrs. Rochester has been blessed, “achieving the milestone of three scores and 40 years.”
“If that is not something to celebrate and give thanks for, I don’t know what is. It is a remarkable achievement, and we are here to celebrate with you this wonderful life,” the Prime Minister told her.

Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding (right), exchanging a few words with centenarian, Mrs. Simonette Rochester, at a special service in her honour on October 23. Others (from left) are: sister of the centenarian, Ms. Dimsy Mullings and son of Mrs. Rochester, and former State Minister and Member of Parliament, Derrick Rochester.

For her part, Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller described Mrs. Rochester as blessed. “We give thanks for someone who has lived a good life. She is really blessed, and if we can learn anything, it is to ensure that we treat our bodies well, and do the things that we should do,” she said.
The service was also attended by Custos of St. Elizabeth, Hon. Wilfred Nembhard, civic leaders, and political representatives.