Six Centenarians from Kingston and St. Andrew Honoured

Six centenarians from Kingston and St. Andrew have been recognised by the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) for a combined 618 years of contribution to the growth and development of the country.

They are: George Thompson, 106; Ethel Lawrence, 104; Isabella Lewis, 103; Lenore Harrison and Lena Hemmings, 102; and James Hall, 101.

At a function held on May 20 at the Church of God of Jamaica on Constant Spring Road, the centenarians were showered with gifts and accolades.

The event was in observance of Centenarian Day under the theme: ‘Showcasing Our Legacy, Promoting Inter-generational Solidarity’.

Acting Executive Director of the NCSC, Cassandra Morrison, said the tribute to the senior citizens involved partnership with the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP).

She informed that at least two centenarians from other parishes were also honoured on the day.

Mrs. Morrison noted that seniors are a valuable link in society, and more effort should be placed on showing them that they are appreciated.
“They are assets to the country in terms of the transfer of traditions, teachings and history and the growth of this nation depends what they share with the upcoming generations,” she added.

Honouree Lenore Harrison expressed pleasure at the recognition. “It feels good to know that they care about the very old people like me,” she said.

Mrs. Harrison said she always tries to encourage the young people around her to do the right thing in order to make the country a better place.

In the meantime, coordinator at CCRP, Dorett Linton said the seniors are “living historians and people can benefit greatly from their wisdom.”

She encouraged the children at the ceremony to make the most of the interactions with the older generation. “Grab the opportunity to learn the secrets of ageing gracefully as the centenarians do,” she urged.

The ceremony was part of activities of the NCSC to encourage the bonding of the older and younger generations in order to reintegrate the seniors into society.

The NCSC has over 800 registered members aged 100 and older.