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by pltm
A milestone only the luckiest can achieve has been recorded by the Smith family in the Virgin Islands, as their oldest living member, Ms. Henrietta A. Smith celebrated her 100th anniversary of the day she was born.
Family, friends, supporters and government officials, including Governor John Duncan and Deputy Governor Mrs. Rosalie Adams, all gathered at the Carrot Bay Seventh-Day Adventist Youth Centre to celebrate the life and contribution of the centenarian earlier today, October 25.
Ms. Smith, who was noted to be in good health and sound mind, displayed a very jovial spirit as she was being showered with gifts from well-wishers.
(PLTM) - As noted by her granddaughter, Mrs. Rosalie Randolph, Ms. Smith loves the Lord immensely and has given every credit to her faith and trust in the Lord as the reason why she is still able to breathe today. “She is a woman who loves the Lord and spent her life providing for her 15 children and her husband.” In brief remarks, Governor Duncan expressed that moments such as these are what builds a nation, historically. “I think that people of her generation are the living embodiment of our history and values, and we have a lot to learn from these people.” He added, “She has seen the Territory where it was and where it is today, and it is their guidance that has led us and kept us on the path of the straight and narrow.” Governor Duncan also handed over a congratulations card, signed, sealed and delivered on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of England. Similarly, Acting Premier, Hon. Dr. Kendrick Pickering expressed cheers on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands and gifted the celebrant a check in the amount of $5000. He noted that after reading Ms. Smith’s biography, three things resonated with him, namely her discipline in God’s faith, her will to allow God to guide her and her love for family. “These three things---God, discipline and family, have long been at the core of life in the Virgin Islands. These are the tenants that kept us close knit.” Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon. Ronnie Skelton was also in attendance and expressed to Ms. Smith and other elders in the room that as the Minister who oversees the care of senior citizens in the BVI, “I am here to do the best I can.” He added, “It’s people like Ms. Henny I am here to give help.” Both Deputy Governor Mrs. Adams and Representative for the First District, Hon. Andrew Fahie shared similar sentiments, as both have known Ms. Smith on a personal note. Serving as an elder in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church alongside the celebrant, Mrs. Adams expressed that she tries her best to model the gentleness, kindness and loving spirit of Ms. Smith. She encouraged persons to be mindful of their elders and made a presentation of a bouquet to Ms. Smith, on behalf of her office and her church. “Our elders have laid the ground work and taught us how to do as much as we can with the little that we have.” Hon. Fahie told the celebrant, who in fact is his second cousin, that she not only stands as a woman celebrating 100 years of life, but “you’re an institution.” He said, “You now have become someone that this country can look up to. You’re not only going to be known for your years, but for the fruits you bear. Your contribution you have brought to this country is not only what we see here, but to all those who you have helped raised.”
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