Centenarian Edna still gets around

Acting Governor General SANDRA MASON sharing a toast with Barbados' newest centenarian Edna Ulene Harding. (GP)

Sat, June 02, 2012 - 12:03 AM

A SMILING EDNA HARDING graciously accepted birthday greetings from her family, friends and church family yesterday as they gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday.

The newest of the island’s centenarians was happy to reach such a milestone and said that without the help of God it would definitely have been impossible.

As Edna sat in the Donald Henry Auditorium of the Bethel Methodist Church, where she attends church every Sunday, she attributed her longevity to the Heavenly Father.

“You cannot give me, she cannot give me, but it is [only] the Heavenly Father can give you life. Once you keep to God, trust Him and ask Him day by day to give you faith, you will go on,” Edna said.

The former seamstress, was born in Golden Square, grew up in Nelson Street and now resides at Chepstow Street, Bridgetown.

She said she had no major health complaints but was hard of hearing and suffered from high blood pressure, which she kept under control.

Her memory is still intact and she has a hearty appetite, enjoying most meals but having a special love for soup. “It could have in chicken, barley, pumpkin, okra and anything, once it is soup,” Edna said.

Edna, who lives alone and can get most things done on her own, said she was feeling good on her special day. (LK)