Enid Frederick is the island’s latest centenarian.
Frederick’s milestone was celebrated on Monday with family, friends and Governor General Dame Sandra Mason at her home in Mullins, St Peter.
Though she suffers from Alzheimer’s, Frederick appeared to be in good spirits and was happy to receive a bouquet and birthday card from the Governor General.
In her younger days, Frederick was a hawker in Speightstown and at the Coleridge & Parry School. Granddaughter Kay Ellis, who spoke very fondly of her, described her as a strict but loving woman.
“She wasn’t the kind of person to love you or hug and kiss you but the way she showed you was to make sure that she was there for you,” Ellis said.
Frederick was never married and had six children, two of whom are deceased.
“She was a very independent and tough woman. She was a no-nonsense person. I can’t say that she ate healthy always because Gran ate everything. I don’t have the recipe for why she lived this long but I’m very thankful she did,” Ellis added.
In congratulating Frederick on her milestone, Dame Sandra advised young people who were gathered to celebrate the special event to work hard and never forget where they came from.
“The shame doesn’t come in where you come from; the shame comes if you don’t get anywhere. The benefit of having come from down, is that you can rise. I like to hold myself out as an example of that. I grew up poor. My parents had nine children, and with nine children you can’t be rich,” she said.
Dame Sandra also urged the parents in the room to encourage their children to go to school and learn.
“When I visit people like gran, I truly appreciate it. And I want her to know that I do appreciate her. Thank you for inviting me today.” (DB)
