Right: Daughter Joyce Piggott reading the birthday card to her mom, centenarian, Gwendolyn Forde, while Governor General, His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave listens on.
This island’s newest centenarian, Gwendolyn Forde can be described as “a good and a strong person” as well as “a good neighbour”.
Such was the information shared by her family and friends who paid tribute to her on Wednesday when she celebrated her 100th birthday at her Bush Hall, St. Michael home.
For this special occasion, she received a visit from the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave who presented her with a postcard, a floral bouquet and a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne. Forde, who quietly enjoyed the proceedings, carried a smile throughout the visit.
Additionally, in attendance was the Very Reverend, Cannon William Dixon, Dean Emeritus of the Cathedral of St. Michael and All Angels who brought her birthday greetings from the Archbishop of West Indies & Bishop of Barbados.
Speaking to the media, her daughter, Joyce Piggott said that her mom is currently “very healthy” and loves to eat. She identified her favourite foods as chicken and rice as well as ground provisions.
Meanwhile, reflecting on her earlier years, she said her mom worked as a domestic in homes.
She also said that the mother of two (one child now deceased), grandmother of two and great grandmother of four “did a lot of walking” and is an outgoing individual.
It was also pointed out that Gwendolyn went to “town every Saturday and [she would] go to church every Sunday and she would go on bus rides with her friends on bank holidays. All the cultural events, she never misses, like the Independence parade and because we live close to the stadium, she would go to Crop Over or whatever cultural activities around and once she could get there, she would go there.”
(MG)
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