Centenarian, James Springer (seated), surrounded by his six children – Amerel, Janice, DeCourcey, Cicely, Patrick and Monica.
Centenarian, James Springer, sharing a birthday toast with Governor General, His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave (left).
By:
Marsha Gittens
James Springer was not only happy to reach the milestone of 100 years, but he expressed his delight in having an opportunity to meet Barbados’ Governor General.
The centenarian was given such a privilege yesterday when His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave joined Springer’s family and friends for birthday celebrations at his son’s home in the Belle, St. Michael.
A smartly dressed Springer, on the occasion, was in good spirits and chatted with the Governor General during the period he was there. Springer told Sir Elliott he always heard about him, but never got to see him in person.
The centenarian was presented with a fruit basket, a birthday card and a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne by Sir Elliott. The father of six children – four girls and two boys; grandfather of four and great-grandfather of four expressed his appreciation for these tokens.
In speaking about her dad, his daughter Cicely Scott said he was “born in the district of Mount All, which is not far from Mount Hillaby in St. Andrew”. During his early years, she said he worked as a labourer at Friendship Plantation in St. Michael. He also worked as a Customs Guard for 28 years until his retirement in 1976.
Springer was married for 71 years to the late Esme Nurse. He was described as “very supportive of his family” and “hardworking”. Mention was also made of the “three 20-foot wells” on his property that he dug himself. Scott said her dad at present “is of generally good health, has a hearty appetite, and only complains of joint pains”.
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