Verene Auguste was all smiles and laughter as she celebrated her 100th birthday last Friday, January 23, in Greenpoint Crescent, St. Philip, surrounded by her family and close friends.
President of Barbados, Lieutenant Colonel The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, was one of her specially invited guests.
Immediately upon his arrival, Mrs. Auguste engaged the President with light banter, sharing that she was able to make it to 100 and have her family around her to help celebrate the occasion.
In his tribute to his mother, Anthony Lashley shared that her life “has been a testament to strength, kindness and unwavering love, touching not only our family, but everyone privileged to know her”.
Mr. Lashley noted that his mother was gentle, though her guidance was not always “so gentle”. “Through a century of changing times, she inspired us with her wisdom and resilience…. Her laughter and great sense of responsibility have woven the fabric of our family,” he said.
Danielle Lashley, one of the centenarian’s granddaughters, remarked that her grandmother “is very down to earth, no nonsense” and is “very spicy with the tongue when she is ready”. She added that she paved the way for the family to be where they were today.
Mrs. Auguste, who grew up in Oistins, Christ Church and attended Water Street Girls’ School (now Christ Church Girls’ School), was one of the first employees at the Barbados Hilton Hotel when it opened its doors in 1966.
She worked at the hotel until her retirement, where she rose to Housekeeping Supervisor. While working at the hotel, she met and eventually married Joseph Auguste in 1981. Together, they had eight children (three deceased), while living in Bayville, St. Michael.
After her sister’s passing, Mrs. Auguste, now a Catholic, decided to raise her sister’s children, adding six more to her family. The centenarian credits her longevity to God and eating good food.
Known as a very good cook, her favourite foods include cou cou, fish (either steamed flying fish or salt fish), and sweet bread, as prepared by her own recipe.
His Excellency described Mrs. Auguste as a “national treasure”. He continued: “For me, I always find it a pleasure to speak with older persons to get their views as to how life was back then, so that we would all know that things are not as bad as we might think sometimes, although they may be difficult.”
