The community of Dunscombe, St. Thomas was in a celebratory mood on Wednesday, October 12, as friends and family gathered at the home of Clarine Edwards, to wish her a happy 100th birthday.
As part of the celebrations, Mrs. Edwards received a special visit via Zoom from President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason.
Also visiting was Member of Parliament for St. Thomas and Special Advisor to the Government on Elder Affairs, Cynthia Forde.
Lavadne Edwards, her eldest daughter, noting that her mum is “very loving” and “very nice” in all her endeavours, stated that she always referred to and acknowledged God, with Psalm 34, being her favourite Bible text.
The centenarian’s other daughter, Glendeen Mayers, endorsed the compliment, adding that her mum was always very caring, and in her old age still cares about other people more than herself. “She thinks about everybody else,” stressed Mrs. Mayers.
When Reuben Edwards, the centenarian’s son, was asked by Her Excellency how he felt about his mother reaching the significant milestone, he responded: “I feel very proud about it because not too many people reach that milestone.”
Ms. Forde, in a tribute to the centenarian, declared: “I have known the Edwards family for many years; it is a privilege to be here today to celebrate with her on her 100th birthday knowing that she is a woman who toiled day and night to help to build this wonderful, safe country that we are in. And, I pray that God will continue to strengthen her.”
She continued: “It was no easy task working in the plantation for so many years and raising her children and not relying on the state or anyone because she had that inclination to want to work and to achieve through that hard work and dedication that we know has been a pillar of us in our society.”
Friends and family also highlighted that the centenarian was a labourer but did “all kinds of work” in her lifetime. They also spoke of her love for cooking, especially cou cou, which she had eaten that same morning, around 9:00 a.m.
Her Excellency remarked that so many people like Mrs. Edwards “would have sent to school children; cared for the community and would have been doing their best albeit quietly behind the scenes”. She thanked the centenarian for her contribution and urged friends and family gathered to continue celebrating her life.
Ms. Edwards has three children, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
