There was a celebratory mood in the community of Kew Road, Tudor Bridge, St. Michael, as Mrs. Dorothy Browne, one of Barbados’ newest centenarians, celebrated her 100th birthday on July 9, 2023.
To help celebrate the occasion, President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, visited with the centenarian and her family.
When asked how it feels to be 100, Mrs. Browne replied: “Just as if I was six years; I feel good. I like to see when the grandchildren come and look for me…. I like to know they are alright.”
Mrs. Velsie Collymore, one of the centenarian’s granddaughters, shared that Mrs. Browne taught her children and grandchildren to “don’t let anyone walk over us…and always stand up when we know we are right”.
Mrs. Browne’s daughter, Janice Lewis, commented: “My mum is the sweetest mum in the world…. We all love her…the grands, the great-grands; everybody she is there for. She is the best.”
Ms. Jakaila Hewitt, one of the centenarian’s great-granddaughters, who is studying to be a medical doctor, shared her appreciation of the centenarian’s wisdom. She remarked: “As everything else depreciates in value, wisdom appreciates in value. I think there are a lot of things now she would tell me that I reflect on, and I appreciate the value in them…. I love her.”
Mrs. Dorothy Browne was born in Yearwood’s Road, Black Rock, St. Michael. She attended St. Stephen’s Primary School and had six siblings (all now deceased). The centenarian was married to Cecil Browne, a soldier (now deceased), and had five children, two of whom are deceased. The centenarian has 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
While focused on raising their children, the centenarian became a self-taught needleworker making her children’s school uniforms, church clothes and assisting others in the community, where possible.
Although not certified in midwifery, it was noted that she delivered many babies, including her grandchildren, nieces, nephews and some of the neighbours’ children.
Mrs. Browne remained very active up to the age of 95 when she unfortunately became ill and experienced a loss of vision in one eye. Overall, she is in good health and continues to be active. She believes that rest is important.
When asked by Her Excellency what may have contributed to her longevity, the centenarian replied it was “porridge…and flying fish”. Mrs. Browne also enjoys eating cornmeal cou cou with steamed fish, ground provisions, and Christmas ham.
Dame Sandra presented the centenarian with a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine and a personalised card, and encouraged the centenarian to keep the “bright positive attitude” she has. Her Excellency also added that “visiting the centenarians is my most pleasant task and it is the one I enjoy most of all”.
