Centenarian Enid Brome, affectionately known as Gran Gran, was showered with praise by friends and family who gathered at the Clear Joy Senior Citizens Home, St. Lucy, to celebrate her birthday on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
President of Barbados, His Excellency, Lieutenant Colonel, The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, was one of her specially invited guests.
Described by her granddaughter, Kimberley Yearwood, as “extraordinary”, she noted that the centenarian “is the foundation” of the family, who has demonstrated love and strength throughout her life.
Ms. Brome, she pointed out, brought the family together with her cooking, especially her macaroni pie and lamb stew. “Food was never just food with her, it was comfort, care and connection,” she explained.
Ms. Yearwood noted that her grandmother’s strong belief in country and “her civic duty” motivated her to make sure “she voted every time”. “She understood that her voice mattered and she used it,” she said.
Roosevelt Brome, a nephew, shared that after his mother died in 1978, Ms. Brome took over her role. He described her as a hardworking individual, who provided for her family “within her means”.
A devoted Anglican, the centenarian ensured her children attended church regularly, as well as elementary and secondary school.
Adrian Yearwood, one of Ms. Brome’s grandsons, described her as a “very kind, hardworking, fine, loving person, who always put her family first”.
“She has weathered so many storms…. Her strong Christian faith and values have brought her to this special occasion,” Mr. Yearwood opined.
Ms. Brome was born in Checker Hall, St. Lucy and attended the St. Lucy Primary School. By age 15, she was a housekeeper on at least two plantations. She eventually worked as the housekeeper at Settlers Beach Hotel, St. James, until retirement.
She was very active in the St. Lucy Anglican Church and was a member of the Mothers’ Union. Cooking was one of her favourite pastimes. Her favourite foods are cou cou and flying fish, rice and lamb stew.
In speaking with His Excellency, Ms. Brome shared that she prays every morning, including for her health. She remarked: “I am the Lord’s child; I am a Christian-minded person…. I can believe the Word when I say my prayers….”
She continued: “Put your own trust in God, have faith in God and He will see you through….”
President Bostic thanked the caregivers for “taking care of this national treasure” and stated that it was a pleasure and an honour to be part of the celebration.
Ms. Brome had three children (one deceased), six grandchildren (one deceased) and two great grandchildren.
