At 100, Isalene Gill Enjoys Life in Venezuela
One of Barbados newest centenarians, Mrs. Isalene Ianthe Gill, celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday with her family, both at her home in Santa Teresa, Miranda State, The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (Venezuela) and virtually on Zoom.
President of Barbados, His Excellency, The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, received a special invitation and joined from State House via Zoom.
Barbados Ambassador to Venezuela, His Excellency, Commander Aquinas Clarke, who was instrumental in establishing the Zoom link between Barbados and Mrs. Gill’s home in Venezuela attended the call from Mrs. Gill’s home.
President Bostic remarked: “I want to start by thanking everyone who put this virtual meeting together for doing so. We thank the family and all those associated with this who are in Venezuela…and to the family who is here with me at State House.”
Reflecting on the twin earthquakes that directly impacted Venezuela, and livelihoods, on June 24, 2026, President Bostic further remarked: “…Barbados is with you all the way, and that we will continue to support you in any way that we can”.
He commended Mrs. Gill on reaching 100 years.
He stated: “Ms. Gilroy, 100 years I a very very long time and you’ve had the privilege of splitting this 100 years between Venezuela and your beloved country Barbados, and we are happy to share you.”
Mrs. Gill noted that even though her eyes are “dim”, she thanked “The Lord for everything”.
Reflecting on her life growing up in Barbados she stated: “I was very good, I had hard work…(from) when I was small.”
Mrs. Gill attended school during the day cared for her siblings after school as her mother was busy at work. She noted that they “grew-up alright” as did she.
Mrs. Gill expressed concern for today’s youth as they lack ‘sympathy” for others which was prevalent in the youth of earlier generations.
“You couldn’t do certain things for your parents to know, but in these days, these little people now do everything, and the parents don’t ask them to don’t this or don’t do that.”
Admitting to being a disciplinarian, Mrs. Gill noted that her children could not do what today’s youth are doing because today’s youth “don’t pay you any mind”.
One of the centenarian’s sons, Harry Gill, who lives in Barbados but joined the call virtually, expressed regret about not being there in person due to the damage from the earthquake.
He committed to visiting her as soon as the circumstances allow and thanked President Bostic, Commander Aquinas Clarke and all who made the connection via Zoom possible which would have included those who loaned the generator and a Starlink connection.
He commented: “Mums…I just want to be there to hold you and kiss you and hug you and I hope it can happen”
One of Mrs. Gill’s nieces, Bonita Wharton, who attend the call at State House, noted that Mrs. Gill, who was raised in Hanson Hill, Saint George, is the “the only surviving sibling of her mother’s five children” and she “migrated to Caracas, Venezuela where she has been residing for over 70 years”.
She remarked: “She was married to Gordon Gill (now deceased) in 1949 and resided in Dayton Road, St. Michael after marriage. The union produced seven children (three now deceased)”
She noted that Mrs. Gill migrated to Caracas, Venezuela, “where she has been residing for over 70 years”. All seven of her children emigrated to Venezuela with two eventually returning to Barbados.
Of her two surviving children, Hary Gill lives in Barbados and Valmar Gill lives with her in Venezuela and is her caregiver.
Mrs. Gill was married to Gordon Gill (now deceased) and migrated to Venezuela in 1956 upon the recommendation of a friend who assisted in finding a home and work.
She worked as a domestic and worked at the British High Commission in Venezuela until her retirement in 1995.
Mrs. Gill has about 30 grandchildren most of whom live in Venezuela.
On behalf of President Bostic, Commander Aquinas Clarke, presented Mrs. Gill with a bouquet of flowers, a fruit basket and personalized card from President Bostic.
Mrs. Gill remarked to President Bostic: “…I thank God, I lived to see 100 years…thanks be to God for everything and God bless everybody and God bless Barbados, praise be to God.”
President Bostic thanked Mrs. Gill for her blessing and wished her a “very happy day today”, expressing hope that she “will live to see many, many more.”
