Another person in Dominica has reached triple digits. Mrs. Celina George (née Baptiste), of Goodwill, is celebrating her 100th birthday today Saturday.
She is the 26th centenarian currently living in Dominica and was brought up on Tranto Estate in Castle Bruce.
Tranto was a working estate and produce from it were brought to Roseau by boat.
“I used to ride our horse called Sultan when I was older, to neighbouring villages, and to church in San Sauver,” Celina recalled.
Celina, the eldest of 4 children said life growing up there was quite different than today.
She said diet and exercise may be attributed to her longevity.
“I mainly grew up on a diet of fish, and organic food that we grew on the estate. There was a great sense of community, with everyone sharing and supporting each other. We used to walk to Roseau from Castle Bruce, which took an entire day,” she said.
She believes that her faith and the fact that she does not hold grudges also contributed to her long life. “Let it go!” is her advice to others.
The elderly woman still maintains her good sense of humour, which she claimed that was always part of her character.
But Celina did not spend all her days in Dominica. She migrated to the United Kingdom (UK) in 1956, which she saw as an opportunity for adventure.
“The UK wanted people from the Caribbean and beyond, to come and work to help to rebuild the country after the Second World War. About a quarter of Dominica’s population migrated to the UK in the 1950’s and 60’s, including many of my relatives and friends,” she explained.
Celina got married in the UK, and had 3 children. Presently she has 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 4 great, great grandchildren.
Despite her life abroad, Celina said Dominica was always on the forefront of her mind, as she lived there for periods of time in the 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s.
She returned for good in 2012.
“Despite living in the UK for many years, I have always loved Dominica. It is wonderful to be home,” she said.
AWW congrats Ms. George. My Aunty who also resides in the UK will be 100 soon
Congratulations!!!
You’ve achieved the magical 100; a testament of the way you have lived your life.
My dad (your friend and relative) is no longer with us, but I am sure he would like me to extend best wishes and God’s blessing to with continued good health.
You are always in our hearts back in the cold country. Stay well dearest cousin. With much love. Bev
Wow viva granma viva. Thanks for sharing. Blessings from above
Mrs. George, you are truly blessed. Reading about you brings joy to my heart. Continue to enjoy a healthy life.
“We used to walk to Roseau from Castle Bruce, which took an entire day,” she said”.
Those are the examples that the present people of Dominica should take note of. I wonder what Mrs. Celina George is saying about the “erroneous illusion” that Dominica is on the edge of a precipice, comparing the times when she lived as a young person, herself. She should know the difference
Up to 1974, when I lived in Dominica, there were times of the day when we would walk to and from Roseau, because of the lack of transportation. Giraudel is only five miles from Roseau
I returned in 2008 to find out that every other person in Giraudel owns a vehicle; I could decide to go to the city any hour of the day because buses are going to and from there all day long.
Dominica is on the edge of a precipice! Isn’t that too loud an exaggeration? But that is all we are receiving from the negatives minds.
Celina, I hope you had a great day on your birthday in 2020.
Congrats to Ma George! Hope she lives a few few more years. When I was growing up in the 60’s is mainly those in their hundreds that were dying and the cause of their death was always old age! Oh how times have changed now especially the last 10-15 yrs, as it is our young children, especially our young men between the age of 20-40 that dying. I guess back then we didn’t have a PM that was a Doctor. Seems like some Doctors studied medicine to help keep people alive and healthy while other doctors bought their doctorate to help give people bad pills that sends nationals to the grave prematurely, so they could bring in foreigners to help keep them in office.
It is very important how we treat our body, mind and spirit. If we eat healthy, exercise and release people who have wronged us, like she said, I believe we will have longevity. Sometimes we forget the ways of our foreparents ( diet, exercise and being at peace with others). We need to stop carrying others’ burdens and release ourselves from that load.
Mrs. George, you absolutely look younger than many who are younger than you. Eating from what mother earth has provided for us is one of the keys to longevity. We don’t need all the fake foods that we indulge in and consume. That’s why we now have all these heath problems ( high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, etc.,).
Instead of consuming all these sugary drinks, we need to drink more water. Drinking water will extend our years.
May you continue to enjoy more years and I wish you well.
PEACE
Thank you Lord for her life, health , and full facultiesfor her wonderful 100th year. May God continue to bless her.
Happy birthday mama. Wishing you all the best today and beyond.
Mrs George tres Belle. You look good and also your younger picture nice.
Wow! In toe younger pic, you are a model; in the more elder one, you are sixty two! Well done! May His grace continue to bear fruit in your life. Congratulations!!!
Congratulation on your birthday wishing you health and strength in the future. Wish I could know the clown that give a thumb down to a person living such a wonder and successful life. Like every thing you always have a fool that have hate in them. Long live Mrs. George
Congratulations to you mam.
In your photo, you look like 70
Granny looks good!! #goals
Congratulations and best wishes on reaching 100 years Mrs. Celina George. Wishing you continued good health and blessings.