The entire community of Tete Morne joined the family of John Baptiste Watt to celebrate his 100th birthday on Friday, June 24th.
Watt is a man with a small frame but he is strong. His youthfulness certainly belies his age.
He still walks to and from church every Sunday and up till February of this year still tended his garden.
His Excellency the President of Dominica, Charles Savarin and Mrs Savarin, the Hon Member of Parliament for the Grand Bay Constituency, Justina Charles, and Hon. Minister for Social Services, Catherine Daniel all joined in the celebrations last Friday.
Watt lived in Guadeloupe for over 30 years and bore no children. He and his wife Lydia Watt have been married for 26 years.
Mrs Watt said, “Thank you for my husband, thank you for the 26 years of marriage. I thank the Lord for everybody and thank you everybody.”
His special day was celebrated with a mass followed by a reception at the Tete Morne Resource Center.
His relative from the neighbouring French island of Guadeloupe also joined in the celebration.
Hon Justina Charles, who is a close friend of the couple, reminded them of Government’s commitment to centenarians. That includes free healthcare, $500 monthly for his care and free cooking gas.
This new centenarian has proven that he is indeed strong. His only ailment now is loss of hearing. However, he has certainly not lost his voice, his sight and his sense of humour.
“It is better for me to lose my hearing than my sight because if I could not see, I would not know who are there with me today,” he said.
He looked around and identified the President, Parish Priest, his Parliamentary Representative, police officers, family members, neighbours and friends.
“I have to thank you all very much for coming,” he stated.
He also credits his long life to the blessing of his godfather and has outlived all his siblings.
“Today I am 100 years old, so who knows if I won’t bat another couple of years,” Watt noted.
Watt received gifts from His Excellency Savarin, the Tete Morne Village Council, Ministry of Social Services and the Member of Parliament for the Grand Bay Constituency.
Wow! Another Dominican centenarian! This week to today I had a few conversations also with another D/can about D/can centenarians. I also informed a few Canadians. They were impressed.
Mr. Watt, a blessed 100th birthday to you. God has indeed blest you with longevity. I do not see any wrinkles on your face.
What is also good to know is that you are still able to go to Church. The Lord says to you with a smile, “A few more steps. . .”
How many of us wished we could live that long and able to walk around, go to Church and to see? We hope we will be fortunate as you.
God bless you Mr. Watt for some years to come as He sees fit.
We must also give Mrs. Watt a compliment for your marriage of 26 years. There is no doubt she has also helped you retain your youthful look. A loving wife and some good cooking do help.
God also bless you Mrs. Watt, a faithful wife and with a faithful husband.
Wow!!!
Mr. Watt, I remember when you used to go to your garden. You have always been a quiet man and very respectful to others. It is a blessing for you to have all your senses at that age. Continue to do what you have been doing to continue your longetivity. May your wish to live longer be granted and may your wife continue being at your side.
All the best to you and cotinue to be a light in the community.
May peace continue to lead you as an ancestor. You have a great story to tell the younger ones.
PEACE!!!!
Happy birthday and continued blessings
I no Mr watt from Tete more and his a very quite and humble man always great people and alway smile when he see people. Happy 100 sir, And his wife is a very nice lady as well.
Sorry JB I was not there but I can not stand politicians using what should be your day as an opportunity for grandstanding and make political capital. I will see you when you are on your own without all that pretense. A very Happy birthday anyway.
So ,you she has to remind him of money and gas? That means I’m not giving you nothing for nothing? “These people!”
Some people have evil eyes. They see evil everywhere and in everything.
Wow nice Story..Happy belated birthday Sir.
I give myself 109, and then I\’m outta here.
At 100, Mr. Watts still don\’t want to go, nuh!!! Life is sweet; especially when you have a sweet wife.
Congratulations Mr. Watt on reaching the grand age of 100
I am sitting here wondering what it is in Dominica that gives so many people a long life. I suppose each individual has his or her own story. No doubt the climate is a blessing and that is what I envy most. I suspect a common sense diet has a bearing on your health. But as I have noted before the centenarians I read about in Dominica have something more in common. God is part of your lives! You have room for Him, and time to worship your creator. It is where we go from here that is the important thing. By receiving Christ as our Savior and believing that HE died for our sins and rose again we can have eternal life NOW, and a home in heaven the moment we leave this world.
Continuation …
The Apostle John wrote:
“And this is the record , that God hath given unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life: And he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God ; that ye may KNOW that ye HAVE eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:11-13)
The Apostle Paul wrote:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9)
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Don’t understand the headline in relation to what the genteman said. The headline states his expectation of additional years as a definite but he stated it as a probability. Congratulations Mr Watt! Give thanks to the Giver of all good things, the Almighty God.
Long life sir,justina we do not need the reminder,like is a favor you and your corrupt regime is doing.I have no respect for you Justina.
Happy belated birthday Mr. Watt. Wishing you many more years to come. You got a beautiful wife who cares for you. Blessings to you both. Pecodian in the US
Happy Birthday and CONGRATULATIONS on a long life well lived!