Family and friends of one of Barbados’ newest centenarians, Mrs. Enid Gill, affectionately known as “Aunt Enid’, gathered together on August 11, 2023, to help celebrate her 100th birthday, at her home in Harts Gap, Christ Church.
President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, paid a special visit via Zoom.
When asked by Her Excellency to share her thoughts on reaching the milestone, Mrs. Gill responded: “First of all, I have to give thanks to God for bringing me here and for putting all these lovely people in my life. It is because of those that I am here, and I am contented with everything.”
While adding that she was especially thankful to see Dame Sandra, she said: “I have heard about you so much.”
Continuing with her life story, she said: “I worked at the hospital for 23 years… I am thankful that I did that…and for all of the lovely people He has put in my life….
“I do a lot of the word games and I like to read a lot, not a lot of TV…. I like the sporty games (Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud) and anything at all with children, I am there. I like children.”
Born in Bullen’s Alley, St. Michael, the centenarian attended St. Matthias Girl’s School up to age 14, but was unable to attend secondary school because of the family’s financial position. She recalled that “at that time it was only six dollars a term, but my mother was very poor”.
After school, Mrs. Gill became a needleworker apprentice to a Mrs. Archer, who lived in Harts Gap, St. Michael. Mrs. Gill, who eventually moved in with the Archer family, continued her needlework and sought other forms of employment. It was later in life that she moved to her current home in Harts Gap.
Mrs. Gill also worked for the Garnes family and at the hospital (now the Queen Elizabeth Hospital), from 1960 to 1983, in a number of departments, including the laundry, the sewing room, and linen keeping.
The centenarian, who has no children, helped to raise several children. To date, she continues to extend a helping hand whenever possible. She married to Mr. Frank Gill while in her 60s.
Mrs. Gill enjoys cooking, gardening, watching cricket, game shows, Judge Judy, wrestling and word puzzles. Her favourite foods are cou cou, and rice and peas.
Once a Catholic, she now attends the New Testament Church of God, in Goodland, St. Michael.
Pauline Codrington, a friend of the centenarian, remarked via Zoom: “I can’t believe how strong she is at her age and her memory is intact; you know God is so good to her.”
Cynthia Straker, who was treated like a daughter by the centenarian, noted that Mrs. Gill “has been a role model to me and many others; she has been a stalwart”. Mrs. Straker added: “You have been a rock; you have been a pillar in society; we love you dearly…. Many people can look back and reflect on what you have done for them in their lives.”
On behalf of Her Excellency, Aide-de-Camp, Lieutenant Jamal Wiggins, presented the centenarian with a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine, and a personalised greeting card, which she read aloud.
In closing, Dame Sandra remarked: “I want you to know that I am extremely happy for you today…. I am sure that over the years you have shown to those around you what good living is all about.
“We appreciate you and we love all you people who have worked so hard to bring Barbados to the stage that it is. I want to wish you all of the best for the very number of years that God is going to give you on this earth.”
Troy Barker