The community of Rock Hall, St. George, was energised on May 17, 2023, as one of Barbados’ newest centenarians, Mrs. Delcina Jones, celebrated her birthday at home with family, close friends and neighbours.
The celebrations were heightened with the arrival of President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason. This was her first in-person visit with a centenarian since the COVID-19 restrictions.
Dame Sandra told the centenarian: “You are very special because the last time I came out to visit anyone was exactly three years ago.”
One of the centenarian’s sons, Keith Jones, noted that his mother, who was a housewife and seamstress, worked hard and was “a very strict disciplinarian”.
He added: “She liked you to do the right things and not only do the right things but do the right things right…. She was a good economist and she spent her money carefully.”
Carl Jones, one of Mrs. Jones’ grandsons and her caregiver, said his grandmother is so active in the house that he feels that he is the one being taken care of. The centenarian taught her grandson how to count with the aid of matchsticks.
Overall, Mrs. Jones is in good health, and has good eyesight. She cooks and eats healthy foods, and is especially fond of cou cou and ground provisions.
Mrs. Jones is a second-generation centenarian, whose mother, Mrs. Edna Louise Wason, lived to 103.
The Rector of St. George Parish Church, Senator, Reverend Canon Dr. John A. Rogers, prayed with and blessed Mrs. Jones at her home. He noted that she is a devoted member of the Church.
Her Excellency presented the centenarian with a floral arrangement, a bottle of wine and personalised card, which was read by one of her grandsons, Randy Jones.
Dame Sandra thanked the family for the opportunity to participate in the celebrations, noting that it “is the first time since March 18, 2020, I have been able to come out and visit”. She added that Mrs. Jones’ grandchildren and great-grandchildren need to continue to revere her.
Her Excellency also remarked that it is because of people like Mrs. Jones, who helped to lay the foundation of our communities, that “allowed persons like me to be where we are…. I like, on occasions like these, to see the younger ones, the grandchildren and the great-grandchildren, to let them know how lucky they are”.
Keith Jones thanked Dame Sandra for being a part of the celebrations and for doing so in person. He said the family will “cherish” the visit “for the rest of their lives”.
Mrs. Jones, widow of Reginald DaCosta Jones, had six children (two deceased). She has six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Troy Barker