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James Sisnett celebrating a previous birthday with family and friends. (FP)

A true patriot and hardworking gentleman, who lived a very productive and fulfilling existence that epitomized the true qualities of being Barbadian.

This is how Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steven Blackett, remembered super-centenarian, James Sisnett, who passed away today at the grand old age of 113.

Mr. Blackett was at the time paying tribute to Mr. Sisnett who was officially confirmed for the past four years as the oldest living person in Barbados, the Caribbean and perhaps the western hemisphere.

The Minister of Social Care noted that "up to recently, despite his advanced age, Mr. Sisnett was still very articulate, witty and a model senior citizen at the Ocean View Nursing Home where he was resident. I am reliably informed that he used to be the ???bright spark’ at that institution.

"For close to seventy years, he would have made an invaluable contribution to the development of his community, his parish and the wider Barbadian society.

"He had been admired for decades, not only for his longevity, but for his hard work as a blacksmith and a sugar factory engineer, and particularly his commitment to his immediate and ???extended’ family, as well as to his church. Indeed, in recent years, he had been "the toast of the town" every February as he reached another milestone; with those close to him reminiscing and marveling at his wisdom, remarkable memory and great sense of humour.

"I am sure we will all miss James Sisnett, if for no other reason than for his selflessness, his legendary contribution and dedication to his community.

"To his grieving relatives, friends and family, I offer heartfelt condolences on behalf of my own family, and the Government and people of Barbados. May he rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him."

sharifa.medford@barbados.gov.bb

Author: Ministry of Social Care/BGIS

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