Centenarians Honoured With Trees during Family Month

Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 12, 2013 (SKNIS): In commemoration of National Family Month, Centenarians Ismay Sweeney, Henrietta Watson and Gwendolyn Browne were honoured with the planting of trees on World Environment Day, last week.

The tree-planting activity is a collaborative effort between the Department of Social Services and Community Development of the Ministry of Social Development and the St. Kitts church community. A total of nine tree plantings are scheduled to take place during the Month which runs from May 13 to June 22 and is being held under the theme “Bridging Gaps – Building Stronger Families.”

On World Environment Day, 102 year old Ismay Sweeney assisted in the planting in a Pride of Barbados (Dwarf Poinciana) tree on the grounds of the Anglican Church Hall (Old Girls’ School). Henrietta Watson who is 103, was unable to attend the planting of a Yellow Flamboyant Tree in the Ebenezer Methodist Church, Old Road, but was represented by her grandson Chesil Watson. Gwendolyn Brown, the most recent centenarian, was accompanied by her children Eustace Warner and Venetta Brown , who assisted with the planting of a Yellow Flamboyant Tree in the Anglican Church Hall (Old Girls’ School.)

The Department of Social Services and Community Development in the Ministry of Social Development took the opportunity to encourage the community and the general public to view the commemorative tree plantings exercises as a tribute to centenarians and seniors who have worked hard to build our nation and raise our families.

“As these trees grow, it is our wish that our families will bridge whatever challenges they face and grow taller and stronger each year,” Azilla Clarke, Director of Community Development said.

Ina Bass of St. Peters, Alcestine Akers of McKnight, Elizabeth Martin of Cunningham Street, Wilfred Martin of St. Paul’s and Maude James residing at the Grange will all have trees planted in their honour during the month.