Gingerland-Nevis-She is a December baby and so on Saturday 23rd December, Ms. Melvina Stapleton of Cox village, celebrated with family and friends, the significant milestone of achieving her 90th birthday.
At a ceremony held at the popular Cox Gazebo and ably chaired by the effervescent Charles Bussue, Ms. Stapleton received some of her flowers while she could yet enjoy them.
Bussue described her as a remarkable women, who grew up feeding on the yams, potatoes and tannias that she planted, as a hard working woman and noted that she was still able to walk unassisted.
He also pointed out that she made sure that her children and later her grandchildren, were well educated as she stated in no uncertain terms: “Me no got a lot of education but you all going school and learn all you lesson.’
Representing the Hon. Hazel Brandy Williams, was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Mr. Keith Glasgow, who read a message from the Minister, who was unavoidably absent.
In that message Minister Brandy-Williams wished the celebrant all the best and stated ‘the final countdown to your century, is now on.’
Mr. Glasgow, with the assistance of Miss Trudy Prentice, The Ag. Coordinator of the Seniors’ Division, then presented Ms. Stapleton with a fruit basket, complements of his Ministry and the City Drug store.
Interspersed with the speeches, were a steel pan rendition; a saxophone rendition, a song and other tributes, including one by her daughter, Mrs. Joan Pemberton.
Ms. Stapleton for her part, thanked her children, grandchildren, other family members, friends and all of her well-wishers for making her day such a special one.