Charlestown, Nevis-Still the very humble and affable character Mr. Arthur Evelyn did not say much but indicated with a slight show of emotions that he really appreciated the show of love and affection on the attainment of his 90th birthday.
He actually got to the significant milestone on Friday 15th June, but a special ceremony of celebration, was held at his business place (Evelyn’s Drug store), on Wednesday 20th June.
The brief ceremony was coordinated by the Ministry of Social Development, led by the Minister, Hon. Eric Evelyn.
Also present were Deputy Director of the Social Services Department, Miss Joyce Moven; Coordinator of the Seniors’ Division, Miss Trudy Prentice and family members.
Miss Prentice delivered the invocation and this was followed by the singing of the well-known hymn ‘To God be the Glory.’
Deputy Director of the Social Services Department, Miss Joyce Moven, then read the scripture passage from Palm 139.
Minister Evelyn in offering congratulatory remarks, pointed to the sterling contributions made by the celebrant to the development of Nevis and noted that he looked really well for 90.
He said that Mr. Evelyn is in the business of keeping people healthy, so it was logical to assume that he was using some of his own products to keep him looking that well.
He pointed to his contributions to the wellbeing of the Nevisian people, through his long serving drug store; his efforts in politics and his work in the church.
He stated that it was instructive that Mr. Evelyn was still playing an active role in the running of his business. He then presented him with a fruit basket and wished him all the best, ‘as we look forward to being back for the 100th birthday.’
The birthday song was then sung very lustily and that was followed by the emotional response of Mr. Evelyn who noted that the ceremony ‘had touched him deeply’ and stated that such a ceremony made him feel appreciated.