Nation Honors Nine Citizens Reaching Milestone Ages
On May 29, 2026, St. Kitts and Nevis marked World Centenarian Day by celebrating nine citizens who have reached the remarkable age of 100 or older. The government organized commemorative visits to honor these individuals on both islands, recognizing their significant contributions to the Federation’s growth and rich history.
Honoring Resilience on St. Kitts
On St. Kitts, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities led the tributes, visiting three centenarians. These visits were part of a broader initiative to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable experiences of the nation’s elder population. Among those honored were:
- Edmund Morton, aged 101
- Esther Harris, aged 104
- Rupert Griffin, aged 100
Nevis Recognizes Six Centenarians
In Nevis, the Ministry of Health, Gender Affairs and Social Empowerment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disability in St. Kitts, organized similar commemorative home visits. Six centenarians on Nevis were recognized for their long and impactful lives:
- Eliza Jeffers, aged 106, a resident of Hamilton Estate
- Olga “Francis” Hicks-Jeffers, aged 102, from Camps Village
- Evelyn Brown, aged 101, residing in Jessups Village
- Legantine “Leontine” Clarke, from Chicken Stone
- Geraldine Berry, aged 101, of Church Ground
- Ernestine Wilks, aged 100, from Camps
High-Level Participation in Celebrations
The commemorations saw the participation of key government officials. Governor-General of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dame Marcella Liburd, joined the events on St. Kitts. Hyleeta Liburd, Deputy Governor-General for Nevis, accompanied Dame Liburd for the visits on Nevis.
Minister of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities, Isalean Phillip, also participated in celebrating the remarkable lives and legacies of the centenarians. On Nevis, Minister of Health, Gender Affairs and Social Empowerment, Jahnel Nisbett, joined the festivities alongside Junior Minister Phillip.
Commitment to Honoring Elders
This initiative underscores the St. Kitts and Nevis government’s ongoing commitment to honoring its senior citizens. The lives and experiences of these centenarians represent a vital part of the Federation’s historical narrative and cultural heritage.
