Guyana’s oldest twins celebrate 83rd birthday

Jan 12, 2009 News

Eating well and exercising in the form of hard work was highlighted as the main factors which have contributed to the long life of two of Guyana’s senior citizens.
Azeez Azimulla, also known as ‘Bush,’ and Bibi Sugra Khan, called ‘Sugie,’ are arguably Guyana’s oldest twins. They celebrated their 83rd birthday yesterday, two days ahead of their actual birth date.
The closely-knitted brother and sister were born on January 13, 1926 at a modest Lot 23 North Section, Canal Number Two home on the West Coast of Demerara. It was at that same residence that the two held their birth anniversary celebration yesterday.

‘Sugie’ and ‘Bush’ are surrounded by some of their offspring

Both were visions of health and vitality as they met and greeted the scores of family members and friends who converged at the residence to extend best wishes and to indulge in the variety of delicacies prepared especially for the occasion.
Reflecting on his life’s experience, ‘Bush’ said that at a very young age he started working at the Guyana Sugar Company, Wales Estate. According to him, he was a foreman at the entity until he reached the age of retirement. He added that those days were very memorable. He divulged that back in those days the estate was under the control of Booker Tate, and pointed out that the current state of the estate leaves much to be desired.
Responding to questions of his family life, ‘Bush’ related that he married his sweetheart, Khyrool Nesha, who departed this life about three years ago.
She, however, bore him 10 children over the years, all of whom are still alive and have added considerably to the Azimulla family tree.
As a dedicated Muslim, ‘Bush’ has ensured that all of his children follow the religious lifestyle as a way of life.
According to him, in addition to his religious beliefs, eating foods such as ground provision and other meals ideal for a diabetic, along with hard work, have contributed to him being in a healthy condition today. He, however, admitted to indulging occasionally on the sweeter snacks of life, in the form of delicious mouth watering chocolates, which he just cannot resist.
‘Sugie,’ the other half of the twin, resides in the United States but travelled to Guyana for the celebration. She said that her diet consists mainly of ground provisions, vegetables and fruits, which she believes if the key to keeping healthy and strong, in addition to exercise and hard work.
According to the mother of two, ever since she was a young girl, she had a passion for working hard. She added that when she was about 25 years old, she, too, started working at the sugar company. She said that she did just about any work, adding that she never shied away from weeding assignments.
She eventually quit that job in 1960. ‘Sugie’ said that she got married and had two children, but that her husband died, leaving her a single parent.
She subsequently remarried, but, again, was struck by the same fate. She never married again after that.
‘Sugie’ said that she migrated to the US in 1995 through the invitation of her children, and has been living in New York ever since. She visits her home land from time to time, particularly when her birth date is near.
‘Sugie’ disclosed that In New York she is able to maintain her vitality by spending time at a Senior Citizens’ Centre, an institution which operates like a day care facility.
There, ‘Sugie’ said, she is able to busy herself with activities, such as craft.
The aged brother and sister are thankful to Allah for long, healthy lives, and for family and close friends who have remained dear and loving over the years.
They are optimistic that they have quite a few more years to share their experiences and ideas with a view to helping the younger generation live better lives, almost as satisfying as theirs.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News