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Essequibo celebrates its latest centenarian Ramjohn Mohamed Khan
A grand celebration was held last Saturday at Aurora on the Essequibo Coast, in observance of the 100th birth anniversary of Essequibo’s newest centenarian Ramjohn Mohamed Khan.
Khan, a staunch Muslim, reached 100 years old on August 16th and his immediate family members held a religious celebration at his Aurora residence a week later. Scores of Essequibians attended.
Centenarian Ramjohn Mohamed Khan
Religious songs and the reading of verses from the Holy Quoran were recited by Khan’s immediate family. Khan, who is in relatively good health, also sang and recited verses.
The centenarian, who served as an Imaam for 43 years, was born at Aurora Estate.
His parents were Faqueerbuksh Mohamed Khan and Bibi Woulfath.
Khan’s father, an indentured labourer came to British Guiana, in 1898 and worked in the rice fields of Essequibo.
One of Khan’s sons, Farouk, informed the gathering that his dad attended the Aurora Church of Scotland for four years of his life and also the Kitty and Christ Church Schools for a few months.
At age 12, Khan worked on plantation Sophia with older men to assist in taking care of his younger siblings.
At 24 years old Khan married his second wife, Mabel Khan, also known as Betty.
That marriage produced 12 children, to add to the two from the previous one.
The respected Imaam informed that he speaks fluent Urdu, Hindi and English. He can read Arabic too.
On any given day, Khan reads the Holy Quoran at least once. He has a sharp memory and at 100 years old he remembers a lot of events that unfolded during his lifetime.
“It is better to live than to die, no matter what may be your condition you still have a chance to worship your Creator and ask for forgiveness.”
At his age, Khan still weeds and sweeps the yard whenever he feels he is strong enough to do so.
Khan, who believes in adequate rest and in eating the right food, eats only small portions.
He eats lots of green vegetables which are grown on cow manure and eats meat in small quantities.
“His desire is to live many more years and he prays everyday for long life,” said his son.
The centenarian, who also resided in Canada, is the recipient of awards from the legislators of the provincial Parliament of Ontario, Canada for being a Canadian citizen who attained the age of 100 and was recognised too by Ms. Roxanne James (MP) and also from the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
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