Latest update April 24th, 2026 12:40 AM
Dossie Gittens, a 105-year-old Esequibian
Essequibians who are forty years and older, and reside especially between Henrietta and Lima Villages,
Dossier Gittens
Essequibo Coast, would be particularly familiar with the name, Dossie Gittens, a/k “Cousin Dossie”.
Cousin Dossie could be remembered for the “chip, chip sugar cake” that she used to sell among other snacks, such as phoulorie and channa, when she operated as a “seller” at the C.V. Nunes Primary School, Anna Regina.
She is also an amazing centenarian. She has recently celebrated her 105th birth anniversary in the United States where she has been residing for over the past three decades. The native Essequibian is among several of Essequibo’s oldest, including centenarians who are still active and remain in good health.
There is May Garraway, of Hackney, in the Lower Pomeroon River. She is 104. Her other colleague, Lillian Elliot, is 105. She has been residing at Mashabo, an Amerindian community located in the Essequibo District.
Another centenarian, Ram John Mohamed, of Aurora, celebrated his 102nd birth anniversary in August. All of these centenarians were recorded to be in good health and are mobile.
Mrs. Gittens celebrated her birth anniversary in the United States on August 19, last. She was acknowledged by the Guyanese Diaspora for her longevity and for maintaining a stellar health. From reports, it was also noted that her diet is not restricted. However, frequent visits to her doctor have been a keen way of monitoring her health, her relatives in Guyana say.
Cousin Dossie migrated to the United States in the late 70s and returned when she observed her 100th birthday. While in the U.S.A, Cousin Dossie took on the role as a nanny, caring for her daughter’s two children.
Before migrating to the United States, Cousin Dossie worked at the Public Library on the Essequibo Coast and also performed duties as a domestic.
Today she suffers from mild arthritis in her back but that ailment has not stymied her mobility. She has 15 grand children, nine great-grands and three great great-grands. She was born in 1909. (Yannason Duncan)
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