Mocha Arcadia resident is newest centenarian

Nov 07, 2018 News

Ina Barnwell-Bacchus is Guyana’s newest centenarian.

From left, sitting: Chairman of the Mocha Arcadia NDC, Rudolph Adams; Regional Chairman Genevieve Allen; Aunty Ina; Minister Amna Ally, and the centenarian’s eldest living child Lance Bacchus, while her other two surviving children stand at the back.

Born on Monday November 5, 1918, Ms. Ina Barnwell-Bacchus, on Monday celebrated her 100th birth anniversary, thereby becoming the country’s latest centenarian. Celebrating this achievement was characterized by a memorable event which was attended by several prominent individuals.
Among those in attendance were many residents of Mocha Arcadia, officials of the Regional Democratic Council [RDC] of Region Four; Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, and Government Chief Whip and General Secretary of the People’s National Congress/Reform [PNC/R], Ms. Amna Ally.
‘Aunty Ina’ was described as a woman who bore seven children, four of whom she has already outlived. Her eldest living child is currently 71 years old. With faculties still intact, the centenarian, who is known within her community as a political stalwart, related that she has been closely affiliated with the PNC party since its formation.
“I have always been a supporter of the PNC, as that has been my party since it started,” said a proud Aunty Ina.
Minister Ally, who also represented the Ministry she heads [Social Protection], said that Guyana is very proud to record yet another centenarian in its history. As she considered the wellbeing of Aunty Ina, the Social Protection Minister expressed delight as she observed that “despite the woman’s age, her hearing, sight, voice and other major faculties are intact.”
One of the woman’s sons, who resides in the United States, also spoke glowingly of her health. According to him, his mother is not affected by diabetes or hypertension. He however added that while he is very proud to know that she has lived this long, he is growing very concerned with the fact that she cannot move around as much as she would like to.
“As you know that when you meet this age you would have some challenges, so being a 100 is both a blessing and a curse,” he quipped.
RDC Chairperson, Ms Genevieve Allen, expressed delight that yet another resident of Region Four is celebrating what she called the golden milestone. She thanked her for her service over the years to the residents and people of Mocha Arcadia, while noting that she has truly contributed to the development of the community.
The NDC of Mocha Arcadia through its chairman, Mr. Rudolph Adams, presented a brand new recliner chair to the centenarian in observance of her birthday. Also the RDC, Ministry of Social Protection and supporters of the PNC/R together presented a LFS Burnham draped medal to an emotional Aunty Ina.
Meanwhile, in offering words of advice to persons for long life, the centenarian urged all those present to be thankful and contented with what they have. She went on to stress that she has always been very grateful for whatever God has given to her, adding that she sees it all as a blessing.
“Be thankful and contended, as that is all I can say, as there is no big secret to long life. And I must wish myself a happy birthday, because I am at a loss for words,” Aunty Ina added.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News