Latest update March 1st, 2026 12:40 AM
Charlestown’s newest centenarian marks 100th birthday with mini bash
(Kaieteur News) – Charlestown’s newest centenarian, Ms Eileen Walrond celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, other close relatives, friends and well-wishers.
Ms Walrond known to many as ‘Granny Bridgette,’ or ‘Ms Bridgette,’ marked the occasion with a thanksgiving service and a mini bash.
Ms Eileen Walrond who is known to many as ‘Granny Bridgette’ or ‘Ms Bridgette.’
Ms Bridgette who has been a resident of Charlestown for most of her life recalled that as a girl she attended the Trinity Methodist Church.
As an adult, she said she raised eight children and spent most of her life as a single parent.
For nearly 30 years, she was a vendor at the Stabroek and Albouystown markets. The centenarian is a grandmother and great grandmother to many—too numerous to mention. And despite her age, Granny Bridgette enjoys some good creole food and has minor health issues and a mind that is ‘sharp as a tack.’
Her daughter, Lavern Jack told this publication that her mother remembered the names of all the persons she wanted to invite to her party.
She said her mother was looking forward to the century milestone.
For her birthday, Jack said her mother requested a lilac dress and a pair of cream shoes.
“She always said that she would live to see a 100. When we said we were having party for her she said she wanted to wear lilac and cream. So we ensure she got what she wanted,” Jack explained.
“We weren’t really planning anything special but everything sort of fell into place, people in the community contributed and everybody step up to do something. So, we said we will have a party,” Jack added
She described her mother as hardworking and selfless. She said she ensured that her children went to school and never went hungry.
“She was always working and taught us ‘to be contented and never like too much company.’ She would always tell us “‘keep your business to yourself,’” the daughter related.
Those gathered to celebrate Granny Bridgette on Saturday offer prayers, gifts and well wishes. During a pre-birthday visit on Thursday Minister of Human Services Vindhya Persaud surprised the centenarian with a beautiful bouquet of roses, which instantly lit up her face. She happily shared, she loves “plenty” roses. When asked what advice she would give young people today, her response was simple but powerful: stay to yourself, live peacefully, and never hurt others, words shaped by a lifetime of experience and wisdom.
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