Brown Hill resident celebrates 90th birthday; thanks God for longevity

Minister Daniel gives Ms. Parris hug on her 90th birthday

CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (November 17, 2008) -- Lively 90 year old Irene Parris of Brown Hill celebrated her landmark birthday on November 15 and thanked God for her longevity.

In the company of Minister of Social Development and Area Representative Hon Hensley Daniel and her family, Ms. Parries told of her hard work as a farmer and a mother which contributed to her longevity.

A light hearted Ms. Parris all smiles did not hide the fact that she used to boil hamon [bush rum], burn coal, cut wood, eat hog meat and plant cotton among other things.

Mr. Daniel referred to Ms. Parris as a pillar of the Brown Hill community and reminded her that it was because of hard working people like her that Nevis had become a modern society today.

Minister of Social Development and Area Representative Hon Hensley Daniel(r) presents Birthday Girl Ms. Irene Parris with a floral arrangement at her Brown Hill home

“People who have reached the age of 90 deserve our very highest commendation. I know Ms. Parris a long, long time ago. She used to work the land - plant yam potato, tania banana an she uses to burn plenty, plenty coal  she virtually had a charcoal factory and she worked hard,” he said.

The Minister underscored the need for youths to use the example of good hard work and an honest life for them to be rewarded with longevity.

Ms. Irene Parris (with hat) with one of her children (standing behind her), grand and great grand children while they celebrate her 90th birthday

He said the Ministry and by extension the Nevis Island Administration, was happy to share the moment with Ms. Parris who had raised her children, grand and great grand children who he said would ensure that she maintained good health and a happy life.

Mr. Daniel presented Ms. Parris with a floral arrangement while her family expressed sentiments of good wishes and adoration to her.