Stoney Grove elder celebrates 96 years
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| Minister of Social Development on Nevis Hon. Hensley Daniel presents Mrs. Doris Richards with a bouquet in recognition of her 96th birthday anniversary in the presence of family, friends and staff of the Flambouyant Nursing Home |
CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (NOVEMBER 09, 2007) -- Mrs. Dora Richards often referred to as the "Mother of Stoney Grove" or “Ma”, celebrate her 96th birthday on Friday November 09, 2007, from her room at the Flambouyant Nursing Home in Charlestown. She thanked her Maker for the longevity he had granted her in the presence of Minister for Social Development on Nevis Hon. Hensley Daniel and Constituency Representative Hon. Robelto Hector.
“I am thankful for today and I praise the Lord. I am Doris Richards and God has done great things for me for I did not know I would have been hare until now and you know when it is like that how it can feel but Praise the Lord for his goodness to me.
“God has done so many things for all of us and our time is not enough, really to give our God thanks for all what he has done for us, for he has done wonders for us and we are happy and say praise the Lord!,” she said.
Minister Daniel who spoke briefly said he was moved by the celebrant’s sharp memory and strong mind and noted the Ministry of Social Development’s effort to pay special attention to Nevis’ elders and called on the community to care for the elderly.
“For us in the Ministry of Social Development, we pay special attention to have come before us those who have walked the path~~Adz:Right~~ before us. We believe we owe them a debt of gratitude for being here thus far. They have raised children and other people’s children and they served at a time when the village raised the children. I believe we have lots of things to copy from Mrs. Richards. So we want to say to her and her family to keep caring for her. It seems to me that with good care when you reach later in life, you do very well.
“The statistics say that we in Nevis women are to live until age 70 and men until age 68 but certainly Mrs. Richards we have gone 26 past that. We are going well and you will do well to help us improve our longevity statistics. So we thank God for you and trust that other people in our community will take care of their elderly relatives, nurture them and nurse them along, so that they will reach these important milestones,” he said.
Mr. Daniel presented Mrs. Richards with a small bouquet of fresh cut flowers and a certificate of appreciation in recognition of her contribution to the people of Nevis, church, family, friends and her neighbours. “I believe the whole of Stoney Grove knows you have had a tremendous impact on their lives and thank you,” he said.
Meantime, Mr. Hector also extended congratulations on his behalf and that of the people for Stoney Grove and thanked her for her contribution to the development of Stoney Grove.
Also present was her daughter Ms. Lyra Richards and family friends.
