Mommy Henny celebrates 100 years of life

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 14, 2010 (SKNIS): Hardworking, strong and private were all words used to describe Henrietta Watson who celebrated 100 years of life on Saturday, April 10, 2010.
 
Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister responsible for Social Development Honourable Marcella Liburd, Parliamentary Representative for the Area Honourable Glenn Phillip, Former Minister and Parliamentary Representative for the Area Rupert Herbert were among family and friends who saluted Henrietta Watson for arriving at the grand old age of 100.
 
The St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service’s staff cameras chronicled Mommy Henny’s attainment at a Church Service at the Ebenezer Old Road Methodist Church which was followed by a Luncheon at Sprat Net.  Approximately 200 persons were said to have joined the centurion in her celebrations.
 
During the Church Service, adopted Goddaughter Agnes Williams paid tribute to Mommy Henny in song with “Sweet Will of God.”  She noted that her Godmother could still see to thread a needle and she said that several days before, she had visited and asked why she had lived so long.  Ms. Williams stated that in response her Godmother told her that she could see straight through her.  She then admitted that it was because she had not been wearing a petticoat, and Mommy Henny’s eyesight was good enough for her to notice.
 
While bringing the Message, Methodist Superintendent Minister Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs mentioned faithful servants of God such as Jeremiah.  He then highlighted Mommy Henny’s philosophy as to why she had lived so long.  Superintendent Gumbs said that she said the reason was contentment.  He went on to explain that contentment according to the Greek text was not simply to accept things as they are.
 
“It means whatever state I find myself, I realize that God is in it with me,”  Superintendent Gumbs said.  “I shall go through the deep waters, rough times, because God will see me through.  So I am content to rest in God and rest in God’s care.”
 
Mommy Henny’s Grandson Chesil Watson thanked all of his Grandmother’s well-wishers for honouring her with their presence. He also thanked her for the sacrifices she had made for loved ones over the years.  Mr. Watson said that Mommy Henny worked hard – from cane field to cane field, riding the donkey and going into the mountain to get cassava.
 
“She has worked very hard and to reach this milestone of 100 years is a really big achievement,” Mr. Watson said.  “And only one complaint she has.  She say Chessy, all does hurt me, is me hip.”
 
Parliamentary Representative for the Area Honourable Glenn Phillip congratulated Mommy Henny on her attainment and recounted their first meeting.
 
“I could recall the first day I went across the bay and introduced myself,” Minister Phillip said.  “The first thing she said is – who you be? Where Herbert? I don’t know you.”  The Parliamentary Representative of the Area noted that the first meeting was all in good faith and it continued with Mommy Henny giving him a history lesson of Old Road as well as of his village, Challengers.
 
The ceremonies continued at Sprat Net where Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas acknowledged Mommy Henny for her contribution to the development of the Federation and congratulated her on her achievement.  Supervisor of Social Assistance Mrs. Ann Wigley along with Social Assistance Officer Larissa Riley were on hand to bring the Unit’s greeting.