BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, August 4, 2010 (Press Release) - If a book were to be written on the country’s history, the Federation’s newest centenarian, Ms Lillian Adosia Hill of Tabernacle, would be in a position to tell where it would go wrong because she has lived it, so says Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Seven, Hon Dr. Timothy Harris.
Paying homage to Ms Hill on Sunday August 1, Dr Harris who is also the Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade, Industry, Commerce, Consumer Affairs, Agriculture, Marine Resources, and Constituency Empowerment said that in her lifetime she would have witnessed social and political changes that have shaped not only the nation but the region.
“I believe we have the duty now to ensure that we interview all of our centenarians, that we record their lives through their own experiences and document them for the generations that will come after,” commented Dr Harris. “That must be part of our own effort to write our own history as our people lived it.”
Lillian Hill, originally from Cotton Ground Nevis, marked her 100th birthday on Saturday July 31, but celebrated the milestone the following day with a colourful service held at the House of Deliverance New Testament Church of God in Tabernacle. The Governor General, His Excellency Sir Dr Cuthbert Sebastian led those who attended the church service.
The Parliamentary Representative told the congregation that long life is a blessing and an honour from God because there can be truly no other explanation that Lillian Hill would make the history.
“If she would have done nothing else in life to achieve this milestone, it is history in the making and she is here importantly of good mind and knowledge, failing sight but of excellent memory,” observed Dr Harris. “Later those of you who would have the opportunity to talk with her, you will find that she will say she is still ‘full a charge’, and she is very proud of her Nevisian roots.”
According to Dr Harris, Tabernacle has made history as Lillian Hill has joined the very few persons, not only in St. Kitts and Nevis but all over the world, who have lived and survived to 100 years. Hill’s was a record not only to the residents of Tabernacle but for all in St. Kitts and Nevis, and all people of Caribbean roots.
Others who attended the church service included the Deputy Prime Minister Hon Sam Condor, Premier of Nevis Hon Joseph Parry, Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan His Excellency Rong Chuan Wu, His Excellency Ambassador Walford Gumbs who also holds the position of Ombudsman of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, and Supervisor of Social Services Anne Wigley.
At the start of the service, the latest centenarian was assisted to walk to the church pew reserved for her, but once seated did not need any assistance as she swayed and clapped in rhythm with the fast moving hymns and songs. Pastor Edward Phipps when leading in singing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song jokingly requested the congregation not to ask how old she is.
Praises were heaped on Lillian’s granddaughter and fulltime caretaker, Lucretia Sergeant (Baby J), for the great sacrifice she has made to ensure that Ms Hill ages with dignity. A luncheon fit for the latest centenarian was laid out to friends and relatives at her residence, where a signpost wishing her ‘happy birthday’ was in place and helped first time visitors find where her home was.
