Charlestown Nevis (November 21, 2006) -- Minister of Health and Gender Affairs in the Nevis Island Administration, the Hon. Hensley Daniel on Monday joined family and friends of Mrs. Iris Pinney in celebration of her 90th birthday at her residence in Cox Village.
Minister Daniel, who hails from Cox, congratulated Mrs. Pinney on achieving the age of 90. He referred to Mrs. Pinney as a tower of strength and a product of Cox who attended church every Sunday.
"She represents for us in Cox, a tower of strength, of love and decency for all of us," he added. "I'm sure that none of us, who grew up in this village (Cox and Beaumont) could ever come here to this house and even think of disrespecting Mrs. Pinney."
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| Minister of Health and Gender Affairs, the Hon. Hensley Daniel presents token of appreciation to Mrs. Pinney |
The Minister of Health and Gender Affairs, who is also the area ~~adz:Right~~representative, recalled growing up and experienced Mrs. Pinney working beside her husband and when one passed by, one had to say good morning Mrs. Pinney and good morning Mr. Pinney, "that was the rule then".
According to Mr. Daniel, Mrs. Pinney was part of ensuring that the community stayed on track as it related to good behaviour, good conduct, discipline and respect.
"The younger people of this village have to express our sincere gratitude to people like Mrs. Pinney for setting the road so that all of us who were born in this village know that there is a certain kind of behaviour that will be exhibited and a certain kind of behaviour which we will not have," he said.
In presenting the birthday lady with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the Premier, the Hon. Joseph Parry, other members of Cabinet and the people of Nevis, Minister Daniel called upon Mrs. Pinney to keep the same chemistry, noting that he would be back in 10 years to celebrate that milestone with her.
"I want to congratulate you on reaching your 90th birthday and trust that God's grace and guidance will provide you with the sustenance for many more years to come."
She was born on November 19, 1916 and gave birth to eight children of whom seven are still alive. She expressed thanks to the Almighty for bringing her thus far in response to all the well wishes she received.
"Praise the Lord. I am saved and kept by the power of God. I will lift up mine eyes unto the
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| Mrs. Pinney surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Her sister (extreme left, front row) stands by her side. |
hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. I'm so glad this morning to be on the land of the living with my family, friends and neighbours. I'm giving God thanks for where he brought me from and my only aim and desire is to keep living for Jesus until time shall be no more. Praise the Lord, halleluiah, Amen, the birthday lady said.
A token of appreciation was also presented to Mrs. Pinney on behalf of the Department of Gender and Social Affairs by Ms Marva Wilkinson while Ms. Shirolyn Pemberton chaired the brief ceremony.
