BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – TODAY (Jan. 20) she celebrates a milestone that many people have never reached and which some people hope to achieve.
She is Ina Theodosia Bass, also known as Annie David, a resident of Upper Monkey Hill, St. Peters, who, through God’s grace and a healthy lifestyle, is celebrating her 100th birth anniversary.
Ina was born on January 20, 1913 to George David and Floretta Bass.
And in the spirit of giving individuals a bouquet of flowers as a symbol of appreciation for their contributions to society and a role model within their community while they are yet alive, members of the People’s Action Movement (PAM) paid ‘Miss Annie’ (as she is affectionately called) a visit just a few days before, bearing words of honour, celebration and a large food basket.
Her Parliamentary Representative, the Hon. Eugene Hamilton – accompanied by the present and former Leaders of the PAM, Shawn Richards and Lindsay Grant respectively – were present at Miss Annie’s residence for the brief yet significant ceremony.
“They call it going down the hill when we are growing old and speak with mournful accents when our years are being told. But, oh, it is not going down, it is climbing higher; higher until we almost see the mansions that our soul desires.”
These are some of the words imprinted on a birthday card which Miss Annie was presented by the PAM on the momentous occasion of attaining centenarian status.
Many hallelujahs sprang from Miss Annie’s mouth as she was presented with the food basket by the PAM representatives.
Her story is nothing less than truly amazing.
In 1954, she migrated to England and returned to the Federation in 1962 and became a fixture at the Public Market, where she would travel on Mondays to purchase her necessities from the Dominica and St. Vincent boats. And on Saturdays, she travelled there to sell her goods.
Believe it or not, that Saturday ritual continues onto this day.
SKNVibes visited the Public Market yesterday (Jan. 19) and found Miss Annie with many coconuts on sale.
She has been described as “a no-nonsense, hard-working and energetic woman”.
Her days begin at about 4:30 a.m. when she rises from slumber and takes to her yard, ensuring that her surroundings are kept clean, washing her clothes and tackling her other chores. She also begins her days with a healthy breakfast, which is self-prepared.
A major part of her diet consists of vegetables and what we refer to locally as “ground provisions”; and Miss Annie insists that these must be eaten with their skins still intact.
The centenarian does not suffer from any non-communicable disease and she has outlived six of her siblings and her only child.
To Miss Annie, the management and staff of SKNVibes wish you a happy and enjoyable 100th birthday and may God continue to richly bless you with health, strength and many more birthdays.
