Acting Premier presents bouquet to 102 Year old BVI resident

Acting Premier Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC presents bouquet of flowers to Mr. Cecil Georges in honour of his 102nd birthday. Photo Credit: Mr. Aldrin Rabsatt/GIS

In a brief presentation ceremony at his home on Main Street, Honourable Penn extended birthday greetings to Mr. Georges on behalf of Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, who is in London for a series of meetings. 

“This is a little token for you from the Government and from the people of the islands and I am delighted to present it to you. This is from everybody, the Premier is in London or he would have come himself but I have come in his place. “

The Acting Premier bestowed best wishes upon the centenarian. “Mr. Georges I wish you many, many more birthdays and the good health to enjoy them.”  Although Mr. Georges suffers from loss of memory, Honourable Penn said it is a pleasure to have him here with us because “having life is a great gift.”

She described the Georges family as one of the most prominent in the Territory. “It is a privilege to be in the presence of the only surviving one of them; it is a privilege to still have him with us. He has had a long and good life and his family has been a very important one in this community, in business, in commerce, in Government.”

Recalling one of her last interactions with Mr. Georges, Honourable Penn described him as “very scrupulous, very honest and very fair.” She recalled too his excellent handwriting and the time and care taken to form clear letters.

The Acting Premier also retraced the Georges family tree with the help of Mr. Georges’ wife, Elaine.

Asked what contributed to Mr. Georges’ long life, his wife replied lots of exercise because he loved walking and would also go horseback riding in East End, Cane Garden Bay and Brewer’s Bay.  

Mr. Georges, quite alert, tried to determine whether or not he would have worked with any of the staff from the Department of Information and Public Relations and Premier’s Office who were present and was a bit disappointed to learn that he did not. However, he was delighted to hear about their parents and grandparents, some of whom he knew.  ~~Adz:Right~~

Mr. Georges had an illustrious career as a civil servant especially in the areas of customs, the treasury and post office.

Today’s presentation to Mr. Georges in honour of his 102nd birthday is in keeping with Government’s commitment to celebrate the lives of the elderly who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the Territory.