She has survived two World Wars, experienced the bumpy transition from colonialism to independence, and marvelled at the rapid technological wave of the 21st century. Yet centenarian Leonise Legerton has not lost the pep in her step. During her birthday celebration last Sunday, Legerton drew applause and smiles as she danced her Happy Birthday song.
She said exercise and positive thinking were the key to her longevity. The celebration took place at the St Peter's Baptist Church at Vistabella. Instead of getting a birthday cake, Legerton got a basket of her favourite fruits. Bishop Leon John who officiated at the service, lauded Legerton for her devotion and the wealth of wisdom which she shared with the younger generations.
Sitting on a chair clad in a white suit, Legerton said sports played an important part in her life. The centenarian whose daughter Cynthra Craigwell-Syms represented T&T in the National Tennis Championships, said anyone who wanted to live a long life, must exercise. "I used to play basketball and cricket. That was my thing. I used to go all over the country to play. I enjoyed travelling in my younger days," Legerton recalled. She said she was the captain of her team and she enjoyed competing with other teams nationally. Apart from exercise, Legerton also said she enjoyed travelling. "I visited the United States, Venezuela, St Thomas, and Canada. I left Tobago when I was young and came to live in Trinidad. I always wanted to live in Trinidad," Legerton said.
Born in Tobago in 1910, Legerton said her parents died at an early age and she moved to Trinidad in 1936. Her creative skills enabled her to set up a lucrative business, selling all types of craft, crochet and ceramics. She also continued to work in cocoa and cane-fields to earn her living. Though life was sometimes tough, Legerton said she always challenged herself to do new things. "I would see things and practice it myself. I could do anything," she boasted. The petite mother said now that she has entered her twilight years, she is continuing to devote her life to serving God.
"God is my husband," she declared, while the congregation applauded. Despite her age, Legerton has perfect eyesight and has no health complications. She said she was willing to live as long as God allowed it. Asked what was the most amazing fact of modern life, Legerton said nothing surprised her.
"Long time and now time is the same time. It is the same crime that happening, the same people doing the same thing. It is the same all the time," she said. Legerton also advised the younger generation to have respect for others. "Do good, have manners and have respect. We must show respect to everyone, even those people who we do not know," Legerton advised.
Asked what was her favourite food, Legerton said: "I eat all kinds of food. I have no favourite food. Anything you bring for me, I will eat it." Legerton said she had a good life. "God showed me kindness. He made all of us and he cares for us. We have thank him and praise him," Legerton said. The sprightly centenarian said she intended to spend the rest of her life at B's Nursing Home, located at Butler Street, San Fernando.