Today the Minister of Social Development Donna Cox celebrated the 100th birthday of Ms Leonora Webester. Minister Cox stated that she was pleased to join the celebration, experience the rich dialogue and draw upon lessons from Ms Webester. During the celebration, Ms Webester said her secret to a long life is moderation. The following is a press release from the Ministry of Social Development:
“Live in moderation, pray and have faith in God” said Ms Leonora Webester as she celebrated her 100th birthday today, Thursday 16th, September 2021. Ms. Webester officially turned 100 on Friday 10th September, 2021. On the heels of the 31st anniversary of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, Trinidad and Tobago’s newest centenarian sat down with the Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox to share her secret to living a long and fulfilling life.
“My secret to living a longer and healthier life is moderation. Everything I did in life, I did it moderately. Faith in God is also important. Even when I strayed, God was always with me” said Ms. Webester.
Minister Cox joined Ms. Webester following a small celebration hosted by the Couva arm of the Persons Associated with Visual Impairment (PAVI), Ms. Webester has been a member of this organisation for the past 11 years, having lost her eyesight.
Ms. Webester told Minister Cox that her disability does not deter her from living a fulfilling life sharing with the Minister that she travelled to Curacao for her birthday in 2017. Ms. Webester explained to the Minister that she enjoys travelling, having been to Jamaica, Venezuela, and Barbados and enjoys partaking in her favourite dish of salmon and provision.
Presenting a plaque to Ms. Webester, Minister Cox stated that she was pleased to join the celebration, experience the rich dialogue and draw upon lessons from Ms Webester, especially as the Ministry intends to commemorate International Day of Older Persons on October 1st. Minister Cox also presented Ms. Webester with a food hamper and other tokens.
Minister Cox further indicated that the recognition of seniors falls under the Division of Ageing’s soon to be reconstituted Salutation to Centenarians Programme, aimed at recognizing and paying tribute to older persons.
“I feel happy knowing that persons in Trinidad and Tobago are living longer. Prayer is truly the key to living a long and prosperous life.” said Minister Cox.