By Prior Beharry
TWO centenarians were honoured under the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services’ National Centenarian Programme on Friday.
They are Zita Allong, 100 years, Irving Joseph, 107.
At his Arima home, Joseph said he had no secret to longevity however putting God first, hard work and spending quality time with loved ones have contributed to him living beyond 100, a release from the ministry stated on Friday.
Joseph was visited by Permanent Secretary Sheila Seecharan on behalf of Minister Donna Cox. Joseph told Seecharan that he intended to spend his day resting though his family had plans to mark the occasion with a celebration.
He said he also enjoys a variety of wild meat including deer, lappe and tattoo (armadillo).
Jospeh said he worked a variety of jobs including working at “the Base” during World War II, in a water treatment plant and even paved roads.
He said, “Those days (WWII) at the Base, they called you by your number not your name, 25C44 was my number.”
Joseph is the father of seven, grandfather of 16 and great-grandfather of four.
Allong also celebrated her birthday on Friday marking her centenary surrounded by relatives and loved ones.
Her keys to longevity were quite similar to Joseph as she said living closely to God, not worrying and flowing with life.
A former teacher, Allong who taught Common Entrance pupils for over 20 years told Seecharan that she taught some of the country’s principals, vice-principals, geologists, lawyers further noting that one of her last students was Justice of Appeal Gillian Lucky.
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—————————————————————————————————————————The mother of seven, grandmother of 25, and great-grandmother to ten, also said she has been very fortunate to travel around the world including many parts of Europe and vividly recalls walking through the streets of Germany.
To register for the National Centenarian Programme, people can visit the ministry’s website at www.social.gov.tt and complete the online form or print a downloadable form for completion. Completed forms may be dropped off at the nearest Social Welfare
Or email the Division of Ageing at opic@social.gov.tt.
For more information, persons may contact the Division of Ageing at 623 – 2608; Ext 2001 to 2009 or 800-OPIC (6742).
