Nation pays tribute to its 23 super-seniors as Centenarian’s Day is observed today among week of activities

Antigua and Barbuda honoured its 23 living centenarians today, June 8, during the celebration of “Centenarian’s Day,” which forms part of the activities to mark the sixth annual Centenarian Week.

Tanya Williams, a field officer in the Ministry of Social Transformation, says the Community Development and Citizens Engagement Division began this celebration in 2017.

It was launched to show appreciation to the 16 centenarians residing on island and the seven living in other parts of the world.

Alicia Cornelius, who also works in that Ministry, says that activities began on Tuesday, June 7, with a Media Blitz Day, when they appeared on a number of radio stations across the island.

She says that sign boards honouring the centenarians have been erected, including an electronic one at Mandolin Place on Friars Hill Road, with information about the honorees and the week of activities.

In recognition of Centenarian Day on Wednesday, prayers were offered for the super-seniors; visits were made to their homes; and gift baskets and messages by several dignitaries were delivered.

Additionally, Cornelius says that interviews with a few of the centenarians will be played on Thursday, June 9.

She says that Friday, June 10, will be dubbed Magazine Day, and discussions will be held during Observer Radio’s Ole Time Somet’ing programme from 6 to 9 p.m.