Governor General Honours Nation’s Two Oldest Citizens During Centenarian Week 2026 Visits

In a moving expression of national gratitude and respect, Governor General His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams made personal visits on Tuesday to the two oldest living citizens in Antigua and Barbuda — carrying with him the appreciation of a nation for two remarkable individuals whose lives span more than a century of history.

Sir Rodney, accompanied by Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation Almira Henry and Director of the Community Development and Citizens’ Engagement Division Dale O’Brien, visited 102-year-old Edna Chiddick of Paynters and 101-year-old Denzil O’Brien Cummins of Sea View Farm as part of the ongoing Centenarian Week 2026 activities.

The visits formed part of the government’s ongoing efforts to honour the country’s centenarians and celebrate the invaluable role they have played in shaping Antigua and Barbuda through generations of service, resilience, sacrifice, and wisdom.

During the visits, warm conversations were shared as officials reflected on the lives, experiences, and contributions of both centenarians. Their extraordinary journeys continue to inspire younger generations and serve as powerful reminders of the strength and determination that have helped build communities across the nation.

Birthday Cakes for Every Centenarian

The delegation also visited Anja’s Creations, a local entrepreneur and proud sponsor of Centenarian Week 2026, which has generously donated birthday cakes for every centenarian celebrating a birthday during the observance — adding a personal and celebratory touch to the week’s activities.

Director O’Brien commended the partnership, noting that community involvement is essential in recognising and uplifting the nation’s elderly population.

Between them, Edna Chiddick and Denzil O’Brien Cummins have lived through more than two centuries of history — encompassing the final decades of colonial rule, independence, natural disasters, global pandemics, and the transformation of a small island society into the Antigua and Barbuda of today. That the nation’s highest constitutional officer would take the time to sit with them, speak with them, and honour them in person is a fitting tribute to lives so fully and meaningfully lived.

Centenarian Week 2026 continues with a series of activities aimed at celebrating the lives and achievements of Antigua and Barbuda’s oldest citizens, whose legacy remains an enduring source of national pride.