Features

Giving my life to Jesus, a blessing

By RASBERT TURNER, Star Writer

Winnifred Barrett - contributed

SPANISH TOWN

WHILE SEVERAL PERSONS were out enjoying Emancipation Day last Monday, centenarian Winnifred Barrett was at her Jobs Lane house in St. Catherine, celebrating her 102nd birthday with well-wishers and family members.

Barrett, who was born in Green Island, Hanover has been living at the same address from she was 30, when she moved there seeking a better life in urban Jamaica.

The very lively Miss Barrett went on to tell THE WEEKEND STAR of her sojourn through life to her milestone. "I work hard yu know. I use to sell things a Coronation market. Mi sell things til about seven years ago, mi couldn't sell no more and mi deh right ya so from that day," she said.

Her eyes shone with excitement when she looked at the birthday cake on the table and she made no attempt to hide it. "I am really glad how dem a tek care a mi. Yes man mi feel good fi see how all a dem gyada up round mi and since mi turn mi life over to Jesus this must be my blessing," she said.

Good person

Several persons who gathered said 'Aunt Winni', as she is affectionately called, was a very good person during her hey days.

Councillor for the area Theresa Turner, who is part of the St. Catherine Poor Relief Department, recalled how great Aunt Winni was. "She was a great person to us and whilst living in the area, she would take back goodies for us from the market and it is now a privilege that we at the Poor Relief Department was able to assist in making this her birthday a very meaningful one," the councillor said.

Also in attendance was Member of Parliament, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, Mayor of Spanish Town, Andrew Wheatle and Vera Roof, head of the St. Catherine Poor Relief Department.

They all expressed pleasure in assisting the centenarian, who, although not a biological mother, cared for many a children. They wished her long life.

In blowing out her birthday cake, Aunt Winni told THE WEEKEND STAR that she wishes herself longer life and prosperity, as she feel blessed to have lived so long.