BVI Honours Centenarians on National Day
The British Virgin Islands celebrated National Centenarian Day under the theme 'Then & Now…Through the Years', highlighting the role of centenarians as living links to the Territory's history. Social Development officials urged families and communities to show ongoing care, inclusion, and respect for older residents beyond milestone birthdays. The observance honoured both living centenarians and those who recently passed away.
The Virgin Islands community is being encouraged to look beyond the milestone of reaching 100 years of age and reflect deeply on how the Territory continually cares for, supports, and values its older population. The call to action came as the Social Development Department observed National Centenarian Day under the theme "Then & Now…Through the Years." The annual observance highlighted the irreplaceable place centenarians hold as living connections between the Virgin Islands of the past and the modern Territory of today.
Programme Director for Aged Care Services, Trisha Smith-Gomes, noted that the Territory's centenarians have experienced two vastly different eras: a historical Virgin Islands where family, neighbourhood bonds, and mutual support were central to daily survival, and the present-day Territory, shaped by modern infrastructure, economic growth, and technological advancements.
Smith-Gomes emphasised that seniors form the very bedrock of modern Virgin Islands society. She explained that their enduring contributions laid the groundwork for today's progress, from raising families and supporting neighbours to preserving core cultural traditions. Officials underlined that honouring older persons must extend far beyond milestone celebrations, ensuring that seniors remain engaged, protected, and treated with dignity throughout their lives.
This year's observance also included a moment of solemn remembrance for the late Enelle Smith and Esmie Estene Turnbull-Stoutt, two treasured centenarians who recently passed away. At the same time, the Territory acknowledged and celebrated its current centenarian community, which includes Evelyn Hodge, Floresa George, Iris Leonel Harrigan, and Christeen Hodge.
In light of ongoing societal shifts, the Social Development Department is urging residents across all islands to foster more intentional connections with elder relatives and neighbours. Community members are encouraged to spend quality time with seniors, listen to their oral histories, and remain attentive to their physical, social, and emotional needs, ensuring the Territory's living heritage is preserved for generations to come.
Primary source: Guavaberry