GUYANA’s oldest centenarian, Ms. Mathilda Lewis, who also holds the distinction of being the oldest person recorded in South America, on Friday, celebrated her 112th birthday, chalking up an enviable ‘five scores and twelve’.

Ms. Lewis, fondly referred to as “Granny”, who lives at the Salvation Army Women’s Hostel at Bent and Hailey Street, Wortmanville, in the city, has understandably deteriorated in health since her last birthday. Though not as gregarious as one year ago, on Friday, she nevertheless had her guests and reporters rolling with laughter as she occasionally joked and quipped in response to questions asked.

Gifts for or Centenarian – Granny Mathilda Lewis on her 112th Birthday. Standing at right is Matron of the Salvation Army Women’s Hostel, Sandra Duncan, along with other loved ones.

Commenting on her present state of health she responded: “I am not feeling so well, because I have pain in the knee and my eyes get dark, so I can’t make out people. I’m only hearing their voice and feeling their presence with me … But thank God He has spared my life. I am still among the living and not mingled with the dead.”

Born on May 16, 1896, in Charlestown, Georgetown, Ms. Lewis grew up with an aunt after the death of her mother while she was still very young. She was never married and has no children. “I was never allowed to go to parties, picnic or anything like that. I only went to Church and had to wear long dresses,” she recalled.

Those closest to her at this time, are Ms. Sandra Duncan, matron of the hostel and other inmates who do a great job of keeping her well groomed, adequately fed and generally happy.

About her thoughts on attaining the ripe old age of 112, she modestly replied: “I never thought I would have lived to be this age, but it’s the grace of God keeping me; protecting me, and providing for me and sending friends to look at me. May God bless them and keep them under his protective care.”

Albeit, Grannie Mathilda is not too optimistic about seeing another birthday, adding: “I don’t think I will go any more, because pains in the knee, hands and all about; I don’t feel so strong…”

Also, because she has been having stomach problems recently, her diet is now somewhat restricted, so that she can only consume light meals in the evenings. Last year she told of favourite dishes, one of which was calaloo soup with foo-foo, ochro and tripe. She shared the recipe for her favourite metemgee, rattling off from the top of her head: “You peel the provision, wash them properly, grate the coconut, extract the milk and boil it down low. You add soda dumpling (made from corn flour mixed with white flour) and add nice salt fish or banga…” Such solids have had to be removed from her diet because of indigestion.

For her birthday, Grannie had two days of celebrations, and was honoured by friends and other well wishers, including The Divisional Leaders of the Salvation Army, other officers and members of the Guyana Division and its Home League; a group from the St. Andrew’s Kirk (of which Ms. Lewis is a member), and representatives from the Office of the Minister of Human Services and Social Security.

On Thursday, a Communion Service at which the Reverend Oswald Allen Best officiated, was celebrated for her at the Bent Street Hostel. On Friday a luncheon was hosted in her honour by the St. Andrew’s Kirk, and later in the evening a birthday party at which other seniors at the hostel were fed and choicely entertained. Both activities were held at the hostel.

Among those gathered to shower her with love, gifts and greetings at her birthday party on Friday afternoon were: Divisional Commander Major Sinous Theodore and his wife – Mrs. Major Marie Theodore – Divisional Head of Women’s Ministries and other officers; Rev. Oswald Allen Best of St. Andrew’s Kirk, Members of the Senior Citizens Association and others. Earlier in the day, officers from the Ministry of Human Services presented a gift and a bouquet to Ms. Lewis on behalf of Minister Priya Manickchand who tried her level best to be at the celebration, but was unavoidably absent.

It is with pride that the Guyana Chronicle joins in saluting our oldest national centenarian, and wishing her God’s continued blessings and protection.