NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (JANUARY 19, 2016) — Celian “Martin” Powell of Zion Village, now a resident at the Flamboyant Nursing Home, celebrated her 104th birthday among family and well-wishers at the home on January 19, 2016.

Powell, who is now the eldest of five centenarians on Nevis, in her response to birthday wishes said “I say me very glad to see me family and dem. In and out, all about say something to you family and dem. Talk and laugh and sing with dem and give dem thanks for what dem has done for you. Don’t forget dem when you go.”

Meantime, Junior Minister in the Ministry of Social Development Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams who was present at the celebration, praised the centenarian and described her as a woman of strength, a remarkable and phenomenal one.

She said Powell would go down in the annals of Nevis history as one who raised a number of grand-children who have made sterling contributions to the development of Nevis, as she defied all odds with a missing limb and should be applauded for the achievement.

Minister Brandy-Williams, who has been a close family friend over the years, urged family members to continue to visit the centenarian.

“For us as a family, what is important, is for us to continue to visit with Martin.

“She might not see us but just coming and saying who we are and spending time talking to her continues to sharpen her listening skills and her existence,” she said.

Mrs. Brandy-Williams used the opportunity to thank the Flamboyant Nursing Home that is responsible for the care of Ms. Powell in her golden years. Many of the elderly live in a nursing home or aged care centers when they can no longer care for themselves and their families do not have the facilities to look after them. Despite the stereotype, there are lots of fantastic nursing homes out there like Banfields that focus on delivering premium, personalized, individually-focused aged care based on each person’s circumstance. It’s good to see that Nursing homes like the Flamboyant Nursing Home and Lakeside Manor Alzheimer’s Assisted Living are doing a fantastic job of looking after those in their care.

“They must be doing something well and something good to have her around,” she said.

The Minister then presented a fruit basket to the birthday girl on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development on the occasion of her milestone birthday.

Other remarks were delivered by grandson Hon. Carlisle Powell, and Hon. Joseph Parry. The opening prayer was delivered by Rev. Careen White-Richardson and the benediction was done by Shefton Liburd.