(ZIZ News) — The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services continued its recognition of the country’s elderly persons with the commemoration of the first Centenarian Day on May 31st.

Government officials, family members and friends joined the Federation’s centenarians at Government House on Tuesday for the first Centenarians Day celebration.

His Excellency Governor General Sir S.W.Tapley Seaton GCMG CVO QC JP conveyed congratulations to the centenarians.

He also welcomed them to Government House and encouraged them to think of the house as their own.

“I am so happy to welcome all of here and I want you to think of Government House as somewhere you belong to. You are part of what has shaped the history of our country. We look forward to you coming back to Government House on another occasion for another centenarian’s day and certainly continue to show us the way to live our lives and so that we too in due course can attain some milestones as significant as yours,” he said.

On behalf of the government, Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Timothy Harris conveyed congratulations to the centenarians.

He thanked them for their continued contribution to society, stating, “You have hit a critical milestone and few of us are likely to get there. I therefore want to commend you on that remarkable achievement through the grace of God. Some of you, you are as wise as wisdom would ever get and we thank you for sharing your experiences. Thank you for your contribution to the socio economic life of our country over the years.”

Prime Minister Harris also recognized the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and in particular Deputy Director Ann Wigley for the continued interest in the federation’s older persons.

Commendation was also given to family members of the centenarians for giving of their time to lend assistance.

“I want to especially commend those family members who take a personal interest in their loved ones and ensure that they obtain all the necessities they need,” he said.

Each centenarian was presented with a token by the Governor General.

The Federation’s centenarians are Ismay Sweeney, 105 years old, Gladys Williams 103 years old, Lousia Isaac, 102 years old, Alfred Tyson 101 years old, Una Duport, Samuel Depusoir, Amos Davis and Edward Morton Bailey are 100 years old.

There was a similar Centenarian’s Day recognition held on Nevis.