Barbados’ latest centenarian is as sharp as a whip and as independent as they come.
Violet Priscilla Thomas of Briar Hall, Christ Church, was a bubbly birthday girl yesterday when she was toasted by Acting Governor General Elliott Belgrave, parliamentary representative Stephen Lashley and family and friends at her residence. Many of them journeyed from Cayman Islands, Canada, the United States and Britain for the special occasion.
“I thank you all for coming in [and] helping me to celebrate this day. I never thought I would reach 100 . . . and if the Lord spare life, maybe 105,” she said to spontaneous laughter.
The devout Christian has three children in Priscilla Brandy, Jesmond Thomas and stepdaughter Gloria Mason. They have given her 11 grandchildren, ten great-grands and one great-great-grand.
Still very active, Thomas cooks and cares for herself and, according to daughter Priscilla, she reads the daily paper from cover to cover and does not hold her tongue when it comes to politics.
She suffers from no ailments and, as demonstrated by her ability to read the birthday card from Her Majesty the Queen, she can read without the assistance of her glasses.
Thomas, who is known for preaching at short notice, treated the Acting Governor-General, Lashley and the entire gathering to some of her favourite biblical quotes.
Thomas’ mantra appears to be, “Because I live, you shall live also”. She said she had survived many illnesses, accidents and surgeries and that the spirit came to her with those words on one occasion. She is convinced that is the reason why she has survived for this long.
There was a cocktail lunch for Thomas yesterday to be followed by a buffet lunch for 80 guests tomorrow, and another celebration on Sunday.
She said her favourite food was always chicken and that she could never get enough chicken.
