Helena Bishop, Barbados’ newest centenarian, might be shut off from the hustle and bustle of her fellow Barbadians, but she is not far away from the love of friends and family in her adopted home at the Geriatric Hospital, Beckles Road, St Michael.
Bishop, originally from Pie Corner, St Lucy, was a fruit and vegetable vendor in Speightstown, St Peter, before moving to Sandy Lane and then to Paradise Hotel.
Her vending took her from house to house. She last sold from Carlton Supermarket until she had a stroke at age 88.
As Bishop celebrated her special day surrounded by family, friends and staff of the hospital yesterday, she greeted everyone, calling them either “sweetheart”, “dear”, “darling” or “love”.
She was also visited by Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave, who said 100 years was a great age. He added that some centenarians could not see, hear or carry on any kind of conversation, but to see someone who could have a conversation was good.
Bishop’s only daughter, Sylvia, said her mother was very strict. (LK)
