GOVERNOR GENERAL Sir Elliott Belgrave has lauded the contribution of Barbados’ centenarians to the island’s development, saying it is on their shoulders that Barbadians stand today.
As he congratulated Canon Ivor Jones on reaching his 100th birthday yesterday, Sir Elliott said he had made it a policy to visit several centenarians during his tenure and he regarded this part of his job as a pleasure.
Senior members of the Anglican clergy, parishioners and staff of the Christ Church Parish Church, where Canon Jones served for 55 years, and members of the Jones family gathered at the church’s Parish Centre for the celebration.
Asked how he was feeling on his big day, an otherwise quiet Jones told the Governor General: “I am feeling happy on my birthday.” When the subject of his still versatile piano playing was mentioned by Sir Elliott, Jones, who was always known for his forthrightness, replied: “I play the piano better than you.”
Sir Elliott presented the centenarian with a fruit basket, a bottle of non-alcoholic wine, a birthday card from Queen Elizabeth and another card signed by him and Lady Belgrave. Both cards were read to Jones by his eldest daughter, June Roach.
There were also gifts from the staff and clergy of Christ Church Parish Church, while Rosalind Harris presented the much-loved canon with a commemorative plaque inscribed with highlights of his 75 years in the priesthood.
Speaking on behalf of siblings Valerie Goodman, Geoffrey Jones and Roach, Angela Bryan described Jones as “a truly wonderful father to us, the great provider, and the great positive thinker” whose sincerity and devotion to God inspired them all. (GC)
