Cruising at 100, celebrating at 101: President Dame Sandra meets Meta Sealy

It was a long-overdue encounter, but on Sunday, Meta Naomi Sealy finally met President Dame Sandra Mason during celebrations for her 101st birthday at her home on Jessamine Avenue, Bayville, St Michael.

Sealy, who missed the traditional visit on her 100th birthday last year due to being on a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage with her family, was all smiles as she welcomed the President a year later.

Her son, Winston Sealy, shared that his mother is an avid cruiser, having already completed four voyages. He added that she also enjoys cooking, doing crossword puzzles, painting flowers in her book, reading newspapers, and watching her favourite show, Judge Judy.

She also likes gardening and flowers, he pointed out, adding that sometimes when she ventured outdoors and saw the flowers, she would say to him: “Mister, come, these flowers want watering.”

Winston described his mother as an exceptional cook with a hearty appetite — her favourite meal being cou cou and flying fish. However, he admitted it’s a struggle to get her to drink water. Her firm reply? “Listen, I’m 100 years and I am still living.”

He also recalled her strict approach to parenting. He said she was a disciplinarian who ensured that her children were well-behaved, and respectful to the elderly and their neighbours. She was especially strict with her daughters, and they were not allowed outdoors past 7 p.m. unless they were on the step where she could see them.

He remembers her saying: “Winston, don’t get in any trouble, boy. Who help you get in trouble, ain’t going to be there for you.” That advice, he said, stuck with all her children — none of whom has ever been in trouble.

Despite some hearing difficulties, the centenarian is in good health and listened quietly as her children shared fond memories. She expressed her gratitude to Dame Sandra for her visit: “I am glad to see you because I never had this yet… It’s a privilege to get to see you. Thanks for coming.”

The President replied warmly: “I had to come and see this lady who was cruising on her 100th birthday. I want to be just like you on my 100th birthday — cruising as well.”

She also encouraged the centenarian’s family members to record her stories.            

Sealy was born in Belleplaine, St Andrew. The housewife was married to seaman Livingston Sealy, now deceased, and had five children (two deceased). She has 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. (BGIS/BT)