St Peter centenarian, mother, disciplinarian celebrates century with family

By Brittany Brewster

Rita Lorraine Small, Barbados’ newest centenarian, says she’s still “batting like Garfield Sobers and bowling like Wes Hall,” as she reached a remarkable century.

Surrounded by loved ones from Barbados, the United States, and the United Kingdom, this “mother of the community” as she was described by Member of Parliament Colin Jordan, received an outpouring of love and praise for her resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Gathered at her home at Hurley’s Close, Boscobelle, St. Peter, the MP said celebrating milestones is important because many of those who have reached 100 years have in some way contributed to the development of the country.

“She would’ve been a mother figure when it was normal for people to accept that the mother figures in the community helped to raise everybody. And so, she would have been referred to as a disciplinarian but that is because she was interested in making sure that the young people in Boscobelle grew up to be productive citizens and we always celebrate that,” he said. [caption id="attachment_393329" align="alignnone" width="650"] Rita Lorraine Small was surrounded by friends and family as she celebrated her 100th Birthday.[/caption]

Small’s daughter and caretaker, Cheryl Boyce, has been looking after her mother for the past 22 years since she was diagnosed with diabetes and lost her leg. Although juggling work and caregiving is challenging at times, Boyce is thankful to still have her mother by her side.

She described Small as a resilient woman, recalling how she remained unfazed when Boyce worried about the amputation of her leg.

“My mother is the last of 10 children and she has always taken care of everyone around her. She had to take care of her mother who was blind, her sisters and their children all while gardening at home and raising animals,” said Boyce. [caption id="attachment_393328" align="alignnone" width="650"] Rita Small’s Niece Rosalind Luke from the United States, browsing through an album of her aunt Rita’s life.[/caption]

Reflecting on her childhood memories, Boyce shared that her mother’s presence and distinctive bangles served as a warning system, keeping her out of trouble.

With a touch of humour, Boyce playfully admitted that she cleverly timed her good behaviour based on the sound of those bangles.

“My mother loved wearing bangles and she always had on a lot of them, so I never got into trouble because I always knew when she was coming. So while she was thinking that I was a good child I just listened to when those bangles were coming and did what I had to,” Boyce said.

During the morning celebrations, Small remained relatively quiet but expressed her happiness at reaching this milestone. She acknowledged that longevity is not guaranteed for everyone and admitted she hadn’t expected to live this long. Nevertheless, she embraced the joy of the moment.

The centenarian advised the younger generation to take the time to pray if they desired a long life.

brittanybrewster@barbadostoday.bb ]]>