Josephine Bailey celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday, marking a century of life that saw her move from Dominica to Barbados in the 1940s before embarking on a 25-year career as a nurse in the UK’s National Health Service.
The centenarian, who now lives in Dalkeith Village, St Michael, was honoured for her trailblazing achievements as an educated woman who made significant contributions to healthcare in Britain.
At a family gathering at Bailey’s home, daughter Judith Lockhart recounted her mother’s remarkable journey.
“She was so praised and admired by her colleagues and management team at work, that she was chosen to meet Queen Elizabeth II on the Queen’s official visit to the opening of the new Queen’s Park Health Centre [London] in the 1980s,” Lockhart said.
Bailey’s early life in Barbados saw her working as a sales assistant in a small City grocery shop before owning a stall selling fruit and vegetables. Her true ambition was to become a nurse, a dream she realised during the Windrush period when the UK invited residents of its colonies to bolster its post-World War II workforce.
After a 25-year career in nursing, Bailey retired in 1986 and returned to Barbados, where she became an active member of the St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church. Her passion for education led her to work as a part-time teacher at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School during her retirement.
Centenarian Josephine Bailey (centre) surrounded by family members (from left) Aisha Lockhart (grand daughter), Judith Lockhart (daughter), Annette Lockhart (daughter) and Jemma Lockhart (granddaughter). (SZB)
“Such was her passion for education and learning,” Lockhart added, noting that her mother also enjoyed gardening, sewing, baking, and travelling. Bailey’s culinary preferences included ground provisions such as yam and sweet potato with dasheen and green bananas.
The centenarian, who remained active and independent until about five years ago, has four children, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. During the celebrations, she received a special visit from President Dame Sandra Mason who presented her with a greeting card, a bouquet of flowers, and champagne.
Dame Sandra expressed concern about the apparent lack of discipline among young people today and acknowledged Bailey’s parenting skills.
While the occasion was primarily a celebration of life, Lockhart revealed that the family was also in mourning. She explained that her nephew, Nicholas Omar Murrell, 52, Bailey’s first grandchild, was one of the three men who died in the mass shooting at the Majestic Bar in Nelson Street on September 14.
“The day before I left London (for Barbados) we were told that the third person was Nicholas . . .. That was pretty shocking,” Lockhart said. “I understand that he was out having a drink with a friend and got caught in the crossfire. It is very sad for us as a family. We are holding it together to give Mum her day.” (SZB)
