President toasts centenarian by video as earthquakes keep family apart

Devastating earthquakes that prevented centenarian Isalene Gill from celebrating with relatives in person instead led to an unusual first on Friday, as President Jeffrey Bostic wished her a happy 100th birthday by video conference from State House while she remained at her home in Venezuela.

The virtual celebration, the first time a centenarian has officially received birthday greetings from the Head of State by remote video, came weeks after powerful earthquakes and continuing aftershocks disrupted travel in Venezuela, forcing relatives in Barbados to postpone plans to visit her.

Before the birthday celebrations began, President Bostic acknowledged the tragedy unfolding in Venezuela and extended Barbados’ sympathy to those affected:

“I couldn’t start this without expressing and extending a word of condolence to our people there in Venezuela who have suffered a lot as a result of the earthquake. I had already sent an official message to the acting president, but I will take this opportunity for those of you who are online to say that Barbados is with you all the way and that we will continue to support you in any way that we can.”

Turning his attention to the celebrant, he described the occasion as one worthy of national recognition, being a first celebration “on Zoom 9video conferencing). He added that although Gill had spent more than seven decades living in Venezuela, Barbados still proudly claimed her as one of its own.

“You’ve had the privilege of splitting this 100 years between Venezuela and your beloved country, Barbados, and we are happy to share you. But, and we claim you, of course, as one of our own.”

The president encouraged Gill to share memories of her early years and offer advice to younger generations.

She reflected on her childhood in Barbados, saying life was much harder when she was growing up.

“I had hard work… my mother used to work, and I had to keep children.”

She also lamented what she believes is a decline in respect among younger generations.

“Young people now… don’t even have much… respect… They don’t even have manners.”

Recalling how she raised her own family, she added:

“My children were different… They couldn’t do certain things.”

Throughout the conversation, she repeatedly thanked God for allowing her to reach the milestone.

“Thank God for the Lord Jesus; we are still living, and we understand each other.”

In an affectionate exchange that drew smiles from those gathered, Gill told the President:

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

He then invited everyone participating virtually and at State House toast “another centenarian, a beautiful lady who looks really, really well. Happy birthday, Mistress Gill”.

Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla

Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla

Gill’s son, Harry Gill, who joined virtually from Barbados, apologised for not being with his mother on her special day:

“I’m so glad to know my mom’s reach 100 years old. I’m very sorry I couldn’t be there. 

“I promise her that as soon as the airport finish that I will visit her.”

Thanking those who organised the event, he added:

“I’m so grateful to the President of Barbados… Without he doing this, I wouldn’t be able to speak… We have to thank everybody.”

Niece Anne Murrell outlined the life of the centenarian who was born on July 17, 1926, at Hanson Hill, St George. She married Gordon Gill in 1949 and later migrated to Caracas, where she has lived for more than 70 years.

Murrell added: “Bonita and Anne were scheduled to visit Caracas on the 15th… but due to circumstances, we were unable to travel. Hence, we are here today at State House to be part of the 100th celebration of her birthday.”

She thanked Ambassador Aquinas Clarke in Caracas for helping make the virtual celebration possible:

“We do owe a debt of gratitude… for his supportive efforts… We really haven’t seen our aunt in person for many years but we can actually visit her now in this Zoom link.”

She added: “We’re really very happy that the earthquake did not affect the area where she is directly… they were still feeling some shocks… so we thought that we will just postpone it until things ease up.”

She said Gill had first travelled to Venezuela after being invited by a Barbadian friend, later securing employment at the British Embassy before settling permanently.

Ambassador Clarke, who coordinated the celebration from Venezuela, presented Gill with a birthday card, pink roses and a fruit basket on behalf of the President.

Reading the official birthday message, he said:

“Reaching the remarkable age of 100 years makes you a national treasure. It calls for celebration, and I salute you. Accept my heartfelt congratulations and those of the people of Barbados on this most significant day in your life. Happy birthday, and may God continue to shower blessings on you.”

He added: “We were told that your favourite colour is pink, and so we have presented you with a set of pink roses… and of course, I know that you love fruit.”

“Very good. Thank you very much. God bless.”

Another son, Valmar Gill, who is his mother’s caregiver in Venezuela, became overcome with emotion and was unable to deliver his planned tribute.

The celebration ended with the president, friends, and family members singing “Happy Birthday” to one of Barbados’ newest centenarians, even though distance and the aftermath of the earthquakes separated them. (LE)