Sarah-Ann Benjamin rings in 105 surrounded by loved ones

A centenarian long known for her hospitality and generosity, Sara-Ann Benjamin celebrated her 105th birthday on Friday at The View Senior Citizens’ Home.

Benjamin, born in Montserrat, was surrounded by family, friends, caregivers and Cynthia Forde, Member of Parliament for St Thomas, to honour her for reaching the milestone of beyond a century.

The mother of three—two daughters and a son—worked as a housekeeper in Montserrat before moving to England, where she held various jobs to support her family. She later returned to Montserrat and eventually settled in Barbados.

Known throughout her community as a gifted baker, she catered weddings, christenings and church events, and was famous for her bread and potato puddings.

Grandson Carl Ifill described her as a pillar of the community, recalling how her home in the village of Delvin, Montserrat, was always open to anyone in need.

“She didn’t have much, but whatever she had, she shared,” he said. “Whether you were a neighbour, a church member, or a stranger, you were welcome. She was always giving, always helping, and she inspired me to give back too.”

Carl also credited his grandmother for sparking his love of music.

“She was a strong alto in the Seventh-day Adventist Church choir and pushed me to learn the piano and sing. Her example of service, in the church and the wider community, has stayed with me all my life,” he added.

Forde praised Benjamin among the nation’s elderly as the pillars of Barbados, noting that their hard work, traditional diets, and strong values laid the foundation for the country’s progress.

“Our foreparents worked the land, raised large families, and built communities with love and sacrifice,” Forde said.

“They made sure their children were fed, educated and respectful even when there was very little money. They are the shoulders on which we now stand.”

She urged younger Barbadians to embrace the lessons of the past, stressing that longevity is not just a blessing of genetics but also of discipline and care.

“Fast food can’t help you live long,” she told the gathering. “It is good ground provisions, wholesome meals and a lifestyle of love, neighbourliness and respect that keep people strong.”

The former elder affairs minister also praised the dedicated staff of The View Senior Citizens’ Home, calling it “one of the best senior homes in Barbados” and a model of how the elderly should be treated.

“When you enter here, you feel the peace, the tranquillity and the care,” she said. “That kind of environment makes a tremendous difference to the lives of our seniors, and we as a country must continue to provide that level of comfort and dignity for them.” (LG)