Saint Lucia celebrates newest centenarian Elmina Jacob

Saint Lucia welcomed its newest centenarian on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Nellia Marie Gerson, also known as Elmina Jacob or ADA, is the first centenarian in her community of Capital Hill Morne Fortune.

Gerson has credited her long life to her diet, the usage of herbs and other home remedies when ill and a positive mindset, which helps in preventing stress.

Born on January 31, 1924, Elmina is the third of seven children, with two living siblings. The female has shown dedication and unwavering faith in god throughout her century-long life.

The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment of Saint Lucia celebrated her 100th birthday with a small celebration at her home. It said that Elmina embraced life with courage, raising 13 children, including two sets of twins, eight of whom are alive today.

Her extended family includes 24 grandchildren, 18 great-great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

[caption id="attachment_67575" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Jacob with her children in 90s[/caption] The Ministry further added that in spite of facing deep losses, which also included the death of her first-born son at the age of 9, Elmina has shown resilience, never marrying but dedicating herself to her children and grandchildren.

While congratulating her, the Ministry of Equity added, "We extend heartfelt congratulations to Ms Jacobs and her family on this remarkable milestone, wishing her a positive and blessed 100th birthday."

In addition to this, she has experiences in various types of works including the sugar cane industry, farming and housekeeping and she also actively participated in the Morne Fortune monument's flower planting project.

According to her children, she is fond of the Christmas season and loves to sing La Rose Festival songs and is also passionate about planting herbs and crafting healing syrups and also supplies them to her neighbours in need.

Moreover, her reputation as a community healer and a provider of postnatal medicines for women has led to everyone loving her and wishing her with good health.

Several citizens and residents also called her an 'amazing' lady through social media and wished her a happy birthday.

"She's such an amazing lady! Happy birthday Ada May God bless you on your hundredth birthday, wish I was there to celebrate with you," wrote a user named Evone while another user named Alexander said that she is a wonderful soul and added, "You cant help but love her."