Mrs. Cecelia Ethleen Ramsay – King
At 102, Mrs. Cecelia Ethleen Ramsay – King called ‘Tanti’ of Mayor and Town Council Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam has the distinction of being the oldest resident of New Amsterdam.
She achieved the latest milestone on Thursday January 9th. During the week she was honoured by a number of organizations and well-wishers as they celebrated the coveted milestone with her.
One such organization was the New Amsterdam Prisons. Led by Superintendent of Prisons and Officer-in-Charge, Superintendent Linden Cornette took the opportunity to be among those honouring the elderly woman. She was treated to a special brunch held last Sunday.
Cornette told the gathering of invitees and well-wishers that, it is an honour and privilege to be able to do something tangible for the woman who has achieved such a milestone. He said that he and his family would like to “join with the administration of the Prisons to wish you well and hope that you can grace us with your presence for many more years ahead.”
Also speaking at the activity was retired Senior Superintendent of Prisons and former Officer-in-Charge of the New Amsterdam Prisons, Ronald Hazel ,whose initiative it was to assist the centenarian, along with her great nephew Everton Joseph and Pastor Phillip Rose. The ceremony was blessed by Pastor Andrew Chichester of the Seventh Day Adventist Church who prayed for God’s presence and asked the blessings of the Almighty on Ramsay – King.
Mr. Cornette assisted the centenarian in the symbolic cutting of the birthday cake and shared a toast with her.
‘Tanti,’ who was born on January 9, 1912, reflected on her earlier life, stating that during her younger days she washed, cooked and cleaned; and thoroughly enjoyed it.
She is the fourth of nine children and attended the Roman Catholic School in New Amsterdam, and the Light Town Primary School on the East Bank of Berbice. She ended her school days at an early age in an effort to assist her younger siblings, who were left on their own at home while their parents attended the family farm. She is in good health apart from a slight hearing impairment.
Describing her life, Tanti said “It was hard.” She was married once, but her husband died a long time ago, leaving her without any children.
She nevertheless cared for several nieces and nephews, “scrubbing floors and washing clothes and so forth for a shilling a month to make a living.”
She said that although the money was not a lot back then she could have done a lot with it. “Not like now when the money does not have much value. There were no rent or electricity bills.”
Tanti went to live with a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church after she suffered an accident in her home and sustained fractures to her left and right ribs. She loves to work and when left alone, washes her clothing and cooks. “I like to do work. I don’t like to sit doing nothing”. She mentioned.
BY KAIETEUR NEWS