Honoured by the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services National Centenarian Programme today, Ms Zita Allong celebrated her 100th birthday and Mr Irving Joseph celebrated his 107th birthday. Speaking on this accomplishment, they both state that keeping God close to them, along with quality family time and going with the flow of life have contributed to their longevity in life.
Details follow in this press release from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services:
Two centenarians were honoured under the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services’ National Centenarian Programme earlier today, June 17. They are Ms Zita Allong, who celebrated her 100th birthday and Mr Irving Joseph, who celebrated his 107th birthday.
At his Arima home today, Mr Joseph revealed that he has no secret to longevity however putting God first, hard work and spending quality time with loved ones have contributed to him living beyond one-hundred. Mr Joseph was visited by Permanent Secretary Sheila Seecharan on behalf of the Minister, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox. Mr Joseph told PS Seecharan that he intends to spend his day resting though his family has plans to mark the occasion with a celebration.
Mr Joseph who also enjoys a variety of wild meat including deer, lappe and tattoo (armadillo) told the Permanent Secretary that he worked a variety of jobs including working at the Base during World War II, water treatment plant, paving roads.
"Those days (WWII) at the Base, they called you by your number not your name. 25C44 was my number," said Mr Joseph. He is currently the father of seven, grandfather of sixteen and great-grandfather of four.
Ms Zita Allong also celebrated her birthday today marking her centenary surrounded by relatives and loved ones. Ms Allong's keys to longevity were quite similar to Mr Joseph as she said living close to God, not worrying and flowing with life are the keys to her longevity.
The former teacher was also visited by the Permanent Secretary. Ms Allong who taught Common Entrance pupils for over twenty years told PS Seecharan that she taught some of the country's principals, vice-principals, geologists lawyers further noting that one of her last students was Justice of Appeal Gillian Lucky. The mother of seven, grandmother of twenty-five, and great-grandmother to ten, also told the Permanent Secretary that she has been very fortunate to travel to around the world including many parts of Europe and vividly recalls walking through the streets of Germany.
PS Sheila Seecharan presented both centenarians with their Certificate of Honour and Achievement. Mr. Joseph and Ms Allong also received birthday cakes sponsored by the Kiss Baking Company and hampers courtesy of the Jamieson Trinidad and Tobago.
The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services was pleased to honour Ms. Allong and Mr Joseph as part of the National Centenarian Programme. To register for the Programme, persons may visit the Ministry’s website at www.social.gov.tt and complete the online form or print a downloadable form for completion. Completed forms may be dropped off at the nearest Social Welfare Office or emailed to the Division of Ageing at opic@social.gov.tt. For more information, persons may contact the Division of Ageing at 623 – 2608; Ext 2001 to 2009 or 800-OPIC (6742).