Gov and Mrs Davis join family members with Mrs. Pone
Now indisputably Montserrat’s oldest centenarian, Mrs. Josephine Ponde turned 107, celebrating that milestone on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at her home in Olveston.
Mrs. Ponde blows out the candle
Mrs. Pond who hails from Harris (Hill) now residing at her home in Olveston. This lady, who survives her husband who died last December, is in superb health. She is visited by a doctor once a month and nurses every other Tuesday from the district clinic, which is virtually just around the corner in Salem. Her family explains she is in good health and spirits and has never been sick.
His Excellency Governor Adrian Davis and his wife Sujue visited her on Saturday, along with he honorable Minister of Education, Health and Services Delmaude Ryan. They presented Josephine with a birthday card and a gift basket.
Joining in the celebration where members of the Anglican Church Mother Union, family and friends. Fr. Vyphius brought Mrs. Ponde Holy communion on Saturday.
Mrs. Ponde with family, Gov and his wife
Mrs. Pond was known as a farmer in Harris and according to persons present, she was one of Montserrat’s top goat water specialist. Her skillful making of cassava bread and tarts are also legendary. They note that she feeds herself and does most things for herself, very aware and has exceptionally good eyesight.
ZJB reports speaking to some of her neighbours from Harris. Abraham White and Alfred Williams who are close friends to the centenarian recall her generosity and willingness to help which earned her the respect of members of the community.
Minister Ryan brings gift from Govt. to Josephine
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They confirm what family members say: “You could have good conversation with her and she’s very kind. She prefers to do without a thing, gives to her friends and any person that pass around, she’s one of a kind, Montserrat don’t produce much people like Mrs. Pond. In her young days she was very friendly and likes to accommodate friends and visitors, he make he house appreciated to all who do pass by, when you don’t have nobody to put your problem to, you go to her and she laugh it out or talk it out, so you feel better when you leave her house.
Another: “I would say that Mrs. Pond is very respected in the community, loves the lord, dedicated to the church, intuitive to the church, very respectable to those in authority, very good personality, she shows proper example in the community service.”……..
