The most recent centenarian in Anguilla is Mrs. Colmita (Colmie) Hughes of Lower South.
On Tuesday afternoon, August 22, the 100-year-old was celebrated with a special thanksgiving service at the Bethel Methodist Church, where she has been a faithful worshipper over the years, and a birthday party at Dorack’s Place, Katouche, afterwards.
Attired in a specially-ordered pink dress, she proudly occupied a reserved front seat at the church, attracting the attention of the congregation. Colmie not only looked beautiful, but appeared to like the dress very much especially since she had it shortened to her desired length because she was “not an old woman”.
That expression summed up, to a large extent, the proud, prim and proper, and persuasive personality she has been all her life. She was described by a number of speakers as a hard worker in her day, a disciplinarian, devoted parent, church-woman and an outstanding and respected resident in the South Hill community.
The main speakers were her granddaughter, Ms. Charmaine Hughes; and Mrs. Evalie Bradley, Elected Representative for Road South and Ministerial Assistant in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Mrs. Bradley and her family have been Colmie’s neighbours for many years.
The officiating Minister was Rev. Dunstan Richardson who knew the centenarian from his early years. He was delighted to have had the opportunity to minister to her in later years and to witness her quality of life as a church woman, Christian, and community personality. He was of the view that her longevity had to do with the way she took care of herself and her trust in God’s care.
The organist for the thanksgiving service was the centenarian’s great grandson, Remieko Richardson, a well-known young musician. Colmie is fortunate to have lived to see her third generation.
During her birthday party at Dorack’s Place, Colmie was congratulated on her 100th birthday by Governor Tim Foy, OBE, and Deputy Governor, Perin Bradley. She was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Mr. Bradley on behalf of the Governor’s Office.
The thanksgiving service and the birthday party were attended by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives and friends and Government officials.
