Yesterday I met with a woman centenarian, that was being interviewed by the Barbados Tourism Ministry for an series they were doing on older Bajans . Barbados has the second highest rate of centenarians per capita in the world at 1 for every 2500 people. The interview that I observed was with Enid Agard born on January 19, 1916 and is 101 years old.
I was awed at Gran Agard’s very presence as I have never met anyone that made 100 years on this earth. She emerged out of the vehicle with very little assistance from her grandson Ray when she walked up the stairs. I had the honor of helping her into the house as Ray glanced towards his mother. It was like meeting royalty as I ushered her into the living room, I gently put my arm around her waist and let her hold my hand. She was delicate but well balanced as she entered the house and sat in our living room.
Gran Agard was followed by her 80 year old daughter who entered the house unassisted and immediately started to arrange her mother’s clothes and combed her hair for the camera! It was beautiful to watch Mom Nadine Winstone fuss over her elder mother. Gran Agard said “She takes good care of me, I don’t even have to bathe my own skin, she cooks my food and every thing.”
Gran Agard again reminded me of royalty as she sat in the chair with perfect posture as the video/sound man prepared her for the interview. Her voice was soft yet full and her mind was very sharp and did not hesitate as she answered questions during the sound check. She was a little quiet and smiled shyly with her hand over her mouth as she wondered what all of the fuss was about.
Gran Agard talked briefly about her background saying that she was born on the Henley Plantation, raised 4 children and worked as a domestic and a shop assistance. She said “I had no bad behaved children” but when prompted by her daughter she did admit she gave out a lot of lashes.
The interviewer asked Gran Agard to list some of her favorite foods and she replied “I like soup, cou cou and breadfruit”. When I asked if she eats meat? “Sure” she laughed, “I eat pork, chicken and fish.” I found out later that Mom Nadine still does all of the cooking sighed and said “I gotta cook after I get home today, maybe I’ll make some soup.”
Most people in Barbados don’t know that there was once a viable railroad that went from Bridgetown to Bathsheba from 1884 – 1937. Gran Agard actually rode on the train in Barbados as she fondly remembered as a little girl packing a valise and some food and boarded the train for an excursion. I have learned that the lowest fare on the train was 12¢. It was reported that the train in Barbados had the most severe curves and steepest gradient of any train in the world. Finally because of safety factors, service for passengers was discontinued in 1934 and because of poor maintenance and financial issues the railway finally closed 12 October 1937.
Everyone in the room wanted to know if Gran Agard had any advice on how to live a long and vibrant life? Her reply was “Live to please the Lord, Ask God to help you and to take care of yourself.” It was very obvious that Gran Agard has lived a humble and disciplined life. She added sincerely, “Anything that I could do for anyone I would do it from my heart.”
When the interview ended, Sandra served refreshments of corn beef, tuna and cheese sandwiches, fresh fruit, cookies, tea and ice cold sorrel. Even at the age of 101 Gran Agard had a good appetite and ate all of the refreshments and drink that her grandson Ray gave her. 
As we were wrapping up to leave at the conclusion of the afternoon Gran Agard told Sandra “I have to leave some water with you.” I completely misunderstood and thought she wanted a bottle of water to take with her but Sandra knew that she wanted to go to the bathroom. She then went to the bathroom with just a little assistance to the bathroom door and then said “I’m fine from here.” What a sophisticated way to say I have to use your bathroom.
Ray mentioned that he would let me meet his paternal grandmother, who is also over 100 with a sound mind and body, the next time she visits from Boston. Its amazing that he has 2 grandmothers paternal and maternal that both are centenarians. I wish I had genes like that, I don’t believe anyone in my family either side has reached 100 years.
Some day I would love to meet President Obama and have a conversation with him but until then Gran Agard will remain the most impressive person that I have ever met. It was an honor and privilege to be in the presence of such a humble, classy and regal lady!
The only thing I could say is “Another awesome blog”. Thanks and keep them coming..
Thanks Garry, I have another 5 more before I take my spring break.
I loved this article. Keep up the good work. I sure will miss your blog when you go on hiatus, but will certainly look forward to your return.
Thanks Kim, this was probably the most pleasurable and easiest post to write. I really enjoyed talking to Gran Enid and Mom Nadine! I will be adding some of your comments when I write my book so keep them coming!
When I live in Barbados, I was a family friend and lived at the top of her street, King Edward Road. It is wonderful to see her reach beyond 100. May the good Lord continue to watch over her and she heads for another milestone.
Well Barbara, you will be glad to know they are all well and doing fine!
When I lived in Barbados, I was a family friend and lived at the top of her street, King Edward Road. It is wonderful to see her reach beyond 100. May the good Lord continue to watch over her and she heads for another milestone.
What a great interview of my grandmother, my name is Jackie, I am the eldest child of her 1st son, Colin. I live on Long Island and returned home last year after being away for over 20 years, mum had turned 100 and it was time to see her again in person, even though we talked on the phone and skype occasionally, I needed to see her and I wanted my kids to meet their great grandmother, great aunt and uncle Ray. Mum is an amazing lady, full of grace and very cheeky, and she looked amazing. God willing, we will be visiting her again this August.
I was so impressed with gran Enid and mom Nadine they are both beautiful inside and out. I am sure you know how fortunate you are to have them. For me, it was like being around celebrities. It was one of my fondest experiences so far as a new Bajan!
I am glad that you enjoyed the interview. Gran Enid did mention your father when she was talking about raising her 4 children. But Jacqueline, 20 years is too long, I really hope that you will be able to visit again in August! You have something in Gran Enid that most of us wish we had!
This is my Grandmother. I am the 1st of the female grandchildren and I always argue with Ray I’m her favorite. I’ve returned home for her 100 and her 101st birthday and it amazes me at a 101 she can clearly read without her glasses of course I can’t at times! I was raised by her and she took no nonsense she was quiet, strong and firm. I’ve never heard her use an unkind word or complain about anything she is one contented lady and I think this is the key to her longevity. I am the mom I am today because of her and I am proud to claim her as my grandmother.
Jewel, the first female grandchild, I bet you are the favorite (sorry Ray)! I am glad that you were able to make to her last 2 birthdays. God spare our lives, I’ll get Ray to invite me to the next one. Isn’t it amazing that she can still see without glasses? I can’t even see the keys of this keyboard without glasses! I am proud to know Gran Enid so I know that you are doubly or triply proud to claim her as your grandmother!
Thank you Calvin, great article.
Hi Calvin, I enjoy reading your blog and it really reminds me of my younger days growing up in B’dos. I can see that you are really becoming a Bajan. Still a lot more bajan sayings to learn. I’m sure it must have been a wonderful experience meeting this centenarian. Keep blogging.
Thanks Jennifer, blogging is my new hobby and I love doing it! There is so much more to learn about this/our culture. Meeting Gran Enid was a phenomenal experience!
Nice article Calvin. Enjoyable reading. We had a cousin, Candy, that lived to be 105. Her mom and Malachi were brother and sister. She lived in Belzoni. Lisa just posted a video of her today or yesterday on her page. She just passed away 2 years ago around this time. We were guests at her last birthday celebration.
Thanks Ann, I forgot about that video of Candy. I recall hearing her name but never had the pleasure to meet her.