MRS Cecelia Ethleen Ramsay-King, very fondly known as “Tanti”, celebrated her 102nd birthday on January 9 and the New Amsterdam Prisons joined with the masses in paying her honour on this auspicious occasion in an initiative fostered by retired Senior Superintendent of Prisons Ronald Hazel, who served as Officer-in-Charge of the New Amsterdam correctional facility prior to his retirement.Speaking on Sunday at a special brunch in honour of “Tanti”, current Officer-in-Charge of the New Amsterdam Prison, Mr Linden Cornette, told the gathering of invited guests and well-wishers that the centenarian has much advice to offer. He challenged the younger folk to just engage the woman in any discussion.
“Nothing goes without a challenge, and at age 102, there are many challenges; the administration of the prisons would like to wish her well, and hope that she can grace us with her presence for many more years ahead,” Cornette expressed.
Other well-wishers included Mr. Ronald Hazel, her great-nephew Everton Joseph, Pastor Phillip Rose and Pastor Andrew Chichester of the Seventh-Day Adventist church. Pastor Chichester invoked the presence of God at the occasion, and prayed that blessings be bestowed upon the centenarian, who resides in the Mayor and Town Council Housing Scheme in New Amsterdam.
After a formal session of dedications and musical renditions, Mr. Cornette participated in the symbolic cutting of the birthday cake and shared a toast with New Amsterdam’s oldest citizen.

(By Michael Khan)