ESSEQUIBO’s oldest woman is Ms. Lucretia Bradford of Cullen, who celebrated her 103rd Birthday on May 25.

Born 1917, she would have lived through both World Wars I & II, experienced the then British Guiana gaining its independence from Great Britain on May 26, 1966, and going on to become a Republic four years later.
With such an interesting past behind her, it’s no wonder she is now advising the present generation that if they want to live as long as she in this COVID-mired season that we’re now in, they’ll need to adhere to the rules and stay indoors, build their immune systems, and most of all, try to spend quality time with their families.

She has a secret weapon or two up her sleeves that she swears by, and that is supplementing your daily diet with all the important vitamins and minerals you can lay your hands on; not forgetting your ‘veggies’ and whatever fruits are in season.

“To be strong, yuh know,” she said, “you have to boil yuh little ginger and turmeric and drink; pick yuh little cherries, and ask your neighbour for a mango. Eat these things and it will help you.”

Apart from the occasional blurring of her vision, Mrs. Bradford does not suffer from any chronic disease, and still enjoys doing little things on her own, such as taking a shower, and walking around the house.

Of course, her daughter, Patsy, usually takes care of the more demanding tasks like cooking and so on, which is something she says she enjoys doing. She is one of three left alive of Mrs. Bradford’s seven children.

She likes nothing better than to spend the day quietly at home, and interacting with her grandchildren and other family members.

For her birthday, neighbours and close relatives paid her a visit and held a religious service in her honour.