Centenarian Catherine Reynolds tells her story to Merl Grove High School students (from left) Kristen Rhone, Tiffany Gilbert and Shaneek McPherson, during the National Council for Senior Citizens/Ministry of Labour and Social Security Centenarians' Day celebration and Inter-generation Day at the council's offices in Kingston yesterday. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Centenarian Ambrozine Lindsay is quick to point out how well she feels and attributes her long life to her good Christian principles.

Lindsay told The Gleaner yesterday that she is at peace with her life, which has been a fulfilling one, and now takes things one day at a time.

''I have been a follower of Christ and everything is up to His work to do whatever He wants," she said. "But I thank God as, without His tender mercy, I would not be here at 100 years old."

Independent spirit

The Portland-born Lindsay was one of many centenarians who turned out for the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) Inter-generation Day celebration.

Although she had to be moved around via wheelchair, it was clear that her spirit of independence remains very much intact.

''I don't want this card, as it gives the wrong age," said Arthur Saunders, who did not need the aid of glasses to read the warm wishes from the council on a greeting card. "The writing says 100-year-old. However, my age is 105 years old."

While speaking with three students from Merl Grove High School, 101-year-old Catherine Reynolds said: "When it comes to swimming, I'm like a fish. People usually come and watch me at the river in St Mary where I lived at the time."

Chairperson for the NCSC, Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer, said she was pleased to see the level of awareness now being shown of the more than 270,000 registered senior citizens in Jamaica, of which 700 are centenarians.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com