NEW YORK, December 20, 2010 - At 107 years, Elisha Ackie is believed to be the oldest surviving Grenadian.
The centenarian, who is from Belair, Carriacou and residing in Brooklyn, New York, was serenaded by members of the Grenadian community including Consul General Derrick James on Saturday.
The Consul General brought birthday greetings and best wishes from the Government of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and also presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a card.
“I bring you happy birthday greetings from all the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique including the Prime Minister and his cabinet and the hope that you would celebrate 10 more,” he told the elder who celebrated her birthday on December 14.
Born in 1903, Elisha Ackie grew up on the sister isle and vividly remembers caring for her family’s cattle.
“She always speaks about the cows and the corn on the plantation,” said Jean Ackie, her only child.
“Doctors have asked me what has kept her living so long and with sharp memory and I say to them fresh fish, okra (ockroo) and callaloo”.
Elisha Ackie, who also received citations from Brooklyn’s Borough President Marty Markowitz among others, has never drank alcohol or smoke.
She enjoys reciting the Lord’s Prayer, the 23rd Psalm and her favourite quote “Look at me, I’m up in the air, see I let go both arms, yet I do not fall”.
She is first cousin to former Prime Minister the late Herbert Blaize who died on December 19, 1989.
She arrived in Brooklyn 22 years ago and has been an inspiration to her extended family including eight grandchildren.
The Consul General was accompanied by Jenny Pascal and Michael Bascombe of the Grenada Consulate.
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