Gros Islet Woman Is Saint Lucia’s Newest Centenarian

Saint Lucia proudly welcomed its newest centenarian, Mrs. Ferlina Jn Baptiste, affectionately known as Ma Jimmy or YaYa of Beausejour, Gros Islet. Born on December 23, 1923, Ma Jimmy is a living testament to a century of resilience, love, and devotion. Ma Jimmy, a mother of seven, dedicated her life to nurturing her family and tending her cherished family farm. Her journey, a tapestry of hard work, joy, and a relentless spirit, encapsulates the essence of Saint Lucian strength. From the early days on the family farm, where she cultivated crops and tended to cattle, goats, and pigs, to her bustling trips to Castries market and Gros Islet town market on a trusty donkey, Ma Jimmy epitomizes the industrious spirit of a bygone era. She planted cassava, sweet potatoes, cucumber, pumpkin, watermelon, okra, and corn sustain her family and contribute to the community’s to sustain her family and contribute to the community’s vibrant life. With a twinkle in her eye and a smile that could light up a room, Ma Jimmy prided herself on greeting everyone she encountered despite her humble and quiet disposition. Her legacy extends far beyond her immediate family, with 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren...