“I give all praise and thanks to the Lord for He knows all things.” The powerful statement of Woodbrook resident Ida Berry, during a visit paid to her home by Minister of Social Development and Family Services, the Honourable Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn on Thursday, 24 May 2018. Ms Berry recently reached one of the most significant lifetime milestones, having turned 100 years old.
Ms Berry, originally from Castara, Tobago, was born on May 2nd 1918. She migrated to Trinidad from a very young age and still visits Tobago occasionally. She has four children and according to her “a lot” of grandchildren.
Asked about the secret to her longevity, she replied jokingly, “I myself don’t even know. I am just good with everybody. Once people pass here and they ask and I have my collection to give for Sunday, I used to go and take it out and give them and everybody will know once they pass here, they will get something because I used to bake, make nuts and all sorts of things”
The centenarian, who is still very lucid, said she is above all, “most thankful for having all her faculties because she has seen many her age not being able to do so.” Whilst speaking with Minister Crichlow-Cockburn, Ms Berry recounted fond memories of using the SS Belize Boat from Trinidad to Tobago, to attending meetings by Penny Bank (now First Citizens) and taking her children to Band Concerts in the Square.
Minister Crichlow-Cockburn in presenting an award and a bouquet to Miss Berry said the presentation is one of the Ministry’s ongoing activities for older persons noting that such persons would have contributed significantly to the development of the country.