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TUNAPUNA, Trinidad and Tobago (Thursday, October 28,2021) — One hundred and six years and counting, Marjorie Primrose Roach credits her longevity to her faith in God.
To celebrate Roach’s new milestone, Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator Donna Cox, joined Crystal Felix, Inspector of the Division of Ageing, family, and close friends at her Tunapuna home to congratulate the centenarian on her achievement.
Presenting a certificate of honour and achievement to Roach, Minister Cox told her that living to be 106 is an impressive accomplishment, and that she was pleased to join the celebration and experience first-hand her secret and her way of life that contributed to her longevity.
“I don’t have no secret, it is all the Heavenly Father,” said Roach, before she and Minister Cox gave a hearty rendition of “One day at a time sweet Jesus”.
Cox also indicated that the recognition of seniors falls under the Division of Ageing’s soon to be re-launched Salutation to Centenarians Program, where persons, who have attained the age of 100 and older, are recognized and honoured for their contributions and how they positively influence the evolution of the society.
The centenarian was also presented with a hamper, courtesy the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, and a gift, courtesy the office of the Member of Parliament for Tunapuna.
Roach with Social Development Minister Cox (seated), her three children and two of her three grandchildren.
A native of Barbados, Roach was born on October 10, 1915, moved to Trinidad, in 1945, with her husband, Dudley Roach, who worked on the railway as a foreman and carpenter.
Roach has three children, Shirley, Patsy and Randolph; and three grandchildren, Kyle, Keon and Kerry.
Her daughter, Patsy Roach, says her mother worked as a seamstress and eats everything and anything, including cou cou, pelau, peas and rice, stew, and baked chicken.
Before experiencing conditions that come with getting older, Roach was an active member of the Tunapuna Methodist Church and the church’s Women’s League.
A true warrior for Christ, she closed the brief celebration with a word of prayer, and Minister Cox told Roach that she looks forward to celebrating her 107th birthday with her, next year.
