It was at her home in Cascade that Antoinette Barrack gathered her children and her family yesterday to celebrate her 104th birthday.

Surrounded by her daughter Gemma, her two sons Philippe and Paul and her grandchildren, Ms. Barrack cut her cake in peace.

When we went to Mrs. Barrack’s, she was already ready to welcome us with her pretty smile. Dressed in a navy floral dress and dyed hair, Ms Barrack tells us she was born into a destitute family in Anse Royale.

“After my mother died, my aunt raised me. I worked as a cleaner and after I married James,” Ms Barrack told us.

It was in 1980 that she came to live in Cascade.

During the day, she stays with her caregiver and watches television. “I am not demanding of food, but it must be tasted. If it is not tasted I will not eat it.

“I have already flown to visit my daughter who was in England. I haven’t traveled since… not even to Ile aux Cerfs or Ste Anne. When I was little, I remember I already visited Praslin and La Digue,” she said.

Five generations for the centenary

This former governess is the mother of three children, grandmother of nine grandchildren, great-grandmother of 12 children and great-grandmother of three children.

Does she have any advice for young people? “Madam, on this day we cannot give advice to young people, because they are unhappy. So I’m just observing. But if this young person has ideas that will hurt him, then I will intervene. Not dan semen ki napapikan e evitpikanvilea ! »

Ms Barrack received a special gift from President Wavel Ramkalawan through Principal Secretary of Local Government Kevin Perrine, Director of Homes for the Aged within the Family Department Liza Cadeau, Member of National Assembly Philip Monthy and from District Administrator Begitta Melanie.

It was Father Herman who officiated the religious part.

Seychelles NATION extends best wishes to Ms Antoinette Barrack.

Source: Seychelles Nation