The Caribbean island nation of Dominica is marking a quiet but meaningful milestone, as the Dominica Council on Ageing Inc. (DCOA) has stepped forward to honor the country’s growing community of centenarians, framing these long-living residents as irreplaceable national treasures whose lives carry invaluable lessons for generations of younger Dominicans.
In an official statement released to mark the occasion, the non-profit organization specifically highlighted two local residents who joined the exclusive ranks of centenarians in June 2026: Matthew St. Rose, a resident of the Kings Hill community, and Lucille Pascal, who calls Grand Fond home. Both recently celebrated their 100th birthdays, drawing attention to the island’s cohort of people who have reached the rare 100-year life milestone.
With the addition of St. Rose and Pascal, Dominica now counts 15 centenarians across the country. The demographic breakdown of the group shows a notable gender gap, with 11 women and just four men making up the island’s community of people aged 100 and older.
For the DCOA, these centenarians are far more than statistical curiosities. They perfectly embody the organization’s core mission, summed up in its official motto: “Empowering older persons to live life to the fullest.” DCOA officials noted that the centenarians stand as powerful, inspiring examples of three critical traits: lifelong resilience in the face of challenge, accumulated wisdom passed down through communities, and healthy longevity that reflects well on Dominica’s social fabric.
Beyond honoring the centenarians themselves, the DCOA also used the statement to recognize the unsung work of the networks that support older Dominicans. The organization extended sincere gratitude to all those who help senior citizens maintain high quality of life, including paid professional caregivers, immediate family members, friends, residential care facilities, and other community and institutional partners that provide ongoing support to the island’s older population.
To close out the announcement, the DCOA offered formal congratulations to all 15 of Dominica’s centenarians. The organization extended warm wishes for their continued good health and overall well-being, concluding with a prayer that they would continue to receive divine blessing in the years ahead.