Against a backdrop of a lifetime marked by extraordinary hardship, extreme weather, and profound personal loss, Eunice Lenora Kirton of Eastlyn, St George, Barbados, has entered her second century with a perspective on life that has warmed the hearts of everyone who meets her. At 100 years old, the newly minted centenarian sums up her decades of experience in just two simple words: “No complaints.”
Kirton’s milestone birthday was formally celebrated on Monday at her family home, where Barbadian President Jeffrey Bostic made a personal visit to extend official congratulations on behalf of the entire nation. When the President asked how it felt to reach the rare 100-year mark, Kirton smiled and offered her characteristic response: “Very good… Nothing to worry about… I have no trouble.” When Bostic replied that he was relieved and happy to hear she remained in good health, she reiterated her mantra twice more: “No complaints. No complaints.”
The conversation soon turned to one of the most devastating events in modern Barbadian history: Hurricane Janet, which tore across the island on September 22, 1955. While most Barbadians who survived the storm remember it for the widespread destruction and loss of life it caused, Kirton recalled the experience with characteristic calm. When asked what she remembered of the deadly cyclone, she simply said: “It was very nice. I had no problems.” Bostic suggested her peaceful perspective likely stemmed from her deep religious faith, a observation Kirton quickly confirmed with a quiet “Yes, please.”
Throughout the official visit, Bostic encouraged Kirton to share any thoughts or concerns, noting that the day was entirely hers. “Today is your day. I want you to just talk to us. Anything else you want to say? This is your time,” he said. Once again, her response reflected the profound contentment that has defined her long life: “No problems. All are good. No complaints.” A smiling Bostic replied that this positive outlook was a welcome change from many of his centenarian visits: “That is very good to hear, because that is not always the case when I visit. I’m glad to hear that.”
As a gift to mark the occasion, Bostic presented Kirton with a bouquet of fresh flowers, a personalized birthday card from the presidency, and a bottle of non-alcoholic wine. Reading the card aloud to the gathered crowd, he wrote: “Reaching the remarkable age of 100 years makes you a national treasure. It’s cause for celebration… Accept my heartfelt congratulations and those of the people of Barbados on this most significant day in your life. Happy birthday, and may God continue to shower His blessings on you.”
Kirton’s eldest daughter, Cordell Price, shared that her mother has maintained this cheerful, grateful attitude through every health challenge she has faced, including the amputation of her leg due to complications from diabetes. “She lost a leg, but she’s in good spirits. She eats heartily… her hearing has started deteriorating, but she’s still good. She talks a lot and she asks a lot of questions,” Price explained.
Before retiring to focus on raising her family, Kirton attended St Luke’s Girls School and worked as a housekeeper at Jordan’s Plantation. Over decades of full-time homemaking, she raised 10 children; one daughter has since passed away, leaving eight daughters and one son who now help care for their mother. The Kirton family now spans four generations, including roughly 17 grandchildren and more than 15 great-grandchildren.
Price credits her mother’s strict personal discipline and deep-rooted Christian faith for shaping the close-knit family she built. “Every one of us had to go to church, St George Parish Church, every Sunday. As fast as we got maturity, she put us in the church,” Price said. She also recalled her mother’s relentless determination to provide for her children, even when resources were scarce: “She always liked to go and get food… dig yam, potato. Sometimes we got so much yam we were selling all. She did well, you know, made sure we were okay.”
Kirton’s only son, Jefferson Kirton, opened the family celebration by thanking everyone who gathered to mark the milestone, including extended family members, reporters, and President Bostic. “I want to thank you all for coming this morning… I want to thank you, Mr President, for taking the time. I know you have a busy schedule… We are certainly honoured by your presence,” he said. He added that the celebration began the previous day with a service of thanksgiving at the family church, and would continue with private festivities for the whole family after the official visit.
The public portion of the celebration included a short blessing ceremony led by Senator Canon John Rogers, rector of St George Parish Church, where Kirton has been a member for decades. Congregants sang traditional hymns and offered prayers of thanksgiving for Kirton’s long and meaningful life. Addressing the gathered crowd, Rogers praised Kirton’s unwavering faith and lifelong commitment to her church community: “As we celebrate the birthday of our beloved Eunice, a longstanding member of St George Parish Church, we are very, very happy that she reached this milestone. We give thanks to Almighty God for blessing her with the gift of longevity and helping her to see this ripe age of 100. Eunice, congratulations again on 100 years from the parish of St George.”
Dwight Sutherland, Member of Parliament for St George South, also offered official tribute to Kirton, saying that it was “indeed a privilege and an honour” to take part in marking her 100th birthday.
As Kirton adds her name to the growing list of Barbadian centenarians, she leaves a simple but powerful message for people of all ages, one that has not changed through a century of triumph and trial: “No problems. All are good. No complaints.”