The Vauxhall Methodist Church in Barbados became the setting for a landmark celebration this past Saturday as community members gathered to honor Winifred Holder on her 100th birthday. The event recognized not only her personal milestone but also her profound legacy of service, echoing the longevity of her mother who also reached centenarian status.
Described as a community matriarch, mentor, and devoted church member, Holder’s life was celebrated by a diverse assembly of friends, neighbors, relatives, and political figures. Church representative Joseph Hope delivered a heartfelt tribute, highlighting her lifelong dedication. “Ms. Holder is a woman who loves the Lord, enjoys reading her Bible, and gives much to the church here. She served as the church sexton and was instrumental in all fundraising activities,” Hope remarked. He also noted her role in community childcare, recalling, “She kept many children back in the day when parents had to run errands.”
The celebration attracted notable political attention, including Chad Blackman, a Barbados Labour Party candidate for St James North, who reflected on being cared for by Holder during his childhood. Blackman advocated for the preservation of her life story, particularly her early education alongside Shirley Chisholm, who later became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. Incumbent representatives Adrian Forde and Ryan Straughan were also present to pay their respects.
In a significant honor, President Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic attended the ceremony, officially designating Holder as a “national treasure.” The President concurred on the urgency of documenting oral histories from the island’s centenarians and hinted at special plans to recognize this demographic in November.
When asked about the secret to her longevity, Holder attributed it to a quadrumvirate of principles: unwavering faith in God, consumption of good food, maintenance of a positive mindset, and consistent respect for others. Holder, who has one son and two grandchildren, continues to be revered as a living testament to a life of service and faith.