Over the last weekend of June 2026, the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia gathered to honor one of its newest centenarians, Ruby Nicholas, who marked her 100th birthday on June 26 with two days of joyful celebrations surrounded by loved ones and community leaders.
Born in the rural community of Choiseul to parents Flo and George Nicholas, Ruby grew up helping work her family’s farm while attending Riviere Doree Combined School. One of 12 siblings, she raised nine children of her own: three born in her hometown Choiseul, with the remaining six arriving after her move to the capital city of Castries, where she spent most of her adult life. Two of her children, Alma Mathurin, Keith Nicholas and Randy Nicholas, have predeceased her.
After relocating to Castries, Ruby began her working life as a domestic helper before building a reputation as a skilled seamstress across neighborhoods including Bishop’s Gap, Marchand and Water Works. Her final formal position was with the James family at La Toc. To supplement her income and support her large family, she also ran a small side business selling frozen treats and soft drinks to local customers. Beyond raising her own children, Ruby frequently opened her home and her heart to care for other children in the community, often offering her time for free out of pure generosity.
A lifelong devout member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ruby’s centenary celebrations kicked off with a special service at the church on her actual birthday. Archdeacon Christian Glasgow centered his remarks on Ruby’s unwavering faith, drawing from the Gospel verse Matthew 6:33, which calls believers to seek God’s kingdom first. He noted that Ruby has lived this principle throughout her life, and the blessing of reaching 100 years is a reflection of that commitment. Officials from Saint Lucia’s Department of Equity and Elderly Affairs also attended the service, presenting Ruby with a commemorative plaque and a bouquet of flowers to honor her milestone.
The following day, a larger public celebration was held at the St Joseph’s Convent auditorium, drawing guests from across Saint Lucia and abroad, including Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who grew up in Water Works and has known Ruby since childhood.
Speaking on behalf of the family at the celebration, Ruby’s son Tony Nicholas shared insights into his mother’s character and long life. He highlighted her constant generosity, deep kindness, and consistent habit of putting faith first. Even in her 90s, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruby walked to Castries Market every Saturday and attended church services every Sunday without fail. She raised her children to prioritize prayer, avoid envy, and practice love for both neighbors and themselves, while intentionally never forcing her views on religion or politics onto any of her children.
Tony also shared small, beloved details of his mother’s life: she remains an avid reader of both books and her Bible, listens to radio daily, loves local Saint Lucian dishes including sweet potatoes, macambo, pigeon peas, pork and saltfish, and enjoys a small capful of Stone’s Ginger wine each night before bed – a routine many guests joked could be her secret to healthy aging.
When asked by a reporter from Radio 100 how she felt marking her 100th birthday, Ruby expressed pure joy at being surrounded by so many loved ones, including some she had not seen in many years. She shared her simple, timeless advice for a long and fulfilling life: choose early to live well, work hard, hold fast to your faith, and make time to enjoy life. Recalling her own youth, she noted that even as a working teenager, she made time to go to community dances and embrace joy.
Prime Minister Pierre offered his warm congratulations to the centenarian, joking that he was eager to learn her “recipe” for good health so he could match her vitality when he reaches 100. He wished Ruby many more happy, healthy years ahead. The Saturday celebration featured joyful Gospel performances from local artists including Brandon and Cindy from Streams of Power Ministry, Sally Elwin, TC Brown and the Silver Shadow Dancers.
In the days following the celebration, Ruby has continued to receive dozens of congratulatory messages from across the island, and has extended her thanks to everyone who took part in marking her milestone, from event organizers to attending guests and those who called or sent well wishes from afar.