Sara-Ann Benjamin, a beloved centenarian renowned for her warmth and generosity, marked her 105th birthday on Friday at The View Senior Citizens’ Home in Barbados. Born in Montserrat, Benjamin was joined by family, friends, caregivers, and Cynthia Forde, Member of Parliament for St Thomas, to celebrate her extraordinary milestone. Benjamin, a mother of three, worked tirelessly as a housekeeper in Montserrat before relocating to England, where she took on various jobs to support her family. She later returned to Montserrat and eventually settled in Barbados, where she became a cherished figure in her community. Known for her exceptional baking skills, Benjamin catered numerous weddings, christenings, and church events, earning fame for her signature bread and potato puddings. Her grandson, Carl Ifill, fondly recalled her as a pillar of the community, emphasizing her open-door policy in their village of Delvin, Montserrat. “She didn’t have much, but whatever she had, she shared,” Ifill said. “Her home was always open to anyone in need, and her generosity inspired me to give back.” Ifill also credited his grandmother for nurturing his love of music, noting her role as a strong alto in the Seventh-day Adventist Church choir and her encouragement for him to learn the piano and sing. Cynthia Forde, a former elder affairs minister, praised Benjamin as a symbol of Barbados’ elderly population, highlighting their hard work, traditional diets, and strong values as the foundation of the nation’s progress. “Our foreparents worked the land, raised large families, and built communities with love and sacrifice,” Forde said. She urged younger Barbadians to embrace the lessons of the past, emphasizing that longevity is not solely a genetic blessing but also a result of discipline and care. Forde also commended The View Senior Citizens’ Home, describing it as a model of excellence in elder care and a testament to the importance of providing comfort and dignity to seniors.