From left: Rector of St. George Parish Church, Reverend John Rogers praying for centenarian, Joseph Gittens and his wife, Lillian Gittens as well as for Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason during yesterday’s celebrations.
Centenarian, Joseph Gittens marks birthday on a high note as GG pays visit
It was a day of celebrating for Joseph Gittens who marked his 100th birthday yesterday.
Caroline House in Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, where he and his wife currently reside, was not only filled with friends and relatives in attendance for the birthday event but with song. This was particularly so during Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason’s visit to the home.
After a brief conversation with Her Excellence, Gittens accompanied by his wife, Lillian Gittens sang the catchy song, “Hard Road to Travel”. Some persons present also joined in the rendition of this gospel selection. As the conversation continued, he repeated lines from this song.
The centenarian, who is from Salters, St. George, during Her Excellence’s visit also shared memories from his past.
He additionally thanked God for allowing him to reach his 100th birthday as well as expressed gratitude for her gifts of birthday cards, non-alcoholic champagne and a fruit basket.
Speaking to the media, his daughter, Vivienne St. Hill said that Gittens and his wife, who is 93 years old, sing that song each morning.
He further shared that they have been married since 1960. They have two children, seven great grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. During his younger years, Gittens worked as a joiner and carpenter. He was also a cane truck driver while he was a teenager.
St. Hill was an avid cricketer and played the sport for a significant portion of his life. “His sport was cricket. I remembered he played cricket until he was approximately in his 40s and he used to play at Lower Estate [on the] Sheffield Playing Field. That is where he played cricket. [He would] have on his white suit and every Saturday evening, he going down spick and span.”(MG)