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Age is just a number

Published:Friday | June 18, 2010 | 12:00 AM
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Veronica Wisdom (centre) cuts her birthday cake. She is assisted by her niece Inez Barnes (left) and close friend, Raynes Mayne.
Former Jamaica Nationals Association President, Elise Morse (left) presents a potted plant to Veronica 'Aunt Ver' Wisdom on the occasion of her 101st birthday celebration held at the Northminister Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall in Washington, DC. - Contributed photos
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Washington DC, (JIS):

The saying "age is just a number", is especially true for Jamaican-born Veronica Wisdom who celebrated her 101st birthday three weeks ago.

Born in Alexandria, St Ann, Jamaica on May 23, 1909, she emigrated to the United States of America (USA) over 60 years ago and resides in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.

Since arriving in the US, she has established herself in the Caribbean community as mother, aunt, friend and mentor to an unknown number of persons of Caribbean and other descent.

"Aunt Ver" as she is affectionately called, is a founding member of the Jamaica Nationals Association (JNA) in Washington, DC. Along with many others, some of whom have predeceased her, she kept JNA going through many difficult times, often financing events from her own pocket. In 1966, JNA recognised her for the valuable contribution she made not only to her community in the US, but also to her homeland, Jamaica.

In an interview with JIS news, close friend and founding member of JNA, Raynes Mayne described Aunt Ver as an effervescent woman whose home was always opened to students particularly those attending Howard University; among them former government minister, John Junor. Her home was also considered "the home away" from home for a number of senior police officers from Jamaica.

She was a hostess, well known for her parties with scrumptious Jamaican fare. She was never tired of extending a helping hand to a person in need and for her work in the community she received several awards.

Reflecting on her life, aunt Ver told JIS news that, "my profound faith in the Almighty made me stick to my church and serve as a deacon for many years in the Northminister Presbyterian Church." She said one of the secrets to her longevity is to always enjoy a glass of wine and "cut the rug" (dancing).

Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks, expressed congratulations to the Ms Wisdom on behalf of Prime Minister Bruce Golding, the government and people of Jamaica and wished her continued long life.

On the occasion of her 101st birthday, her church community along with family members and representatives of the JNA hosted a special birthday reception in her honor in the church's fellowship hall.