Corentyne woman scores a century not-out

Caroline Marline Benn of Nurney Village, Corentyne, last Saturday celebrated her 100th birthday, and to honour the occasion, family, friends and villagers hosted a grand birthday celebration at the Kildonan Community Centre.

Benn, who is fondly called “Aunty Malyne,” was born August 16, 1914 in Nurney Village, a place she holds close to her heart.

She is the mother of three children, two of whom are alive. At a century, she is still vibrant, healthy and well-spoken. Aunty Malyne told this newspaper that she feels blessed on reaching the major milestone. Growing up, she worked at various jobs in and around her community, but disclosed she mostly enjoyed farming and fishing.

The centenarian recalled her younger days, saying it was fun. She said she loved fishing and would go to the trenches to catch fish using her hands and a seine. Even today, she takes a few trips once in a while to catch fish with her grand-children; however, she uses a hook now, she chuckled.

When asked what was her secret to reaching 100, “Auntie Malyne” replied good health, good foods and prayers.

 “I would eat a lot of cassava, plantain, eddo and fruits; my favourite is cassava.”

The centenarian noted the importance of praying and serving God. She advised others to eat healthy, worship God and honour their parents, because it is God’s will that allowed her to live to 100.

She also urges everyone to try and observe the 10 Commandments.

The woman, who was in high spirits and was amazingly very active, told this publication that she does not suffer from high pressure, cholesterol or diabetes.

According to Eulaie Mendonza, 78, Benn’s daughter with whom she resides, her mother is caring, loving and blessed with a wealth of experience. While there is not an exact count, she is the grandmother and great-grandmother of many.

She was described as the “Village Mother” as anyone could go to her for advice.

When quizzed about the youths of today versus those of her time, she said while they appear to be smarter today because of technology, they are lacking in morals and seem to get ill more often.

“People in my time did not get computers and stuff, we were not as smart, but we were well brought up, we could not pass an elder without saying good morning or good day, now you see kids barely out of their diapers and they cursing in the streets; we would have gotten a good thrashing.”

Present at her birthday celebrations were members of the Region Six, Regional Democratic Council, Members of the Opposition and Government and numerous well-wishers. They all showered praises and congratulated her. At one point, Auntie Malyne even rose to her feet to join in the singing.