Today in Bajan History| June 8th 1952 Celebrating Barbados’ Remarkable Centenarians

The Barbados Advocate profiled Elvira Smith of St. George, who at 109 years old was among Barbados’ oldest living residents. Born in 1843, Mrs. Smith remained active, enjoyed long walks, and was known for singing hymns despite declining hearing. Her story was part of a broader tradition of recognizing Barbadian centenarians, whose lives spanned some of the island’s most significant historical events, from the post-emancipation era to the social and labour struggles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.