James Sisnett (centre) was all smiles as he received this fruit basket from Cynthia Alleyne (left) and lay assistant Lisle Goodridge (right) from St Lukes. In the background is his daughter Esther and son-in-law Malcolm Carter. BRIDGETOWN,
St. Michael, Barbados
(The Nation),
February 23, 2008:
He may be the oldest man in Barbados, but his memory is as sharp as a pin.
James Sisnett couldn't wait to celebrate his 108th birthday yesterday among family and friends, some of whom flew in from Los Angeles, Pennsylvania and Florida in the United States.
Sisnett, who fathered 16 children, nine of whom are alive, has a great sense of humour, and a hearty laugh.
Although he has a slight hearing impediment, all his other faculties are intact. He has a big appetite as well.
His daughter Esther Burrowes, who lives with him at Charles Rowe Bridge, St George, says he often states: "My body is weak, but I am not sick; I am just old."
Sisnett is a religious man, reads his Bible every day, and still receives communion at least once a month. The former engineer has such a great memory that when the church was putting together a booklet for its 175th anniversary, it sourced most of the information from the elderly gentleman.
Asked how he felt to be celebrating his 108th birthday, he said: "I feel great. It's a blessing. Praise and give Him thanks."
Like most centenarians, he attributes his good health to lots of ground provisions, but declared: "I love to eat dogs . . . hot dogs, that is," bringing the room to laughter.
And he still calls for his occasional shot of brandy.
"Sometimes he calls for it once a month, sometimes he would call for it once every three months, and another time he would call for it four days straight in one week," said Esther.
What advice does he have for the youth?
"They must live good, love God and do the right thing. Obey the law and keep the Commandments," he urged.
Not only was Sisnett feted yesterday by family and well-wishers, but he also received a visit from his parliamentary representative, Minister of Family, Youth Affairs, Sport and the Environment, Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo.
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