Mrs Marie Gabrielle Jean Pierre, born on 20 June 1923, celebrated her birthday, yesterday, in the village of St Aubin.

An official ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity to honour the new centenarian. Mrs Jean Pierre received, from the authorities, a cheque amounting to Rs 26,203; a centenarian medal; a certificate; a rocking chair; a gift from the Senior Citizens Council; and a cheque to the tune of Rs 10,000 from the National Solidarity Fund.

The Centenarian is from the village of Chemin Grenier, and has never been to school. Both of her parents, namely her father, Mr Ernest Venus, and her mother, Mrs Marie Reseda Hollandais, worked as cook with no fixed employer. The couple had eight children: seven of them have passed away and the centenarian is the only one alive.

Mrs Jean Pierre was married at the age of 20 to Mr Marcel Jean Pierre. She became a widow at the age of 33 years old. They both worked as labourers at the St Aubin Sugar Estate. She had five children, two daughters and three sons. One daughter and one son have already passed away. She has 15 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

The Centenarian attributes the secret of her longevity to her unconditional faith in God.L