Seychelles’ newest centenarian  urges youngsters to be respectful |09 June 2023

Noellie Jeremie on the day of her 100th birthday

•           Amanda Jeremie celebrates her special day with families and friends

By Patsy Canaya

Amanda Noellie Isoline Jeremie of Mont Buxton became Seychelles newest centenarian on Wednesday, celebrating this auspicious occasion with families and friends in a special birthday dinner at Club 55 in Victoria.

The jovial and friendly centenarian greeted her guests with love and warmth and did not shy away from expressing how happy she was to be spending the day in their company.

Speaking to Seychelles NATION, Mrs Jeremie, born Souffe, who is affectionately called ‘Manda’, said she has worked a lot during her lifetime, mainly as a maid and taking care of her boss’ children.

The lady, who adores children, has raised two of her own, Brenda and Ninear and also 15 adopted children, some of whom were present at Wednesday’s event.

The lucid Mrs Jeremie, who moves with the help of a wheelchair, said other than experiencing partial blindness in both eyes, and some joint pains, she feels very fit.

According to her daughter Brenda Nicette, with whom she lives, she is very coherent, enjoys joking, talking, laughing and singing. Her talent for the latter could be heard at her birthday as she constantly belted out a few tunes, to her guests’ delight.

Her daughter also said that her mother has a special routine which starts at 5.30am. 

“I wake up at 5.30 every day to make her tea, and at around 8.30, I will bathe her and this is followed by a heavy breakfast. She eats well. And from there she spends her day listening to the radio, which is on twenty-four, seven. She always listens to her radio. Sometimes I check up on her during the night, and she will be up listening to the radio and singing,” stated Mrs Nicette.

According to Mrs Nicette, her mother’s diet consists mostly of tubers with sweet potatoes and cassava as her favourites. “She does not like rice and fish but really enjoys meat,” she said.

Mrs Jeremie spoke fondly of her late husband, Andrea Jeremie, who passed away over 40 years ago.

The centenarian is also fluent is Swahili, and on Wednesday held a phone conversation with one of her relatives in the language she said she learned in the olden days from her former bosses.

The mother, grandmother and great-mother had a special advice to all young people. “Please take good care of yourself. Listen and pay attention when people talk to you. Respect the elders and do not swear at them. Be polite at all times,” she said.

Mrs Jeremie has 10 grand-children and 21 great grand-children.

On her special day, she received several presents from the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs as well as the Family department.

The accompanying photos show Mrs Jeremie in the company of relatives, district authorities and friends.

Photos by Louis Toussaint