Cecile Hibbs honoured as she joins the Seychellois centenarians club |29 November 2022
Mrs Hibbs proudly displays the personalised letter she received from President Ramkalawan on the occasion of her 100th birthday
Cecile Therese Hibbs, née Savy, currently residing in Victoria, Australia, celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday November 22, joining the ranks of the country's centenarians.
Born on Mahé on November 22, 1922, to the late Joseph and Mary Savy, she first resided at Anse Etoile, then moved to Mont Fleuri, where she attended secondary school at the Sisters of St Joseph de Cluny College.
Cécile started her first job as a teacher on Praslin before returning to Mahé after one year. She also worked in the pay office at the army base, and after World War II, she worked in the taxation office before returning to education. Her last job was as Chief of Immigration until 1967, when she moved to Australia.
Cecile married Alfred Hibbs in 1943, and they built their home at Brilliant, Cascade. Cecile and her husband had three children, and she now has seven grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren.
Sadly, Alfred passed away in 1967 before she emigrated to Australia.
Cecile's daughter, Marlene Davies, revealed that her mum is in good health, considering her age. She went on to say that she likes to read, do crosswords and enjoys her game shows.
To commemorate this momentous occasion, President Wavel Ramkalawan sent her a personalised letter with the following message: “Although you are thousands of miles away in Australia, I join my fellow Seychellois in wishing you the happiest of birthdays. I am sure that your family and loved ones will continue to cherish you, and your memories of Seychelles will live on.”
Mrs Hibbs received her note from the President last Saturday at a small gathering with her family and loved ones to celebrate her birthday.
A demarche proudly supported by the Diaspora Unit of the Foreign Affairs Department tasked with promoting the interest of the Seychellois diaspora.
Press release from the Foreign Affairs department