Second oldest citizen turns 105 |09 January 2024
Mrs Barrack cutting her birthday cake
Antoinette Barrack celebrated her 105th birthday yesterday, January 8, at her residence in Cascade where she has been living since 1980, in the presence of her family and friends.
Mrs Barrack is the second oldest citizen in Seychelles, with the first one, Noemie Benoit, 108, also from the same district.
Also present was the district administrator (DA), the MNA for Cascade, representatives from the Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family.
Mrs Barrack welcomed everyone to her home with open arms and a luminous smile on her face.
Her gifts comprised a hamper from President Wavel Ramkalawan, a second one from the family department and a cake from the member of the National Assembly for Cascade, Philip Monthy.
Mrs Barrack, who was amazed by the gifts, thanked everyone with a special mention for the president. “I am happy with the card that I received from the president and I hope to meet him soon as I always see him on the television.”
She said “she is extremely happy and proud to see this day and hope to live longer with the grace of God”.
Furthermore, she stated she was very surprised and full of excitement when she saw the people that came to celebrate this special day with her. These emotions could be felt by everybody present as she teared up when expressing her feelings.
Even at this age Mrs Barrack still remembers things from her past, for instance what she used to eat to the passing of her mother. “I didn’t do anything extraordinary; I only ate sweet potatoes and cassava.”
She is still active at her age, taking part in some activities, although she walks with the help of a cane. However, at her age, she gets tired easily.
From her point of view, the way of living before and now is very different. During her youth, life was harder and the level of poverty was higher compared to now. Moreover, she mentioned that the youth nowadays do not really listen to advice given by the elders. “They have this perception that whatever they do, they are still going to die,” she said.
Mrs Barrack is a mother of three, grandmother of nine, great grandmother of 12 and lastly great-great grandmother of three. Her last born, Paul Barrack, said that “he is grateful to still have his mother by his side, and doesn’t believe that he will celebrate this much birthday.” Only her two sons – Paul and Phillippe – were able to attend the small gathering as her eldest and only daughter, Gemma, is living abroad.
Mrs Barrack’s wish is to celebrate her 106th birthday next year with her family.
Our selection of photos shows some key moments of this celebration.
Anika Cathene
Photos by Kurtrine Albert
