Prime Minister Gaston Browne has described centenarian Irenie Mussington as a “national treasure” after she celebrated her 103rd birthday with government officials, family members and community representatives.
Mussington marked the milestone earlier this week during a celebration attended by the Community Development and Citizens’ Engagement Division, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner. During the event, she received a government cheque for EC$10,000 and two fruit baskets.
Speaking on the Brown and Brown Show on Sunday, Browne reflected on the celebration, praising Mussington’s longevity and mental sharpness.
“One hundred and three years and still going strong, still in control of her faculties. That is just remarkable,” Browne said. “This distinguished lady is obviously a national treasure and we are very happy to celebrate her 103rd birthday.”
The prime minister also revealed that Mussington shared a message with him during the celebration, expressing her appreciation for the direction of the country.
“She said, ‘Tell the Prime Minister that the country is running good.’ She said, ‘Look, I’m 103 years old and I’m so impressed the way in which your administration is running this country,’” Browne said.
He said the remarks carried particular significance because they came from someone who has witnessed more than a century of the nation’s history.
“When you get those kind of commendations, especially coming from someone who would have seen it all for the last century, it really warmed my heart to hear that,” he said.
Browne said the comments reinforced his administration’s commitment to serving the people of Antigua and Barbuda and continuing efforts to improve the country’s quality of life.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Prime Minister Hails 103-Year-Old Irenie Mussington as 'National Treasure'.
