Sherwood Content centenarian still batting strong at 105
Published:Thursday | December 19, 2024 | 12:05 AMLeon Jackson/Gleaner Writer
Western Bureau:
Usain Bolt’s home district, Sherwood Content, in Trelawny, was bustling with activity last Sunday when the community came together to celebrate the 105th birthday of Sylvia Bernard-Hall, one of several of its residents who have, in recent years, joined the centenarian club.
In fact, like Bolt, Sherwood Content could be moving at world record pace into the history books as over recent years, the community, which is surrounded by lush green hills and valleys, has been churning out centenarians almost monthly – a reputation that comfortably fits alongside Bolt’s iconic achievements as Olympics champion and fastest man of all time.
In the case of Bernard-Hall, who was born in Sherwood Content on December 16, 1919, she has lived all her life in the community and feels totally at peace there.
“I go to other districts, but when night come, I come right back to my home in Piedmont,” Bernard-Hall told The Gleaner as she gladly shared her lifestyle and history amid the merriment to mark the occasion.
GOOD FOOD
Quizzed about her personal longevity, Bernard-Hall credited her one century and five knock on life to the good food that she has been eating since she was a child. She also thinks the ‘pureness’ of her life has contributed to her being around for so long.
“I have been eating foods grown on our little farm. The yam, dasheen, cocoa, and chicken meat from our common fowl,” said Bernard-Hall.
However, she was quick to point out that when she got baptised at 29 years old, she changed her diet, which included no longer eating chicken meat.
“Ever since I was baptised in 1948, I have no alcohol to drink and no meat, just fish and vegetables. I encourage all the young people to live pure lives, and they will live long like me,” said Bernard-Hall.
A staunch Seventh-day Adventist, Bernard-Hall reads her Bible daily and mixes her reading with the singing of a few hymns, which she finds most comforting.
Like most of the centenarians in Sherwood Content, Bernard-Hall said she was in very good health with her only issue being “a little hard of hearing”.
Bernard-Hall is the mother four children, two of whom she has outlived, and based on her good health, she thinks she will be around for quite a few more years.
“I have 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grand, and 15 great-great-grand, and all of them treat me with love,” said Bernard-Hall with a satisfied look on her face.