100 NOT OUT
GOVERNOR GENERAL Sir Patrick Allen and former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson have joined a global village commemorating St Ann centenarian, Mabel ‘Miss Dolly’ Hamilton, who is celebrating the remarkable innings ... 100 Not Out.
Hamilton, the last of 12 siblings still alive, was officially recognised by her family at a birthday soirée recently in the Garden Parish.
Weeks before her special day, the governor general, acting on behalf of Queen Elizabeth, wrote Hamilton acknowledging her as one of a small distinguished group of persons to enjoy the blessing of attaining their hundredth birthday.
“Celebrating a centenary is indeed a very special occasion,” Allen stated, adding that he trusted she would be surrounded by loved ones who would help to make it a truly wonderful time to celebrate life and the many blessings enjoyed along the way.
He was correct about that one, as, on March 17, Hamilton’s family and close friends showered her with glowing tributes at the mother of birthday parties.
STRICT DISCIPLINARIAN
Former Prime Minister Patterson, who has known her personally for several years, having had the fortune of her granddaughter, Debbie Hamilton, as his personal assistant for the last 20 years, in his message, described the centenarian as a strict disciplinarian, one whose stern look was enough, but, if necessary, she spared “not the rod to spoil the child”.
Patterson said the mettle of this centenarian was manifested in many respects, chief among them her independence. “Up to now, no one can dare to order her around, as she does what she pleases in her own way, time and space” he said.
An extraordinary entrepreneur, Miss Dolly, who operated a grocery business up to the age of 94, had unique business skills and managed to satisfy her customers at all times, said Patterson.
Renowned for her culinary skills, “the food from her kitchen was worth dying for”, stated the former prime minister, singling out her fried fish and a variety of pastries as delightful.
He said one of her greatest joy was watching her customers and members of her household dig into the sumptuous fare of the delicious food she prepared.
Comforted by the fact that Hamilton has passed on her “know-how” and recipes to her grandchildren, Patterson said that as masterful as she was in the kitchen, so was her prowess in horticulture. “She possessed the proverbial green thumb, and before you knew it was planted, it was beautification to thrill,” he disclosed.
Today, many attest to the wonderful addition Hamilton’s roses made to the flower shows over the years.