Amid much fanfare, Nelson Barrington Clonmell ushered in his 100th Birth Anniversary with family and friends one day after Guyana celebrated its 55th Independence Anniversary.
Clonmell, who lived all his life in Ann’s Grove on the East Coast of Demerara, was born May 27, 1921. He was married to the late Shirley Clonmell – a union that produced nine children, 25 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
On Saturday, two days after he celebrated his 100th Birthday, Cornmell, in an interview with Village Voice Newspaper, said he worked at the Atkinson Air Force Base, which was operated by the United States Army Air Forces. That aside, he was also a carpenter and farmer.
Today, he lives with his daughter Orna Gulliver, granddaughter Daicea Mahaica and great grand Taliah Kennedy.
The centenarian said it was his heart desire to reach 100, and it was a blessing to have celebrated with his family and friends.
Clonmell said he loves puri and curry, cook-up, roti, whole wheat tennis rolls and ground provisions. He was keen on noting that he has a love for salt.
“He lives on coca cola drink every day n lime drink with salt in it,” his granddaughter Mahaica told this newspaper, while adding that he takes time to exercise.
Describing her grandfather as a strict but very jovial individual, Mahaica said he doesn’t allow his age to stop him from doing anything.
“Although he’s a hundred years old he would climb trees, pick up clothes on the line , cut trees , burn garbage , cut pieces of woods, peel coconut, grate the coconut and feed fowls in the yard , water plants, wash clothes ,pick fruits, plant fruits and vegetables,” she said.
She also noted that on a daily basis, he enjoys looking at National Communication Network (NCN).
