Nevis’ oldest citizen Ms. Celian “Martin” Powell of Zion Village passed away yesterday, Monday 30th September, 2019.
Born in January of 1912, Powell was a resident at the Flamboyant Nursing Home. She had the distinction of being the oldest living person in St. Kitts and Nevis.
On October 13, 2016, the Ministry of Social Development recognised Celian ‘Martin’ Powell, (104) as the oldest person in St. Kitts and Nevis as part of the activities for the Month of the Elderly.
In 2017, at her 105th birthday celebration she said:
God bless ah you who come, come hear me talk”
While her words were few, her grand-daughter Erma Skelton spoke on her behalf and reflected on her strong faith, family values and her ability to make one laugh.
In January of this year, Powell celebrated her 107th birthday at the Flamboyant Nursing Home on the 19th of January with her only living daughter Dulcina Brown, other family members, caretakers, well-wishers and dignatories.
The red carpet celebrations was attended by Her Excellency, Hyleeta Liburd, Deputy Governor General of Nevis and Minister of Social Development, Hon. Eric Evelyn.
On the occasion of her 107th birthday, a release by NTV quoted the DGG as saying that: Ms. Powell, who she knew since she was little meant a lot to her, and thanked the celebrant’s family for taking care of her.
It is a real pleasure for me to be here this morning to give honour to our dear friend Ms. Powell. Ms. Powell goes back in my mind since I was quite a child attending the New River School so for me she means quite a lot.
I thank God that I have seen her grow, blossom, work. I’ve heard her speak and gotten some of her wisdom, and I am so happy to have been associated with her, and this morning I just bless God for her in our lives…May God continue to bless you and touch you, and to all of the members of the family, kudos, you have done a great job.
Ms. Powell is the grandmother of former Junior Minister, Carlisle Powell and great grandmother of Nevisian and West Indian Cricketer, Kieran Powell as well as Melanie Janine Brown, (Mel B) the musician of Spice Girl fame.
SKN PULSE wishes to extend condolences to the family.
