VICTORIA, Seychelles — Amanda Noellie Jeremie, née Souffe, celebrated her 102nd birthday in the presence of family and friends at her residence in Mont Buxton on Saturday. The auspicious occasion was also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family, and the Mont Buxton district authority.
Mrs Jeremie, who lives with her second daughter Brenda, has two daughters — Nihah Jeremie and Brenda Nicette — 10 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. Her late husband, Andrea Jeremie, passed away 42 years ago. The presence of representatives from three government ministries at the celebration is a reflection of the tradition in Seychelles of honouring centenarians, who are held in high esteem in their communities.
Speaking at the celebration, the district authority of Mont Buxton paid tribute to Mrs Jeremie’s longevity and to the important role that elders play in the transmission of Creole culture, family values, and community cohesion. The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family said such occasions were also a reminder of the need to support the elderly, particularly those living alone or in isolation, and to ensure that their contributions to society continue to be recognised. Seychelles has one of the highest rates of centenarians per capita in the world.
