Linden centenarian refuses to be left behind: keeps active by farming

Linden’s newest centenarian, Johanna Patrick, presently has her eyes set on her 101st birthday which will be observed in just a few months from now. Patrick, who resides at Amelia’s Ward, Linden in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was born on May 14, 1919. She made her century last year. The centenarian, who is of Amerindian heritage, is originally from the Sand Creek village in Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo) but migrated to Linden over 40 years ago. There, she lives with her husband, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is of the Wapishana Amerindian tribe and still speaks in the tribe’s native language in addition to some English. Patrick has six children, numerous grandchildren and over 20 great-grandchildren. She has been married to her husband for 50 years.
Even at her age, the centenarian refuses to be left behind by keeping herself meaningfully occupied daily. Speaking and translating on the centenarian’s behalf, her granddaughter, Tessa Nearso, related that her grandmother originally came to Linden in search of work and eventually settled. To this day, she said her grandmother loves and is very much involved in farming, as is evident by the countless blooming cassava plants strewn around her yard. She said Patrick also enjoys tending to her chickens in addition to taking care of her pit bulldog. At this stage in her life, the centenarian has no major health complaints. She also enjoys making Amerindian dishes such as the cassava bread and parakari (a fermented beverage).

While she can walk without her cane, she oftentimes utilises it for assistance. Nearso explained that her grandmother only suffers from minor back pains but explained that her eyesight can be considered 20/20 with mild blurred vision.
“But if you show her money she would know it good…she might be blind to everything else but not money,” she noted humorously.
While she is unable to attend church due to difficulty sitting for long periods, a church minister delivers communion every month to the centenarian and her husband. (Utamu Belle)