“Ma” turns 100

…as another Corentyne woman celebrates
that milestone

Rookmin Maidee, also known as “Ma”, of Number 54 Village, Corentyne, Berbice (Region Six, East Berbice/Corentyne) is now 100 years old.
“Ma”, who has seen her fifth generation, was born at Canal Number 2, West Bank Demerara, but moved to the Corentyne where she met and married Llewellyn Thompson.
The couple had two children, and lived together until Thompson met his demise.
Maidee’s only daughter has since passed away, and she is now living with her son, George Thompson. The 72-year-old Thompson spends most of his time in the rice cultivation area, and his daughter, 46-year-old Susan Thompson, actively takes care of the new centenarian.

According to Ma’s granddaughter, “Ma” doesn’t eat much, but has no need to be taking any medication.
“We are all very happy to see her reach 100 years,” she said.
The centenarian, while expressing gratitude, believes that she is still around today because of the food she ate when she was younger. She says she still tries to eat healthy.
“I eat good food long ago,” she said in her strong voice.
Fish, chicken, beef and pork were all part of her diet when she was much younger. However, she is not fed with much meat in her old age, and this seems to be one of her concerns, but she says she is satisfied with whatever she is given to eat.
“If is bare dhal and rice, I would eat. If is bare chicken curry and rice, I would eat; if they don’t cook anything, I would do without,” she said when asked what was her preferred food today.
In her younger days, she farmed for both family use and to earn an income. She also fished while still maintaining her responsibilities as a wife and mother.
Her son refers to his mother as being in good health, with only a slight loss of memory.
To observe the milestone on Thursday, family members gathered for a small and simple but significant celebration.
“Ma” has 14 grandchildren; 36 great-grands; 35 great- great-great-grands, and 1 great-great-great grand. (Andrew Carmichael)