Lichfield celebrates its latest centenarian

Lichfield’s latest centenarian, James Barrington Layne Esq. was on March 27 presented with a hamper from Social Protection Minister, Volda Lawrence.

Layne still reads without glasses and credits his long life to his motto of honouring your mother and father.

He was born here in 1916 to a Barbadian father and Guyanese mother, whose ancestors were part of the group that bought the village of Lichfield, West Coast Berbice, Region Five, after the abolition of slavery years ago.

He worked as a farmer and pork knocker in his younger days and now enjoys his time with his 13 grandchildren and 9 great grands. This he says allows him to do what he enjoys – entertaining people.

Minister Lawrence told him “my birthday message to you is simply to continue doing the things which have brought you pleasure, and don’t forget to acknowledge the Omnipotent and His love for you in giving you longevity.”

She noted too that “we have to be thankful for the breath of Life. It is so precious; we must cherish it and spread the message of God’s Love to all whom you meet, young and old, that it is an irreplaceable gift that should not be wantonly abused. Our youths must be appreciative of Life and all the opportunities it affords us.”