At 100 years old, Dr Mavis Gilmour makes rare visit to Parliament

Former Minister of Education Dr Mavis Gilmour made a rare visit to the Parliament on Tuesday as a guest of Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr.

Charles Jr, who was making his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, noted that Gilmour, who celebrated her 100th birthday last month, also served as minister of social security and consumer affairs.

Charles Jr told the House that this year’s celebration of National Centenarians Day on May 20 “carries special significance as we recognise a distinguished Jamaican who has not only reached this extraordinary milestone, but who has also dedicated her life to public service and national development”.

He said Gilmour’s legacy will be recognised through the Mavis Gilmour Centenarian Honour to be dedicated to the oldest Jamaican every year on Centenarians Day.

Charles Jr’s father Pearnel Sr, who turns 90 in August, and his sister Dr Michele Charles, former Member of parliament for St Thomas Eastern, were also in the Parliament among his guests and supporters for his sectoral presentation.

The labour and social security minister told the Parliament that the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) continues to play a critical role in promoting the wellbeing, protection and active participation of older persons across Jamaica.

He said: “If Jamaica is to rebuild stronger, we must confront our demographic realities. Birth rates are declining. The population is ageing. Senior citizens already comprise 14 per cent of the Jamaican population — and that share is growing”.

Continuing, Charles Jr said, “One of the most inspiring reminders of the value and contribution of our senior citizens is found in the lives of our centenarians — Jamaicans whose lives reflect endurance, sacrifice, service and extraordinary resilience”.

He added that, “Through the NCSC’s annual Centenarians Day Activities, being observed tomorrow, May 20, 2026, the Government continues to celebrate and honour the over 423 registered centenarians who have reached the remarkable milestone of one hundred years and beyond. These observances are a national recognition that older persons remain an important and valued part of our society”.

Charles Jr said the NCSC will, in this financial year, undertake an organisational review of its current structure to support the implementation of the National Policy for Senior Citizens.

He shared that on the legislative front, and in recognition of the growing impact of elder abuse, a Terms of Reference has been drafted for a legal consultant to prepare drafting instructions for the Elder Care legislation.

-Lynford Simpson