Staying away from meat, eating lots of fish and provisions, and maintaining a strong prayer routine is what Ms. Evadnie “Popo” Gopaul credits as her secret to longevity.
On Monday 24th June, 2024, Ms. Gopaul celebrated her induction into the centenarian club. When asked about her proudest achievement, she simply smiled and said, “My age.”
Despite her remarkable achievement, Ms. Gopaul expressed concerns about the negative changes in the world today. “We need to go back to the olden days when we lived together as one. People were quite friendly everyone was family. Persons walked the streets and were safe, no one interfered with them,” said Ms. Gopaul. She further strongly advised the youth to steer clear of crime. “Keep away from crime. Do a lot of reading; – the Bible, Readers Digest, times magazine. Go to church,” said Ms. Gopaul.
Ms. Gopaul however shares a message of hope advising everyone “to live well with everyone regardless of conflicts.”
The mother and grandmother of two was visited by Mr. Lester Thom, Inspector II of the Ministry’s Division of Ageing on behalf of Senator the Honourable Donna Cox, Minister of Social Development and Family Services, to warmly welcome her to the centenarian club. Mr. Thom presented with Ms. Gopaul with her Certificate of Honour and Achievement as well as a birthday cake courtesy of the Kiss Baking Company, and a food hamper courtesy of VEMCO.
To register for the National Centenarian Programme, please visit the Ministry’s website at www.social.gov.tt to complete the online form. For more information, persons may contact the Division of Aging at 623 – 2608; Ext 2001 to 2009, or 800-OPIC (6742).
