Jamaican Government Establishes Honour to Recognize Oldest Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Government has established the Mavis Gilmour Centenarian Honour to recognise the oldest Jamaican every year.

It is named after former Minister of Social Security and Consumer Affairs (1988-1989), and public servant, Dr. Mavis Gilmour, who celebrated her 100th birthday on April 13.

Gilmour, who hails from the southern parish of St. Elizabeth, also made history by becoming the first woman surgeon in the Caribbean.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr., who announced the honour during his 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives earlier this week, said it is part of efforts to recognise the legacy and contributions of the country’s oldest citizens.

He said that senior citizens comprise approximately 14 per cent of the population, noting that the number is growing.

There are 423 registered centenarians across the island.