Wed | Dec 31, 2025

Merita Charles marks 100th milestone

Published:Sunday | August 15, 2010 | 12:00 AM
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Gloria (left) and Shawna Charles listen as Pearnel Charles delivers a tribute to his mother. - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Victoria Charles gets a 'chups' from dad Wentworth.
Michelle Charles shares a loving moment with dad Pearnel.
Gloria Charles spends time with her granddaughter Pia-Elise, who was christened yesterday.
Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry (left) has a word with Pearnel Charles Jr.
Businessman Tanny Shirley (left) greets Patrece Charles-Freeman.
Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne (left), Security Minister Dwight Nelson and Margarette Macaulay engage in conversation.
Lorna Golding gets a hug from brother Kipling Charles.
Shawna Charles (left) and Sarai Charles show their trademark family smile.
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Matriarch of the Charles clan, Merita Charles, is 100, and to celebrate the memorable milestone, her son, Labour Minister Pearnel Charles, led the family in hosting a party for her last Sunday at his St Andrew residence.

Some 150 guests attended the party which started at 5 p.m. The celebrant's granddaughter, Dr Michelle Charles, opened the brief programme followed by the host who, along with his wife, Gloria, welcomed everyone.

During his speech, Pearnel expressed gratitude and high praises to his wife - a registered nurse - for administering special care to his dear mother. He also said he was elated to witness his mother's 100th birthday, despite her many health challenges.

Apologies were made for Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Merita's son-in-law, who was overseas on official business - as well as on behalf of Pearnel's sons, Dr Peter Charles and Patrick Charles, who were also overseas. In tribute to his mother, Pearnel described her as "a peacemaker who is never engaged in any form of controversy".

The family is quite passionate about Mama Merita, and celebrated with her in spite of her inability to actively participate.

And, the rain did not dampen the spirits of guests who made the most of the intimate setting. Music for the occasion was carefully selected and a digital slideshow from the album captured everyone's attention.

Among the large contingent of family members present were: Merita's only daughter, Lorna Golding, wife of the prime minister; Wentworth 'Rocky' Charles and his family; Pearnel Charles Jr and family; Dr Patrece Charles-Freeman and family; Dr Michelle Charles and family; Dr Pamella Charles and family; Carol Charles and family; Hughlet Charles, Kip Charles, Steven Golding, Sherine Golding Campbell, Dr Horace Freeman and Judith Charles.

Also out were: Security Minister Dwight Nelson, Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne; Water and Housing Minister, Horace Chang; Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry and wife Dawn; Michael Stern, Laurie Broderick and fiancée Sandy Gregory; Health Minister Ruddy Spencer; Derrick Smith and wife Carlene; Mavis Gilmore; Lyttleton Shirley; Don McFarlane, Owen and Lorraine Cliff Stone and wife Joan; Larky Stone; Glen Christian; Leon and Yamaris McCalla; Gyete Ghartey; Norman and Jean Wright; and many more.