The Welfare and Elderly Persons’ Protection Unit of the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity welcomed a new centenarian club member, Mrs Marie Yolande Coret, with a birthday celebration held at her residence in Albion today.
The Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mrs Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo; the Parliamentary Private Secretary, Mrs Marie Christiane Dorine Chukowry; the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Xavier-Luc Duval; and relatives of Mrs Coret were present at the celebration.
The Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity honoured Mrs Coret with a cheque of Rs 21,836; a cooker, a mobile phone with 50 free calls, and a bouquet of flower. She was awarded a centenarian medal and a certificate for her service.
In addition, a cheque of Rs 10,000 was presented to Mrs Coret by the National Solidarity Fund of the Ministry and gifts were offered by the representative of the Senior Citizen Council. Mrs Coret will from now on received a monthly pension of Rs 21,710.
Congratulating the centenarian and her family, Mrs Jeewa-Daureeawoo highlighted the 100 years of life, experiences and knowledge of Mrs Coret. “She has witnessed and been part of the evolutions of the 20th Century, and passed on history, beliefs and values,” said the Minister.
Moreover, Mrs Jeewa-Daureeawoo stated that the elders are the foundation of society and that their efforts in the development of the country should be duly acknowledged. She recalled Government’s commitment to support the seniors so that they live with dignity and the respect they deserve while preserving their autonomy. “The welfare and security of our elders remain our priority”, she stressed.
Mrs Marie Yolande Coret, the sixth child in a family of seven children, was born on 02 September 1921 in Beau Séjour, Belle Rose. When her husband, Mr Georges Coret, passed away in 1967, the responsibility to raise her three children laid on her shoulders. She was a seamstress and sewed her last wedding gown in 2009. She now has six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
