North Carolina-based Jamaican greeted GG ‘heartily’

Derrick Scott

Washington – Mrs Sybil Leslie, an educator, writer and “cultural ambassador of Jamaica”, was one of the last to receive exclusive centenarian status on February 9. mark the boundary.

“The centenary celebration is truly a special occasion,” Sir Patrick said in a letter to a Charlotte, North Carolina resident, hailing her landmark achievement. “I trust you will be surrounded by loved ones who will help make this a truly wonderful time for you as you embrace life and the many blessings you have enjoyed along the way.”

A special birthday cocktail hour was held in Charlotte in honor of Bethel Town, Westmoreland, a native born in 1923 to Eva and Adolphus Seaton. The celebration was marked by the memories of her daughters, international finance and small business consultant Dr. Winsome Leslie and gynecologist Dr. Heather Leslie-Brown.

Mrs. Leslie was also presented with a commemorative plaque from the Jamaica and Atlanta Association and was surprised by the surprise appearance and performance sugar canes a singing group she formed 20 years ago.

Proclamation

The Consul General of Jamaica in Miami, Oliver Mair, issued a Proclamation recognizing Mrs. Leslie not only for her special birthday, but also acknowledging that she “greatly influenced many as a devoted teacher, greatly improving their lives through education, while instilling discipline and self-sufficiency . -confidence.”

Consul General Mair, in stating in the Proclamation how proud he was to recognize those who make a significant contribution to the betterment of the lives of all people, said he would like to “honor, praise and thank Mrs. Sybil Leslie for her longtime commitment and service.” ”

Among her distinctions, which the Consul General highlighted, was that after moving to Atlanta in 1993, Mrs. Leslie returned to her love of history and culture and chaired the Atlanta Jamaica Association’s cultural committee for many years, organizing cultural events as part of Black History Month. and other events. He also praised her for creating a folk singing ensemble. sugar canes “to bring Jamaican culture to the public in Atlanta.”

Paying tribute, Dr. Winsome Leslie told her mother: “You lived a life with purpose, focus, and you were all-inclusive…totally committed.” She elaborated, noting that Sybil was “all inclusive” as a daughter and sister; as a student; as a scientist and academic who has published several books, including her latest, Uncle Zeki Seh; as the “second brain and confidante” of Astley’s wife and husband; and as a mother – a role model for her two daughters, demonstrating the critical importance of a woman’s career, but also an equally important role in the family.

“You’ve had several ‘lives’ – in Jamaica as a teacher; in Barbados, where you quit your job to be with your dad in his new role,” Winsome said. “AND [you] I had to build a new career, simultaneously developing my art at the university. In Atlanta, where you became a “cultural ambassador” and formed sugar canes – good in your 80s. And now in Charlotte, where you are now a “star” in Waltonwood, and where uncle Zeki was written.”

In her response, the grateful newly-made centenarian confessed to very warm wishes that “came from the heart.” She remembered her parents for the way she was brought up, always being polite, helpful and considerate to others. She said that her leadership qualities were noticed in kindergarten when she was assigned to look after other children during recess. This continued at the school and the Bethlehem Normal College.

While acknowledging that she did not have a magic formula for longevity, she referred to two things that guided her throughout her life: patience and perseverance under any circumstances, even in difficulties, and excellence – always doing a task well.

Master of Ceremonies was Tony Gray, with special congratulations to Harvebel Seaton, Pauline Jones and Kasmel Williams, as well as Tony Lee-Hing and Wayne Leslie.

A retired teacher, Sybil Leslie is a historian, storyteller and writer whose late husband Astley was an industrial relations expert who represented Jamaica at the International Labor Organization.

Her work has received national awards from the Jamaican government and recognition from Jamaican diaspora organizations, including those in Atlanta. She was educated at Bethlehem Teachers College and holds an MA in Educational Administration from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica, and an MA in History from UWI Cave Hill (Barbados).

She has taught at various levels of the Jamaican education system, including at Shortwood College of Education, where she was head of the social studies department, and at UWI Cave Hill. Sybil has published previous work, including a series of four social science textbooks for schools in Jamaica.