We don't know if she is Belize's oldest citizen but we do know she is Belize's most famous centenarian. We are talking about Viola Myles who will be turning 103 years old tomorrow. She began the celebrating today at Helpage with about 50 of her closest friends, 11 of whom were also celebrating birthdays. 7NEWS there to see Ms. Viola and her girls throw it down like young gial.
Keith Swift Reporting,
She sang and clapped along as she was serenaded with spirituals by Major Errol Robateau. And Robateau didn't only serenade these seenagers, he gave all twelve birthday girls a kiss.
And from that serenade session to a showering of gifts and generosities, Viola was as always charming, graceful, and entertaining.
Watch 7 [Video on Demand To See Highlights of Viola's Party]
Viola Myles,
"When I got up this morning I said, 'thank you Jesus, I have one day
left to be 103 years old,' and after all I am so thankful to hear all the nice things but you know, I know them because I know myself. I am so happy. I am not going to say, 'I can't do this and a can't do that.' I did everything that I could."
And as a tribute to her strength, the young women of Phoenix Performing Company put on a special show worthy of Miss Viola. And from dancing to "danging," the birthday girls moved over to the verandah where the seniorest seenagers of them all opened with a strike showing strength that belies her age.
And when the other birthday girls followed Viola's lead, the piñata just about had it - showing that form the age of 3 to 103 - nothing sets off a party like a piñata.
The "sprightly" Ms. Myles went from celebrity to legend in July of last year when she fought off thieves who invaded her home.
