Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (left) extends birthday greetings and congratulations to centenarian Mr William I. Rhymer. Right is Mrs Josephine A. Rhymer. Photo: VINO

Mr William I. Rhymer celebrated his 100th birthday on November 9, 2016. Photo: VINO

Mr William I. Rhymer is flanked by his wife Josephine and daughter Shirley (left). Photo: VINO

Relatives of centenarian Mr William I. Rhymer. Photo: VINO

Governor John S. Duncan OBE presenting Mr William I. Rhymer with a birthday card from the Queen. Photo: VINO

Standing, from left: Junior Minister for Tourism and At Large Representative (AL) Hon Archibald C. Christian, Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL), Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull, and Governor John S. Duncan OBE interact with the oldest couple in the Virgin Islands, Mr William and Josephine Rhymer. Photo: VINO

Mr William I. Rhymer is flanked by one of his grandsons, Kye Rhymer (left), and Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull. Photo: VINO

The former farmer, sailor, road warden and boat racer, had an extremely busy day on his 100^th birthday as persons from all over the Virgin Islands visited the Rhymer’s home at Round Hill, Cane Garden Bay throughout the day to offer their congratulations and share in the celebrations with the large Rhymer’s family.

Among the many that made it their duty to personally congratulate the centenarian were Governor John S. Duncan OBE, Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL), Junior Minister for Tourism and At Large Representative Hon Archibald C. Christian, Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull, Opposition Member Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), Former Second District Representative J. Alvin Christopher and former Deputy Premier R. Dancia Penn QC.

Governor Duncan presented Mr Rhymer with a birthday card signed by Queen Elizabeth II while Premier Smith made a presentation of a cheque for $5000 to the birthday Patriarch.

Mr Rhymer was nothing but grateful to God for the blessing of longevity.

According to family members, Mr Rhymer is visually impaired but still has a sharp memory. “He still loves to tell stories about his days as a seaman and how he got lost one time and of the many times he survived rough weather on the high seas.”

76 years of marriage

Meanwhile, Mr Rhymer’s wife had celebrated her 97^th birthday on November 6, 2016 and the couple on September 25, 2016 had achieved 76 years of marriage.

Mr William I. Rhymer married Josephine Nibbs on September 25, 1940 at Road Town Methodist Church.

The marriage produced ten children: Allan, Dennis, Joseph, Henry, Joyce, Shirley, William Jr, Elroy, Janet and Violet.