Harold Bissoo, a longtime resident of Goed Bananen Land, East Canje Berbice, celebrated his 106th birth anniversary on Wednesday, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on April 8, 1920, to Bharosi and Chowrasia, Mr. Bissoo is the middle child of three siblings, two of whom have since passed. He was raised and educated in the close-knit community of Goed Bananen Land, where he built lifelong connections.
In his youth, Mr. Bissoo married Bephia, the love of his life. Together they had two children, one of whom survives him. Mr. Bissoo was widowed in 2005 following his wife’s passing.
A dedicated worker, Mr. Bissoo spent much of his life at the Rose Hall Plantation where he served as a Bull Boy. He also farmed various crops and spent time fishing.
Now 106, Mr. Bissoo faces challenges with mobility and hearing but remains under the loving care of his family. His daughter, Moona Jewjodhan, 78, expressed pride in her father’s longevity. “I feel very proud because many people glad to see that age and they couldn’t,” she stated.
Caretaker Geetaa Kishun, who has looked after Mr. Bissoo for nearly 20 years, described him as having a “unique charm all his own” and said he enjoys peaceful moments after breakfast each morning. She added that caring for him is “a manageable task, filled with warmth and joy.” Kishun has also appealed to health authorities to arrange regular doctor check-ups for Mr. Bissoo.
Mr. Bissoo’s extended family includes many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
