Viola Myles: Going strong at 99

A look at the recent plague of fatal shootings in Belize City suggests that the value of life in the old capital has suffered a major devaluation. But while some families are forced to bury their young, one is about to celebrate a life fully lived. Ann-Marie reports.

Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting

You may know her as Miss Y 1998-99, a good neighbour or a devout Salvationist, but what you may not know is that on Monday Viola Myles celebrated her ninety-ninth birthday. When we visited Queen Viola at her West Street home, she was cooking for the celebration.

Viola Myles, 99 Years Old

“Potato and pumpkin and stewed chicken wing, because I no like meat again, so that’s the only thing I enjoy.”

Ann-Marie Williams

“What about the happy birthday cake?”

Viola Myles

“That’s right there.”

Ann-Marie Williams

“So you’ll celebrate later?”

Viola Myles

“Aha.”

Vio or Miss Vi as she’s affectionately known has had lots to celebrate, attributing her longevity to the mighty God she serves.

Viola Myles

“To Jesus Christ and him crucified, that’s all. I go to mi church, I no bleach and I no do no wrong thing. I come home and go enna mi bed. Everyday souls are passing away, somebody dying everyday, that’s the chorus we use at Salvation Army.”

(Miss Viola sings)

And in a time when young people are dying, especially young men in Belize City, Miss Vi feels blessed to have lived one year shy of a century.

Viola Myles

“I fell well nice, because God has helped me to live. This morning when I wake up I said hallelujah, thank you Jesus, I mek it another mile.”

Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.

Although Viola Myles is not a mother, she was a loving wife for twenty-three years. In 1980 her husband disappeared from the scene while on a family trip to Mexico.