Merita 'Miss Rita' Charles, mother of Labour Minister Pearnel Charles and mother-in-law of Prime Minister Bruce Golding, celebrated her 99th birthday with family and friends on Monday. The party was held at Glo's Care Centre in St Andrew.

The celebration held special significance because Mrs Charles suffered a stroke earlier this year and, although she is on the mend, she has lost the ability to speak. The family held the party to thank God for her many years.

Several of her children, grand- and great grandchildren from Jamaica and overseas made the journey home to be by her side and, in spite of a busy schedule, her son-in-law carved out time between appointments to join the party.

Her other children present were: Lorna Golding, Hughlet Charles and attorney Wentworth Charles. The children who were not present are Kipling, Norma and Judith Charles.

The party was ably hosted by Miss Rita's daughters-in-law, Gloria and Mary Charles, and government ministers Dorothy Lightbourne, Dr Christopher Tufton, Ruddy Spencer, Mike Henry, Karl Samuda and Dwight Nelson stopped by to bring her good wishes. Also sharing the occasion were Clifton Stone and Dr Charlton Collie.

Other family members and friends present were: Verna and Vivian Scully, Samantha Charles; media personalities Empress and Denise Hunt.

Home for the holidays was Ashley Charles, eldest son of attorney Wentworth Charles. Ashley is on full scholarship at Howard University in the United States. His sisters Rachel and Emma were joined by cousins, including Ann-Merita Golding, Steven Golding, Sherine Campbell, her son Alex and husband Brian; Savannah, Simon and Shane Scully; Drs Patrice Freeman and Peter Charles, Carol Charles, Donnie Charles; Dominic and Danielle Charles; Kipling Charles Jr, Shauna Charles and daughter, Serai.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com

Prime Minister Bruce Golding (left) wishes his mother-in-law Merita Charles a happy 99th birthday while her son, Charles, adjusts her neck rest. - photos by Barbara Ellington

Merita Charles gets lots of attention from her daughter Lorna Golding (centre) and caregiver Karlene Solomon.

Health Minister Ruddy Spencer (left) greets his colleague Pearnel Charles and his niece, Shawna Charles. Shawna is working to complete her doctorate in clinical psychology.

Wentworth Charles gives his mother Merita Charles a birthday hug.

Pearnel Charles (right) with his son Pearnel Jr.

Master Alexander Campbell (left) is focused on the camera from his vantage point in his mom Sherine Campbell's arms, while Donnie Charles and Ann Merita Golding share the spotlight.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Dr Christopher Tufton (standing) and Transport Minister Mike Henry work their phones while they wait for the formalities to begin.

From left: Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne, Dr Charlton Collie and Pearnel Charles share camera time at the 99th birthday party for Merita Charles.