John Foster, Barbados’ Oldest Man, Turns 107

John Foster, the oldest living man in Barbados, celebrated his 107th birthday in St. Andrew.

John Edward Foster was born in Belleplaine, St. Andrew, on 30 August 1919. He was educated at St. Andrew’s Boys’ School, the Alleyne School, and Harrison College. He initially worked as an apprentice druggist before a chance conversation with a friend led to a 40-year career in the public health inspectorate. His career began at the age of 20, and John worked his way through the ranks, eventually becoming Chief Inspector in St. Andrew and later in St. Michael.

At the age of 37, he married Waple, aged 30, whom he had known since childhood. Together, they had five sons.

John came from a family of politicians. His father, Darry Foster, was the first Black man to serve on the Vestry of St. Andrew. His sister, Edna Bourne, represented St. Andrew in the House of Assembly and was the first woman to be elected to the position. His brothers, David and Richard Foster, also served on the Vestry.

On 28 December 2025, following the passing of 107-year-old Joseph Ashby, he became the oldest known living man in Barbados.

LongeviQuest extends warm congratulations to John Foster on his 107th birthday

Wikipedia article. She was born in Jamaica and died in Barbados. 

Joseph McDonald Ashby, Barbados’ Oldest Man, Dies at 107

Joseph McDonald Ashby, the oldest known living man in Barbados, passed away on 28 December 2025, at the age of 107 years, 90 days.

Joseph McDonald Ashby was born on 29 September 1918, to parents Samuel and Albertina Ashby. He worked at The Crane Resort and was a member of the Philadelphia Church of God. At some point, he married Marjorie Small, and the couple had eight children: Carmeta, Winston, Judith, Timothy, Miranda, Theodore, Dorinda, and Velma.

At the age of 100, he attributed his longevity to hard work and faith.

Following the passing of 107-year-old Rupert Springer (8 March 1916 – 7 February 2024), he became the nation’s oldest known living man.

DOYEN OF BARBADOS • JOSEPH MCDONALD ASHBY

09.29.2018

Joseph McDonald Ashby, Barbados' newest centenarian 

Barbados’ newest centenarian Joseph McDonald Ashby attributes his longevity to hard work and faith.

And he expressed his thankfulness for reaching the milestone by belting out the hymn In the Sweet By and By to the delight of Governor General Dame Sandra Mason as well as family and friends who celebrated the day with him.

Ashby who was in high spirits remembered his days as a general worker.

“I cut cane in the middle of the day, dig cane hole, cut solid stone and all kind of things,” said Joseph, even as his son Timothy Ashby humorously added that his father’s motto was “it is better to work out than rest out.”

Ashby has seven surviving children -- Caremta Bynoe, Judith Forde, Miranda Ashby, Theodore Ashby, Timothy Ashby, Dorinda Worrell and Velma Holland as well as 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

His daughter Miranda described her father, who originates from Sea View, Christ Church, as a no-nonsense disciplinarian who was strict but soft-spoken.

She revealed that it was through his occupation, as a general worker at various plantations as well as the Crane Resort, that he developed a fondness for fishing and gardening which he has continued to enjoy despite his age.

She said he has also remained grounded in his beliefs.

“He always reading the bible, he reads it all through the day,” Miranda said about her father who now lives at Thyme Bottom, Christ Church.(KK)

The post Joseph McDonald Ashby, Barbados’ newest centenarian appeared first on Barbados Today.

Source: https://barbados171.rssing.com/chan-13839764/article14530.html

Latest Report from relative:

Velma Holland commented on May 15 2025...

Happy 103rd birthday to Mr Brereton but he is not the oldest male in Barbados. My dad, Joseph Ashby, was106 last September and quite possibly is the oldest living male in Barbados. 

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FbN3u6QbH/

It would be very interesting if a post appeared with a photo or some news confirming that Joseph is still alive.

DOYEN OF BARBADOS • JOSEPH MCDONALD ASHBY

09.29.2018

Joseph McDonald Ashby, Barbados' newest centenarian 

Barbados’ newest centenarian Joseph McDonald Ashby attributes his longevity to hard work and faith.

And he expressed his thankfulness for reaching the milestone by belting out the hymn In the Sweet By and By to the delight of Governor General Dame Sandra Mason as well as family and friends who celebrated the day with him.

Ashby who was in high spirits remembered his days as a general worker.

“I cut cane in the middle of the day, dig cane hole, cut solid stone and all kind of things,” said Joseph, even as his son Timothy Ashby humorously added that his father’s motto was “it is better to work out than rest out.”

Ashby has seven surviving children -- Caremta Bynoe, Judith Forde, Miranda Ashby, Theodore Ashby, Timothy Ashby, Dorinda Worrell and Velma Holland as well as 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

His daughter Miranda described her father, who originates from Sea View, Christ Church, as a no-nonsense disciplinarian who was strict but soft-spoken.

She revealed that it was through his occupation, as a general worker at various plantations as well as the Crane Resort, that he developed a fondness for fishing and gardening which he has continued to enjoy despite his age.

She said he has also remained grounded in his beliefs.

“He always reading the bible, he reads it all through the day,” Miranda said about her father who now lives at Thyme Bottom, Christ Church.(KK)

The post Joseph McDonald Ashby, Barbados’ newest centenarian appeared first on Barbados Today.

Source: https://barbados171.rssing.com/chan-13839764/article14530.html

Latest Report from relative:

Velma Holland commented on May 15 2025...

Happy 103rd birthday to Mr Brereton but he is not the oldest male in Barbados. My dad, Joseph Ashby, was106 last September and quite possibly is the oldest living male in Barbados. 

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FbN3u6QbH/