Belize City — Gilbert Ellis, the oldest (known) living person in Belize, celebrated his claimed 108th birthday on September 24th. His birthday was first reported by the Channel 5 Belize.

Gilbert Winston Ellis claims to have been born in Belize City, Belize (then known as British Honduras), on 24 September 1916, to parents Maud Ferrell and Scot Ellis. He had 19 children, most of whom live in the United States.

In 1936, he began working for the Santiago Castillo Company and retired in 1981 after 45 years of service. Ellis started as an entry-level laborer and worked his way up to chief warehouse keeper. In 1967, he was appointed Justice of the Peace and served as the chairman of the Social Welfare Board for four years. He also chaired the Rent Assessment Board. Among Ellis’s accomplishments was his role as the first president of the Harmony Housing Association, which was formed in the 1950s with 15 members.

(Source: Amandala Newspaper)

(Source: Amandala Newspaper)

Ellis also became well-known in the Belizean community as a batsman and bowler in cricket, serving as the captain of the Rovers cricket team starting in 1938. He played for the Rovers for four years before joining the Sussex team. Additionally, he was the first president of the Amateur Boxing Association and captained a domino team. Later, he was inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame.

Ellis told News 5 that he feels good for his age and attributes his longevity to not having any special dietary needs, explaining that he eats regular food.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gilbert Ellis on his 108th birthday.