Gilbert “Mr. Bertie” Ellis Turns 109, A New Belizean Record

He’s nearing eleven decades of celebrating life, history, and cherished memories. That’s Belize’s very own Gilbert Winston Ellis, affectionately known as “Mr. Bertie.” Today, surrounded by many of his family and friends, Mr. Bertie marked his one-hundred-ninth birthday. And News Five was there for his birthday party and here is that report.

 

Benita Keme-Palacio, Reporting

In the arms of family and loved ones, Gilbert Winston Ellis, who Belize has learned to know as simply “Mr. Bertie,” marked an extraordinary milestone: one hundred and nine years of life. His birthday sets a new national record as the longest-living Belizean, and even after more than a century, Mr. Bertie remains vibrant, greeting his party guests with the same energy and spirit that have carried him through his remarkable journey.

 

Gilbert “Mr. Bertie” Ellis, Turns 109 Years Old

“Tell Beverly for me enuh, that man don’t have kids. Man is the father of kids. How much kids I have? I noh have no kids. Mand cya have kids.”

 

Benita Keme-Palacio

“How many are you father of?”

 

Gilbert Ellis

“Nineteen.”

 

The family tree that branches from Mr. Bertie now reaches its fourth generation, with a fifth not far behind. With nineteen children and the many descendants that followed, he is surrounded by a strong and ever-growing support system. Today, his grandchildren are welcoming children of their own, and one of his granddaughters shared how they make sure to keep him connected as the family continues to grow.

 

Erica Baizar, Granddaughter of Gilbert Ellis,

“Whenever we come,  I try to make sure that I bring them to come see him and just, let him know  like look grandpa, your lineage. It goes this. Like we’re your legacy. So,it’s just really awesome. It’s just really awesome. If he make it till next year, I’m just gonna be floored.  I grew up with him and my grandma in the house on Mercy Street and just to see that he’s still going and he still has a lot of his mind, he’s able to get around. It’s truly amazing. Every time I tell anybody that you know, he’s still here, they can’t believe it.”

 

Mr. Bertie’s eldest son, who carries his father’s name, Gilbert Ellis, is now eighty-five years old. Living within the legacy of his father’s remarkable longevity, he takes immense pride in celebrating this latest milestone in Mr. Bertie’s life.

 

Gilbert Ellis, Eldest Son of Gilbert Ellis

“He was an athlete, he played ball too, you know, and I used to follow him around. That’s what I remember about him. Well, he was the first one that got me playing and he was always at my ball games, whatever ball game I’m playing, he was always there.”

 

With energy, laughter, and joy still in him, Mr. Bertie shared a memorable day with his family. When asked about the secret to such a long life, he had this to say.

 

Benita Keme-Palacio

“What is one advice you can give to anybody who wants to reach one oh nine?”

 

Gilbert “Mr. Bertie” Ellis

“Be good.”

 

Benita Keme-Palacio

“How good?”

 

Gilbert “Mr. Bertie” Ellis

“Very good.”