Faith, Family & 100 Years Of Wisdom: Vilma Pinto’s Simple Secrets To Longevity

Perhaps the secret to a successful life doesn’t have to complicated after all. Centenarian Vilma Pinto offers simple recommendations: “Have faith. Have courage. Do the things that make you happy. Follow the Commandments . Love your neighbor. Don’t think about tomorrow, it will think for itself.” All those seem quite achievable. Pinto, who entered this world on August 2, 1926, is sharp, charming, quick-witted and fun to speak with, as I found out during our conversation on Zoom. GROWING UP THE ISLAND WAY Born in Kingston, Jamaica , she was the second of five children. When reminiscing about her early family life, she lovingly mentions her mom, Una, a housewife, and dad, Granville, the disciplinarian. “My parents were poor, but they were strong—they didn’t play,” she says, even as she admits to often getting up to some mischief requiring said discipline. Back then that often meant corporal punishment, which isn’t so PC these days. “My father had a broad leather belt. I always said I couldn’t find it when they sent me to get it. Why would I find it when I knew what was coming?” ‘Nuff said. A fresh-faced Ms. Vilma, circa 1960s.(Photo courtesy of subject) She enjoyed a typical island childhood and talks fondly about climbing mango trees, playing jacks and jumping rope. She remembers her grandma cooking big meals and the kids in the neighborhood coming over to partake. “We all lived in peace and harmony. It’s hard to find that now,” she laments. One thing she did not appreciate whe…