Sunday, January 27, 2019 in Moyette a locality of the 8th communal section of Petit-Goâve, the Rector Jacky Lumarque of Quisqueya University celebrated with pomp the "126th birthday" of Bénicia Souffrant better known under the name of "Madan Jamba" in presence of many personalities. On this occasion, two plaques of honor were given to the old woman.

Mrs. Hiracide Desgranges, Coordinator of the Communal Section Board of Directors (CASEC) said "We, the inhabitants of the community, are happy to gather here to celebrate with Madan Jamba. It's a pride for us. She lived 126 years, she represents for us to Moyette, a privilege. Therefore, we thank the men and women of Moyette who provided financial and other support to Madan Jamba. Today we can, thanks to it benefits from many things including the probable construction of the road of 8th [...]"

As for Deputy Mayor Delor Desgranges, he greeted the journalists Guyto Mathieu [HaitiLibre correspondent], Anel Joseph, Arnold Joicy and Pierre Joseph who helped to discover "Madan Jamba".

Me Delpêche Joassaint said "Madan Jamba" is a monument "[...] she was born in Verdier, a dwelling of the 8th section, January 17, 1893. Her parents gave her the name of Bénicia Souffrant.

Emmanuel Jasmin was the first concubine of Madan Jamba. From her affair with this man, she gave birth to two children.

Then she married Mr. Jean Baptiste Laguerre. Hence the nickname Madan Jamba. From this marital union were born later 4 children : two boys and two girls. All her 6 children died. She only has great grandchildren and daughters.

During her youth Madan Jamba practiced trade and traditional medicine [...] She was seductive and attractive. At the time, soldiers were courting her but she never cheated on her husband. She was a fervent Catholic. She went to Mass regularly. She often went to the ball and practiced voodoo. Her stepson burned down her house and she lost all her papers. She loves her neighbor and she has a sense of sharing. Unbeknownst to her husband, she gave loans to people in the area. She always offers visitors something to eat or drink."

Jacky Lumarque said "[...] We are in contact with the national archives so that we can obtain irrefutable evidence. We are on the right path. We have a copy of the birth certificate of the twin sister of "Madan Jamba" Recall that Quisqueya University committed in April 2018 to support this elderly woman throughout her life https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23907-haiti-social-big-visit-to-the-oldest-woman-of-haiti-125-years.html )

Recall that currently, the oldest woman in the world (age 116) whose age has been established and officially recognized by the international authorities on July 22, 2018, is the Japanese Kane Tanaka born on January 2, 1903

If the age of "Madan Janba" is established and officially recognized by the international body, she will become the Dean of humanity.

See also about "Madan Janba" :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-24861-haiti-social-a-new-house-for-the-oldest-woman-of-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-24509-haiti-petit-goave-happy-feast-mrs-jamba-a-mother-of-125-years-old.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-23845-icihaiti-petit-goave-at-125-she-would-be-the-oldest-woman-in-haiti-and-of-world.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23945-haiti-social-the-oldest-woman-in-haiti-will-never-be-alone-again.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23907-haiti-social-big-visit-to-the-oldest-woman-of-haiti-125-years.html

HL/ HaitiLibre / Guyto Mathieu (Correspondant Petit-Goâve)