Devastating earthquakes that prevented centenarian Isalene Gill from celebrating with relatives in person instead led to an unusual first on Friday, as President Jeffrey Bostic wished her a happy 100th birthday by video conference from State House while she remained at her home in Venezuela.

The virtual celebration, the first time a centenarian has officially received birthday greetings from the Head of State by remote video, came weeks after powerful earthquakes and continuing aftershocks disrupted travel in Venezuela, forcing relatives in Barbados to postpone plans to visit her.

Before the birthday celebrations began, President Bostic acknowledged the tragedy unfolding in Venezuela and extended Barbados’ sympathy to those affected: