108-Year-Old Tamarac woman joins Caribbean Airlines inaugural flight home to Jamaica

Nesta Leeloo, a 108-year-old South Florida resident, was among the special passengers aboard Caribbean Airlines’ inaugural daily flight from Fort Lauderdale to Montego Bay this week.

Accompanied by family members, Leeloo was warmly sent off by Jamaica’s Consul General, Olivier Mair, and representatives from the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Leeloo, affectionately known as “Mama,” was born in Mandeville, Jamaica, and later moved to the United States after marrying. Her legacy spans six children, 19 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 23 great-great-grandchildren, and five great-great-great-grandchildren. She celebrated her 108th birthday on January 6 with her family and the South Florida community. In recognition of her extraordinary life, Tamarac Mayor Michelle J. Gomez declared January 6 as “Nesta Leeloo Day.”

Caribbean Airlines CEO Garvin Medera praised Leeloo’s journey, stating, “I really like Nesta’s story because she’s exactly what we all represent—that embodiment of no matter how far you go, no matter how many years you spend abroad, there will always be a special place in your heart for that place you call home.”