National Senior Citizen Policy Revision to be Completed in 2017/18 Fiscal Year

Revision of the National Senior Citizens Policy is expected to be completed during the 2017/18 fiscal year.

Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Shahine Robinson, says the Concept Note, a summary of the projects to be undertaken and targets to be achieved, has been reviewed by the Cabinet’s Human Resource Committee.

“This revised Policy will help us to revisit issues as well as pinpoint future priorities surrounding ageing issues, in keeping with global and country commitments,” she said.

Mrs. Robinson further said that it will also help to identify additional responses and strategies for more meaningful participation of the elderly in the development process.

Under the World Bank’s Social Protection Project in the Ministry, the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) has oversight for the technical panel reviewing the Policy.

The Minister provided the update during greetings delivered at the National Council for Senior Citizens’ (NCSC) 40th anniversary awards ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on Wednesday, February 8.

The ceremony was held under the theme: ‘Showcasing Our Legacy: Promoting Intergenerational Solidarity’.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Robinson commended the NCSC for its work in positioning the welfare of seniors as a high priority on the Ministry’s social development agenda.

She also used the occasion to encourage Jamaicans to get involved with elderly persons living in their communities through volunteerism.

In the meantime, Opposition Spokesman on Labour and Social Security, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, who also brought greetings, said the elderly possessed a wealth of wisdom that must be “tapped and made available to succeeding generations.”

“This group is remarkable, not only because they are culture bearers, but because it is the fastest growing demography in Jamaica. It is evident that we need the wisdom of this generation to cohere and infuse all generations in order to promote peace, foster growth, and achieve prosperity,” he said.

Former NCSC Director and Parish Organiser for St. Catherine and St. Thomas, Beverly Hall-Taylor, who retired in 2013 after 27 years of service, was bestowed with the Legacy Award for exceptional contribution to the organisation.

“I felt honoured. I know I gave my best because my aim was to see, each day, if I could do something to bring joy to others; and that was how I got my satisfaction. I thank the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and in particular the NCSC, for including me in their anniversary awards,” she said.

Over 40 persons, including senior citizens and volunteers, were awarded for outstanding service to the NCSC.

The Jamaica Information Service was among five media organisations receiving the Corporate Service Award for outstanding support to the Ageing Agenda.