Consultant to Advance Elder Care and Protection Legislation

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says the Government has moved towards identifying a Consultant who will advance the establishment of Jamaica’s Elder Care and Protection Legislation.

This follows the tabling of a report by a Special Select Committee of the Senate, which reviewed the proposed legislation.

Speaking at Wednesday’s (September 23) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Mr. Charles Jr. noted that the consultant will take the Committee’s report and “transform that into legislation and policy,” as he gave an update on Senior Citizens’ Month.

The Minister explained that the legislation and policy “will guide us, how do we operate, how do we protect our seniors, and how do we as a Government put in place all of the various things that are required [for] this growing population.”

He emphasised that Jamaica’s cohort of citizens who are over 60 years old is actively increasing, with senior citizens expected to number approximately 448,000 by 2030, representing 16 per cent of the population.

“It is sensible and practical for us to, therefore, design legislation and policies that fit the evolving nature of our society,” the Minister affirmed.

He added that there is a global shift happening, whereby elderly populations are increasing across several nations.