Gallimore Lauds Senior Citizens Council

KINGSTON — Minister of State for Labour and Social Security, Hon. Andrew Gallimore, has commended members of the National Council Senior Citizens (NCSC) for enhancing the lives and welfare of the nation's elderly.

He also praised the volunteers, who have been assisting the Council by lending support to its projects.

Speaking at a special luncheon hosted by the Ministry and the NCSC at the Royale Palace Restaurant, Old Hope Road, Kingston on Wednesday August 31, to honour volunteers who officiated in this year’s National Senior Citizens Sports Day in July, Mr. Gallimore said that the efforts of the board members and volunteers were worth far more than the funding to organise the event.

“You touch human lives in a meaningful way,” Mr. Gallimore said, noting that the mandate for the Council is to enhance the quality of life of senior citizens.

“I think the board members, the volunteers, (NCSC Executive Director) Mrs. Beverly Hall-Taylor and the persons at the council, spread across the island, have been doing a fantastic job,” he added.

The Minister contended that the annual sports day makes a huge difference in the quality of life of the senior citizens and the health they enjoy.

“Our seniors are blessed, in that we have the National Council for Senior Citizens. We have a board that, I think, has put out a lot… (of) genuine thought and caring into what they do,” he added. He also highlighted the inputs of the Ministry of Health and noted the role which, he said, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture could play. 

Mr. Gallimore made special mention of past NCSC Chairman and businessman, Joseph Mahfood, for his contribution.

He said he was impressed with the work of Mr. Mahfood, his family and the Wysinco Group in helping the indigent.

“We have been very blessed to have him serve for the time that he has served with the council.  It shows the sort of heartfelt commitment and concern for the cause. The Council has benefitted tremendously from Mr. Mahfood’s tenure as Chairman,” the State Minister said.

He stated that the Council’s work could not be executed without the input of the volunteers, and urged them to continue contributing.

National Senior Citizens Sports Day, first held in 2003, involves persons 60 years and over competing in various sporting activities, to encourage active aging and healthy living.

By DOUGLAS McINTOSH, JIS Reporter