Jamaicans Urged to Support Activities for Senior Citizens Week

The National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) is calling on Jamaicans to support the commemorative activities of Senior Citizens’ Week, which is being observed from September 15 to 21, under the theme: ‘Seniors – An Asset to National Development’.

Programme Organiser at the NCSC, Tamara Vassell, said that the observance is aimed at honouring and recognising the elderly population in Jamaica, and highlighting their contribution to nation-building.

“Jamaica owes a debt to our seniors who, over the years, have given of their time, energy, wisdom, and expertise. They are a vital element of the society, and have contributed to nation building in various ways, giving the younger generation a firm platform on which to continue economically, socially, and culturally, regarding national development,” she told JIS News.

The week long activities commenced on Sunday, September 15, with a thanksgiving service at the Grace Missionary Church in Kingston, followed by a garden party on Monday (Sept. 16), at the St. Andrew Parish Church Hall, while a tree planting exercise was held on Tuesday, September 17, at the Stimulation Plus Child Development Centre, 1A Ostend Close, Kingston.

On Wednesday, September 18, the NCSC will conduct a community outreach project at the Golden Age Home, 3 St. Joseph Avenue, Kingston, starting at 2:30 p.m.

Activities continue on Thursday, September 19, with island-wide parish award functions; while an evening of entertainment will be held on Saturday, September 21 at 2 Waterloo Road, St. Andrew, starting at 3:00 p.m.

On Sunday, September 29, the NCSC will observe Grandparents Day with a special church service at the Boulevard Baptist Church, 2 Washington Boulevard, Kingston 20, starting at 9:00 a.m.

The week concludes with the commemoration of International Day of Older Persons on Tuesday,October 1, with a symposium at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston. The United Nation’s (UN) designated day will be observed under the theme: ‘Strengthening Older People’s Rights: Towards a UN Convention.”

Participating agencies for Senior Citizens’ Week include: the Kiwanis and Lions clubs, Help Age International, Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

For more information, persons can contact the NCSC at 906-9277-8.