Leaders Hail Contribution of Senior Citizens

As Jamaica celebrates National Senior Citizens’ week, the nation’s leaders have hailed the elderly for their contribution to the development of the country.

Governor- General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, said the value of the elderly to society cannot be over emphasised.

“Our seniors impart attributes such as strong family values, good work ethics and proper social conduct and mentoring,” he said in a message delivered by Bishop Junior Headlam at the national church service on Sunday (September 27), at the Church of God of Prophecy, Old Harbour Road, St. Catherine.

The Governor General called on Jamaicans “to support the intergenerational activities that are being promoted by the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) so that the positive impact of our seniors on society and on our young people in particular is not lost.”

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, in her message presented by former director of the NCSC, Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Clarke, congratulated the Council for its work and commended the seniors who use “use every opportunity afforded to them to make positive vital contributions to society”.

“To the members of the Council…I thank you wholeheartedly … [and] I urge everyone…to plan wisely for your senior years so that you will be able to live a long healthy and fulfilling life and contribute to the holistic development of our country,” she said.

She also encouraged the elderly to nurture future generations with their wealth of knowledge and wisdom.

Minister of Agriculture, Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Derrick Kellier, in his address delivered by Chief Technical Director for Social Security, Dione Jennings, said the Ministry remains committed its “mission to care for, protect and uplift the elderly”.

Minister Kellier also called our various partners to join in creating an environment where the elderly can continue to flourish.

“We invite partners in the business community, non- government organisations, faith-based entities, civic groups, community-based groups and families on a whole to join hands with us to create an environment where the elderly can be empowered to serve, practice active ageing through healthy lifestyle and become spirited participants in the country’s development process,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Andrew Holness, whose message was read by opposition spokesman for Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles, said if the nation is “serious about its holistic development adequate opportunities must exist to fulfill the needs of senior citizens.”

Greetings also came from Vice Chairman of NCSC, Merel Hanson and Patron of NCSC, the Most Hon. Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer.

The day was also observed as National Grandparents’ Day and to mark the occasion, the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons presented gifts to 90-year old Daisy Williams and 88-year old Joshua Richards, who were the oldest grandparents in the congregation.

National Senior Citizens’ week is being celebrated under the theme: ‘Healthy Ageing is the Desirable Goal: Activate Your Action Plan Now.’ Activities continue today Monday (September 28) with a garden party at the St. Andrew Parish Church Hall.

This will be followed by a tree planting exercise on Tuesday (September 29), while on Wednesday (September 30), community and outreach groups are being encouraged to take members of the elderly on recreational trips.

On Thursday (October 1), which will be observed as International Day of Older Persons, the Council will host an awards function in each parish to honour  outstanding senior citizens; winners of its Bible and Spelling Bee competitions as well as seniors, who participated in its skills workshop and sports day.

This will be followed on Friday (October 2) with exhibitions at the parish libraries across the island.

The week of activities will culminate with an evening of entertainment at The Mico University College on October 3.