Ministry Targets 400 Additional Seniors for Digital Literacy Training

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is aiming to engage 400 additional senior citizens in digital literacy training by year end.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., reported that 283 Jamaicans have completed the training programme, to date.

Addressing the launch of Senior Citizens’ Month at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Wednesday (September 2), he noted that the programme, which began in St. James, and Kingston and St. Andrew, has since expanded to St. Catherine, St. Mary, Portland, Trelawny, St. Ann, and Clarendon.

“I think that we must get it across the entire country. We must find ways to expand and to replicate and also to make sure that it’s not just a copy of itself every year. Technology is advancing so fast, that what was relevant two years ago is no longer the most relevant this year,” he stated.

The launch was held under the theme – ‘Honouring a Golden Legacy, Shaping a Bold Future’, as the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) marks its 50th anniversary.

Meanwhile, Minister Charles stressed that age should be regarded as an asset.

“There was a time when age was seen as a liability… you’re getting older, you’re getting discarded. There is also the reality that many, unfortunately, tend to see ageing as requiring accommodation. Our responsibility now will be to move that… to activate. We must activate our senior citizens in one way or the other and we must find a way to make sure that the conversation [not only] moves towards healthy ageing, but productivity for seniors,” he explained.

Against this backdrop, the Minister encouraged younger Jamaicans to do their part to ensure that no senior citizen is left in isolation.

He maintained that isolation is not only physical, noting that older persons can live in a family home yet still experience emotional and mental isolation.

Consequently, Mr. Charles emphasised the need for persons to: “be very deliberate in your effort to reach out, to engage, to involve”.

The Minister commended the NCSC for its 50 years of advocacy and commitment to supporting senior citizens.

“As we are honouring this golden legacy, we want to say to every senior citizen across this country that we see you, we value you, we respect you, and we thank you,” Mr. Charles said.

In her remarks, NCSC Board Chair, Dr. Julian McKoy Davis, noted that all Jamaicans have an opportunity to ensure they actively engage and support older adults.

“We want to ensure that longevity in Jamaica becomes the thing of the norm. Right now, we do have 522 Jamaicans who are over the age of 100, who are centenarians. It’s something that I continue to laud how, as a little country, we’re doing so good. If we keep on doing the right things, more of us will get to that age,” she said.

For those who are not yet seniors, Dr. McKoy Davis said the month provides a valuable opportunity to lean in, listen more attentively, develop a deeper appreciation for older adults, and learn from the wisdom of Jamaica’s elderly population.