Special Assistance for Centenarians

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles has announced that the Ministry would be introducing a programme of special assistance for centenarians across the Island.
The programme, which will come into effect next week, should see Jamaicans who are 100 years and older benefiting significantly.
“If your relative or friend is 100 years and older, please get in touch with the nearest social and security office or the Ministry of Labour directly,” Mr. Charles said.
Speaking recently at an appreciation function for 121 year-old senior citizen, Ida Stewart in Lime Tree Gardens, St. Ann, the Minister pointed out that, “senior citizens like Miss Ida are the foundation of Jamaica and we have to give them that honour, respect and assistance in their last days.”
As a beneficiary of the Ministry’s Special Anniversary Pension Scheme, Miss Stewart was presented with gift packages, to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the country’s seniors as well as to maintain a personal relationship with them, to ensure that they are being cared for, after contributing to the development of Jamaica.
Mr. Charles is inviting Jamaicans to visit the community of Lime Tree Gardens and meet with Miss Stewart, as it could prove worthwhile for many who have an interest in Jamaica’s social history.
“We tried to move her from here but she refuses to move. We tried to move her to a nursing home but she said she prefers to die here. We tried to give her electricity but she said she preferred to keep her lamp and she is doing fine with it, so she is happy,” the Minister said, assuring that the Ministry, through the Special Assistance Programme, would be working to make the lives of many more Jamaicans comfortable. The Ministry’s Special Anniversary Pension Scheme is aimed at providing a pension benefit to persons who are not eligible under the National Insurance Pension Scheme.