Earlier this week I attended the Annual General Meeting of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) – an NGO of which I am a member. Police Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay gave us a detailed talk on safety and security for seniors. Elder abuse is a concern in Jamaica and beyond, just as child abuse is – and like child abuse it is often carried out by caregivers. Our seniors are vulnerable. Perhaps some new legislation would help – but we should certainly step up the advocacy on their behalf, and lend a helping hand whenever and wherever we can.
Five years ago a study by the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre found that, in Jamaica, the elderly constituted 11.3 per cent of the population… and that number was projected to rise to 25 per cent by 2050.
This therefore is an extremely important segment of the Jamaican population; deserving of the greatest possible attention from the Government and people, not only for the fact that they nurtured the current generations of Jamaicans. The true quality of life in our country can be measured by how we treat our senior citizens.
From this standpoint, we encourage all Jamaicans to take seriously the words of Police Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay, the head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), who expressed deep concern about increasing attacks on Jamaica’s elderly, the majority of whom are women.
As reported in our Wednesday edition, Supt Lindsay brought a solemn message to the Monday’s…
View original post 407 more words
Petchary's Blog 
Legislation to mitigate abuse of the seniors, or anyone is not enough. Forests grow from seedlings, and when those seedlings are nurtured properly, and mature, they become magnificent foliage. Parents should teach children to be that person they would want for themselves, – as a life-partner. As the dawn precedes the day, so is the child that is taught well, and grows up to be a productive and respectable citizen.
When we train our youth to take responsibility in the development of themselves and their community, they become valuable assets to society. Parents who teach their children good work habits, is better than giving them a fortune. Education and integrity are the key to success.
Ethics and respect for the individual provide an ideal framework for living the good life.
It’s good for our family, friends, ourselves, and the universe. Ken Damally
LikeLike
Well, I do agree. But at the very least, this issue should be on the “radar” of our parliamentarians, don’t you think? Respect for all is the key, I absolutely agree! Thank you for your inspiring comments, Ken.
LikeLike