Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, September 26, 2022
By Jean Lowrie-Chin
We at CCRP welcome the Revised National Policy for Seniors which was unveiled at the launch of National Seniors Week last Wednesday. Congratulations to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) and its agency the National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) on the strengthening of protection for the elderly.
In his address, MLSS Minister Karl Samuda noted that according to data provided by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) in 2012, 32 percent of all Jamaican households had a member 60 years old and over,” and called for care and respect of our seniors.
We join the Minister in congratulating the board and staff of the National Council for Senior Citizens for serving the nation in a “selfless and wonderful manner,” particularly Executive Director Cassandra Morrison who is enthusiastic about the welfare of Jamaica’s elders. Minister Samuda urged active participation of seniors in a society that “guarantees their rights … recognizes their capacities, their capabilities and contribution and facilitates their enjoyment of a life of fulfilment, health and security.”
CCRP has been invited by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Colette Risden Roberts to join a Working Committee that will focus on legislation for the care and protection of the elderly. The updated policy is welcome, but legislation will ensure that there will be consequences for the abuse of our elders.
A happy and safe National Senior Citizens Week to the stalwart Jamaicans on whose shoulders we stand.
Jamaica Highlights 