Tag: family

CCRP Collaborates with NCSC to Observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Angela Patterson, General Manager of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), addresses a group of seniors during the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The seminar was hosted by the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) at the Stella Maris Church Hall in Kingston on Friday, June 13, 2025.

CCRP, the seniors advocacy organization, joined forces with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Friday, June 13, 2025. The forum, held at the Stella Maris Church Hall in Kingston, featured presentations from the NCSC, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and CCRP, focusing on abuse prevention, safety tips, and advocacy for improved quality of life for seniors.

Addressing the issue of elder protection, CCRP General Manager Mrs. Angela Patterson outlined key recommendations previously submitted to Parliament’s Special Select Committee regarding the proposed Elderly Care and Protection Act. “We recommend the establishment of a Commission for the Elderly, which would evolve from the current NCSC,” said Mrs. Patterson. “This Commission would be empowered to investigate and prosecute cases of abuse, as well as hold accountable organizations serving the elderly.” She emphasized that such legislation would not only protect today’s senior citizens, but also safeguard future generations.

Chairperson of the NCSC, Dr. Julian McKoy-Davis, underscored the importance of proactive planning in abuse prevention. She advised that developing and discussing care plans with trusted family and friends can help prevent neglect or mistreatment, especially in care homes. She also highlighted the impact of cultural norms and lifestyle habits on elder well-being, stressing the importance of maintaining positive mental health. In her closing remarks, Dr. McKoy-Davis urged mutual responsibility across generations: “Be your brother’s keeper: stay aware of the older adults around you.”

Deputy Superintendent Jacqueline Dillon of the JCF’s Domestic Violence Intervention Centres offered practical advice for ensuring the physical and financial safety of seniors. She noted that predictable routines often make elderly individuals more vulnerable to abuse and urged them to be vigilant and proactive about their security. “Many elderly persons become victims of abuse but are afraid to report it,” she said. “You have the right to protect yourself and we [the JCF] have a duty to protect you,” she asserted.

Following the presentations, attendees were invited to share their concerns, ask questions, and provide feedback. A plethora of issues continue to plague Jamaican seniors ranging from neglect to physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse, which underscores the need for greater care to be taken of this vulnerable group in the Jamaican society. 

A key concern raised during the event was the challenge seniors face with digital banking. One participant shared her distress in accessing her money, citing the frustration caused by the discontinuation of traditional bank books and the forced transition to digital platforms. She noted that service providers often question the competence and intellect of older clients, and highlighted the lack of senior-friendly facilities in many commercial spaces.

The CCRP remains committed to advocating for the rights of older adults and is pleased to collaborate with the NCSC to enhance the safety, dignity, and well-being of Jamaica’s senior citizens.

Marubeni partners with FFPJ to build houses for families in need

On October 28, 2024, in Bongo Town, Victoria, on the outskirts of Linstead, St. Catherine, Marubeni Power International, in collaboration with Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFPJ), provided a new home for Mavadeen Aldred (front, centre), a single mother of three who survived years of abuse and housing instability. Sharing the frame are Marubeni Power International Inc. Senior Vice President Damian Obiglio (third left) and colleagues Takuya Kokawa, associate (front, left) and Keisuke Harada, senior manager (back, left). And Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFPJ) management, Executive Director Kivette Silvera (front, right), Director of Agriculture & Fisheries Nakhle Hado (right) and Development and Marketing Manager Marsha Burrell-Rose.

Since Marubeni Power International, Inc made its entry into Jamaica’s energy sector as one of the major shareholders of Jamaica Public Service Company Limited, the company has not only focused on business growth but also demonstrated its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility.

For many years, Marubeni has been actively engaged in philanthropic activities aimed at giving back to the people of Jamaica.

On October 28, at Linstead, St Catherine, Marubeni, in collaboration with Food For the Poor Jamaica, provided a home for a family in need. The Marubeni team of Damian Obiglio, Keisuke Harada and Takuya Kokawa were there to hand over the keys to Mavadeen Aldred, a mother of three.

Mavedeen is on a path to a brighter future thanks to the compassion of Marubeni and the dedicated efforts of Food For The Poor Jamaica and ending decades of instability, uncertainty and woe. In 2011, after leaving an abusive partner, Aldred moved into a one-room structure belonging to her grandmother; it was later demolished due to safety concerns. In 2021, she moved to Bongo Town, Victoria (Linstead), into a house owned by a caring friend. It had a deteriorating ceiling that leaked whenever it rained and posed ongoing difficulties for the family of five (Aldred, her three children and her mother), who are striving for stability and safety.

“We have been collaborating with Food For The Poor Jamaica because we see the excellent work they have been doing over several decades. Their values align with the Marubeni creed: Fairness, Innovation and Harmony,” said Damian Obiglio, Senior Vice President, Marubeni Power International Inc. 

He continued: “When it comes to harmony, there is no better place to develop this than in the home. A loving home is the foundation of harmony. It is a place to build family values, a place to study, a place to rest.”

This partnership highlights the importance of community support and corporate responsibility in helping those in vulnerable situations. “Partnerships foster a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. When we unite our efforts, we maximise resources and inspire others to join the cause,” said Food For the Poor Jamaica Executive Director Kivette Silvera.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support we have received,” said Aldred. “This new house will not only improve our living conditions but also bring hope and security to my family.”