Member of the Anguilla Social Board, Jackie Niles, has stressed that elderly persons have contributed much to the society, that there is a lot to be learnt from them, and they should be cherished and protected. She also commended all the care-givers for their dedicated service to the elderly.
Mrs. Niles was at the time delivering an address at a Senior Citizens’ Luncheon at the Miriam Gumbs Senior Citizens’ Home just outside the Princess Alexandra Hospital on Monday, October 1. The luncheon was held simultaneously at all four homes, the others being: Just Tender Care at North Side; Tender Loving Care in The Valley; and Rosewood Centre at Sandy Hill. The event, accompanied by string band music, was in celebration of International Day of the Elderly and in observance of the 30th Anniversary of the Anguilla Social Board.
Mrs. Niles noted that the celebration of International Day of the Elderly was an occasion when countries around the world focused on various issues such as national polices on ageing, increased social pension, housing and protection for the elderly, and recognition of their contribution to society.
“Governments and other institutions must ensure that there are policies in place that will enable older persons to live in an environment that enhances their capabilities, fosters their independence and provides them with adequate support and care as they age,” Mrs. Niles emphasised. “They must be vigilant in ensuring that the provision of social protection, long-term care and access to public health for the elderly is not undermined. I must say that there is an urgent need to address these issues as statistics from the United Nations have shown that the number and proportion of older persons is growing rapidly.”
She said that the Anguilla Social Security Board was cognizant of those needs and, accordingly, had put programmes in place to assist the elderly, pensioners who were former contributors, and non-contributory pensioners.
Mrs. Niles went on: “The Anguilla Social Security Board will continue to play an important role in our society, and I would like to encourage other corporate citizens and individuals to recognise our older persons not only on their special day, October 1, but always. As part of its year-long 30th Anniversary celebrations, under the theme Social Security, 30 Years And Beyond, the Anguilla Social Security Board is joining with other community-minded and humanitarian corporate citizens around the world in observance of International Day of the Elderly. We are doing so by hosting an island-wide Senior Citizens’ Luncheon at the four different venues simultaneously.”
The luncheon ceremony was chaired by Rosana Browne, Research and Development Officer with Social Security. She said it was the 21st year since the United Nations had designated October 1 as International Day of the Elderly.
“Social Security always likes to remember and recognise the elderly in our community,” Ms. Browne stated. “We thought it fitting to have this special occasion of a luncheon for the elderly at all the homes and the community. We at the Social Security Board are also proud to recognise our pensioners who have contributed to the system over the years, and our non-contributory pensioners but who, in some way, have contributed to the development of Anguilla.”
Other persons who participated in the ceremony were Assistant Anglican Priest Menes Hodge, who delivered the opening prayer, and Denise Buchanan, Benefits Officer, Social Security, who gave the Vote of Thanks.
