ANGUILLA—Members of the Anguilla Retired Persons Association (ARPA) recently met with the Honourable Minister of Social Development, Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, to discuss a variety of topics important to them. The round table discussion, chaired by the Association’s President, Mona Fleming, was one of the scheduled events marking ARPA’s annual activities held during the month of October.
The Minister listened intently to the wide-ranging topic areas raised by the ARPA members, took notes and said she would take all actionable items to the respective governmental departments. At the very top of the issues was the need for a place for ARPA to call theirs where they could have meetings and activities without having to rent a facility whenever needed. They pointed out that Anguilla lacked a seniors’ day care facility where seniors could meet, socialise and engage in activities instead of remaining in their residence every day/all day unless a friend or relative took them for an outing. They referenced many other smaller islands that have seniors’ day care centres which provided transportation to go back and forth.
Accessibility to public facilities and places of business for persons in wheel-chairs and walkers was also discussed. They said that the government must make an increased effort to improve in this area, especially given the growing percentage of the elderly on the island.
Another hotly discussed topic was the growing number of disrespectful drivers on the roads who fail to stop to allow safe crossing of both the elderly and the young. They asked for increased policing presence on the roads to stem the reckless driving habits that seem to be on the rise.
The continued trashing of Anguilla’s beaches was also highlighted. It was remarked that Anguilla markets itself on its beautiful beaches, but allows users to leave trash scattered all about without making an effort to stem this distasteful behaviour. Also mentioned were the existence of structural walls on some beaches which impede beach walking and enjoyment – as well as the apparent lack of proper waste containment which instead allows waste to flow into some of the local waters.
In addition to the Minister stating that she would ensure that the responsible government departments were briefed on the above concerns, she spent a considerable amount of time detailing the ongoing processes being enforced to ensure the safe return of Anguillians and its many visitors to the island.
She detailed the quarantine process of visitors when the island reopens its tourism industry on November 1 which is designed to protect Anguillians .
– Contributed
