Commission for Elderly proposes more funding in 2019 National Budget

─ Min. Sharma says consultations positive, priorities will be supported

─ commits to more assistance for commission’s operations

DPI, Guyana, Friday, September 7, 2018

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, today met with the Commission for the Elderly as part of the ongoing 2019 National Budget consultations.

Minister Sharma welcomed the commission’s participation and commended the organisation for submitting a written list of proposals to facilitate the consultative process. He assured that the measures submitted will be used as a guide in formulating the 2019 budget.

The commission was represented by Chairperson Everette De Leon, Wendel Roberts and Ricardo Banwarie.

The proposal, submitted by De Leon, highlighted the need for increased funding for the commission to better execute its mandate. The commission was funded with $2M for 2018, however, given its scope of work and mandate to ensure that senior citizens are properly catered to and care homes maintain acceptable standards, an increase of $5.8M was tabled.

The Commission for the Elderly, De Leon explained, is seeking to expand some of its initiatives such as the operation of New Dawn Clubs. These clubs, of which 20 are operational, offer elderly persons a chance to socialise, participate in recreational activities and interact with colleagues. The body also proposed that breakfast (sandwiches and tea) be provided for at least 500 pensioners, particularly for those who collect their pensions at the Georgetown and the Bourda Post Offices, on the first day of the month.

Increased funding, the organisation added, would enable more visits to elderly care homes countrywide by the National Visiting Committee. This committee ensures that elderly residents are comfortable and the requisite acceptable standards are maintained within the homes. A request for a specially adapted bus with ramps, to provide transportation for the elderly to visit health facilities for treatment, and a request for more health workers to specialize in elderly care were also submitted.

Minister Sharma expressed his willingness to examine the proposals and explained that the need for increased funding, a permanent office space and assistance to regularise the operations of the New Dawn Clubs, will be prioritised.

The minister noted that the needs of the elderly will always be carefully assessed by the government particularly in light of the contributions many of them have made to national development.

Minister Sharma reminded, that whilst every sector demands resources, these are limited, hence the need by government to prioritise how allocations are made. The engagement between the two was described as very positive by the commission’s members who expressed optimism that their main proposals would be considered.

By: Paul Mc Adam.

Image: Dereck Bridgemohan.