Seniors Day Out
-Senior Citizens month launched in Reg. 3
-Minister Harmon, REO Jaikaran join the celebration
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Ninety-seven-year-old Maud Edmore was one of 200 senior citizens from Region Three who enjoyed a day out at the Den Amstel Community Centre as part of Senior Citizens’ Month 2018.
The Essequibo Islands-West Demerara administration in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection, on Thursday, transported the seniors, free of cost to the Den Amstel Community Centre Ground where they were greeted by Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Region Three REO, Denis Jaikaran who escorted them to their seats as lovely steel pan music serenaded them.
As the oldest person at the activity Edmore sang lustily while others opted to dance, play games and share old-time stories. Senior citizen groups that were present at the activity were Tuschen Elders, Pouderoyen Senior Citizens, Canje Pheasant Club, Tuschen Club and the Visionary Community Development Association.
At the close of the activity, it was announced that the Old Age pension books for 2019 will be distributed starting November 5, 2018, at the respective centres.
Coordinator, Senior Probation Officer Zola Camron Lubin said, “We are forever grateful to our elders who have contributed significantly to the development of our dear land and what we are doing here is the just a small token of our appreciation their hard work.”
Minister Harmon told the audience, “Guyana is proud of all of you who are here and also those that could not be here. Your government has recognised the tremendous contributions you made and therefore we will continue to put programmes in place to ensure you enjoy your retirement. Already we have increased the old age pension by over 45 percent since we took office and every public building that is now being constructed must cater to the elderly. Senior citizens homes that are being constructed must reach international standards and all facilities and services offered must be friendly to the seniors. It is the least we can do for your contribution.”
Delivering remarks on behalf of the region was REO Jaikaran who said his office is always available to the hard-working seniors of his region: “We as a region will continue to be your servants. Your work has put us where we are today and we will always be available to serve you. I implore of you to engage our younger generation and tell them what are some of the activities that entertained you in your earlier days. Tell them how courteous you are, how willing you are, how respectful you are and how decent you are. Teach them to live in harmony and with love for that is the society you know and want to see.”
Story and Images: Ganesh Mahipaul.