Social Protection Ministry hosts fun-day for Region six elderly

Elderly people in Region Six, East Berbice Corentyne were treated to a grand and fun filled fun-day hosted by the Ministry of Social Protection. The event was held on Friday, April 12, 2019 at the Esplanade Ground, New Amsterdam, under the theme ‘A future of fun without abuse; living life at its fullest.’

Mayor of New Amsterdam, Winifred Heywood expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Social Protection for remembering the elderly in the region and hosting this important event.

“I feel so honored to know that when you get old, people can still remember you and host these events for you. Some of us feel that as soon as we reach a certain age, we shut up and we don’t care. But this event shows that the Ministry of Social Protection cares about you and remembered you,” Heywood told the elderly folks at the event.

An elderly receiving her prize after winning the hat show.

Some of the elderly playing bingo at the fun-day.

Some of the elderly enjoying domino at the fun-day.

The Mayor explained that the government wants all citizens to have a good life. She noted that this good life starts with individuals themselves and eating healthy is crucial for achieving the good life.

Heywood encouraged the elderly to avoid food with lots of chemicals and try their best to keep active.

“Many of our elderly people are abused by their spouses, children or other relatives, but I want to encourage you to still try your best to live a good life. I am happy that the Ministry can have this activity to sensitise you and let you know that you don’t have to enjoy life in an abusive way.”

This event is an annual one which was first hosted in 2016. Retired nurse Jeanette Crandon said she is excited to be at the event every year.  “It brought pleasure to myself and all the other elderly people. We look forward for this, every year so that we can know each other and share experiences. I think it should be continued so that more people can join in and come together so that our elderly people cannot feel left out. This activity helps us to know that we are remembered,” Crandon explained.

Camille Dowling said she is happy to come out and have fun, since sometimes she can get lonely. “I think it’s very good for the old people. Sometimes some old people would feel lonely because when my house fill with the children and grandchildren I feel nice but when everybody gone I feel lonely. I think it’s a good gesture to get this for the older youths.”

President of the Berbice Pensioners Association, Burchell Archer, noted that mostly women attended the event. However, the men would be there to assist and support them.

During the event, the elderly played games including dominoes and bingo and were entertained by a hat show.