Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey on Friday urged elderly people, particularly women, to be vigilant as they move around the island, as he chastised those who prey on these seniors as easy targets.
A day after two elderly women became victims of a daylight robbery on Culloden Road, St Michael – a crime captured on video and circulated widely on social media and various messaging platforms – Humphrey stressed the importance of supporting elder care and safety and encouraged young people to actively participate in this.
“We need to focus on our older population. We have to speak to our younger people of the nature of [elder] care and respect,” he said as he addressed a ceremony at which the Maria Holder Memorial Trust facilitated the donation of a van to the National Assistance Board (NAB).
“We saw the videos where some women were robbed, and I want to chastise those persons who continue to wreak havoc in our society. They think they have found an easy target, so we are asking older women to be particularly careful.
“Part of this initiative includes taking elders safely to and from work, taking them to and from appointments in hopes that would make a difference,” the minister pointed out to those gathered at the home of the NAB in Lancaster, St James where the van was handed over.
The donated vehicle is expected to facilitate the NAB’s mission to assist the elderly. Representatives from the NAB and the Maria Holder Memorial Trust gathered to witness the event, symbolising a collaborative effort to enhance the board’s outreach and support initiatives.
The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, known for its commitment to community development, played a pivotal role in funding the donation, underscoring the importance of private-public partnerships in driving positive change.
Co-founder and chairman Christopher Holder said one of the goals of the Trust, which started a relationship with the NAB in 2019, was to “assist and do more for the elderly people in Barbados”.
Holder also announced that plans were underway to refurbish the Jorris Dunner Home in 2024.
The NAB expressed its gratitude for the generous gesture, noting that the vehicle will assist it in reaching the elderly who require assistance.
(AS)
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