EDITORIAL

Our elderly are depending on us

The creation of the new Ministry of Elder Affairs and People’s Empowerment is one that we wholeheartedly endorse, for there can be no denying that our growing elderly population is one that should be protected at all cost. We say that as we reflect on the fact that our little island of only 166 square miles, has the distinction of being one of the countries that has the highest per capita occurrences of centenarians in the world.

Practically every week we are celebrating the birthday of another centenarian and given that our population is getting older, and unfortunately not growing at the same rate or even close to that, we commend the authorities for moving to ensure that adequate provisions are put in place to protect the older population. It is our hope that in the coming years the legislative framework to safeguard them financially and otherwise is formulated, passed and enforced. We hope this is done sooner rather than later, as we see it as a matter of urgency, given that around 15 per cent of the population is currently 65 years and older and within a few years, the percentage of older persons in Barbados is
expected to exceed 20 per cent – that is one fifth of the approximate 300 000 who live here.

Given that, as a country we need not only to ensure that there are social safety nets in place to give all older persons peace of mind and comfort so that they can age gracefully, but to ensure that there are also systems in place to prevent them from being preyed upon by unscrupulous members of our society, and sometimes even their own family. We have long advocated that our society must embrace its responsibility to ensure that those who helped to build our nation are well looked after in their twilight years. To that end, it is our firm belief that legislation is the only way that we are going to guarantee that the elderly are not abused in any form or fashion.

For many years we have been hearing about such legislation from both sides of the political divide, and it is hoped that with this new Government putting a focus on elder affairs, that it will not be talk anymore, but materialise into concrete
action. Under the previous Government, The White Paper on Ageing was brought to the House of Assembly for debate and approval, but more than three years onward, we have seen little done in respect of that policy and the proposals contained therein.

As we understand it, a white paper provides information and proposals on a specific issue, but unless steps are taken then to effect those proposals, the proposals are worth nothing. With that framework already in place, while we acknowledge that the new Government may want to make some tweaks and fashion it more to their ideals, we urge them not rest on their laurels, and bring whatever is agreed upon to fruition as soon as possible.

Additionally, we certainly hope that Government will move to ensure that the finances of our elderly are also better protected. Too often we hear stories of adult children who ill-treat their parents, and sometimes even strangers taking it upon themselves to cash a pensioner’s National Insurance or other pension cheque for their own use, or taking hold of their bank accounts and using the money there at will. While we may want to, our society must not continue to sweep these issues under the carpet, in the hope that they will go away by themselves. Such an approach has never and will never solve anything.

It is important then that we move with alacrity to make the necessary changes and to put the requisite provisions in place – our elderly’s future depends on it.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000