President: BARP responding to members’ needs

This year is going to be a big one for the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP).

Not only will the non-governmental organisation (NGO) celebrate its silver anniversary in October, but plans are under way to collaborate with other NGOs as well as Government to make life better for seniors across the island.

Officially launching their 2020 Calendar on Monday at BARP’s “Mervue House”, Marine Gardens, Hastings Christ Church headquarters, President Marilyn Rice-Bowen assured that advocacy will be wide and far-reaching.

“We will meet with Government, both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, to look at matters such as pension protection and its related issues; affordable prescription drugs; and how best to curb the many forms of elder abuse,” she said.

BARP is also seeking to expand benefits this year in home and motor insurance, wellness and medicare, lifestyle and auto services, amongst others.

Rice-Bowen went on to reveal that other top priorities this year will include working with the Ministry of Transport and Works on changing the annual medical for drivers 70 and over, to every two years.

In addition, she highlighted that in 2020 BARP wants to ensure that greater emphasis is placed on consumer protection for its members.

“We want to look at labelling. For example, you can go into some stores to buy the small bottles of coconut water and it is only labelled coconut water – there is no indication of who bottled the water, no contact info and that is not good enough. It might seem small, but those are important matters and the Barbados National Standards Institution should be following up on it as well. Nothing should be on our shelves that is not adequately labelled. Also, when it comes to other beverages, from the perspective of health, you need to know the sugar content, etc.”

‘Effective daily guide’
The 2020 calendar has been made possible by sponsors Sagicor, Brydens Insurance, Gallagher Insurance Brokers, and The Beacon Insurance Co. Ltd.

The President pointed out that it can be used as an effective daily guide, and she is therefore encouraging members to circle all important dates as a reminder for insurance and healthcare payments and of course, BARP renewal fees.

The 30 000 calendars will be distributed at Eddie’s Trading, Massy stores, City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union, and Carlton A1 Supermarkets. (TL)