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Home for the elderly is needed in Essequibo

Sep 27, 2012 Letters

 

Dear Editor,
The eventual establishment of the Anna Regina Fire Station on the Essequibo Coast would have taken considerable time to materialize by the relevant authorities, based on the county’s sporadic population and whether or not it was a necessity at the time.
Today, the investment is appropriate given the exemplary work of the fire service and its staff.
While there have been growing challenges both economically and socially, the Essequibo Coast is in dire need of a Care Centre for the elderly, since it will be an invaluable investment that will serve to curtail the increasing trend of wandering elderly residents.
Old age is inevitable and there are those who prepare for it, while unfortunately there are others who are affected by it.
I have seen numerous examples of the elderly who are being neglected daily and are suffering in the most heinous manner.
I continue to witness a handicapped elderly man struggling on the public road amid sweltering heat and rain and who seems to be in a lost world without any conscience by others for his plight.
He remains a treat to the busy traffic since his daily sojourn is to be subjected in a wheelchair and roll himself to every corner of the road.
His consumption of alcohol further enlightens the danger to his health and the traffic that flows, especially in the evening when he ceases to rest at any position on the road.
Yet no one cares, and the life of someone who had made his contribution to society is reaping the ignominy of a hostile world that does not seem to care for the elderly.
In fact, this gentleman is reported to be the brother of the former Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament of Guyana, the late Winston Murray, whose own contribution to this country was remarkable.
Then there are those unpleasant, old beggars that have to eke out a living on the roadside and at the market places, like the popular and once promising scholar whose only remains now are loads of books and old papers in a rusty bag, just living an unbelievably sordid life in a bus shed.
These are people that have families, yet they are being neglected.
There is a particular old woman who has to be on her heels daily, along with her daughter, enduring the wrath of false names to seek a meal from somewhere.
This is the scene at many villages on the Essequibo Coast, and it is time that the Government initiates this noble task of caring for the elderly by building a home.
There are establishments in both Georgetown and Berbice for the elderly, and it must dawn upon the relevant stakeholders that the population in Essequibo is growing and aging, and the hour that cometh should not be an unhappy one for those that are in need of comfort.
I therefore suggest that the vast land that exists within the Region can be jointly sponsored by the Government and Food For The Poor for the purpose of having a building that can house those unfortunate elderly residents so they can feel appreciated, receive medical assistance, and enjoy the humane touch of those who care and are willing to support, including business entities and philanthropists.
The Government must ensure that this venture becomes a reality. I was recently looking at an American almanac where I saw that there is a day being remembered for Grand Parents (September 9th).
Such rich chemistry for the elderly is what will make a society conscious, and appreciate the values and contribution of every single human being.
Our elderly must certainly be recognized in a very tangible way.
The establishment of a home for those that need such support will certainly be a significant landmark in the lives of our elderly on the Essequibo Coast.
Elroy Stephney

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