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Govt. to develop better health care for the elderly
As Min. Webster recognizes senior citizens as those who built the moral fabric of society
By Abena Rockcliffe
Scores of Senior Citizens turned out yesterday at Water Chris Restaurant on Waterloo Street to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the Government Pensioners’ Association of Guyana, which was observed under the theme “celebrating our golden years”.
Minister Jennifer Webster
Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster, who was tasked with delivering the feature address, commended the association for its hard work. She noted that October is recognized by the United Nations (UN) as the month to honour the elderly persons in society.
Webster cited a Guyanese based study done in 2008 which showed the life expectancy of Guyanese to be about 70 “but I know most of you are above that age, so congratulations.”
The Minister delivered hope to the audience as she indicated that the government will continue to improve the quality of life offered to senior citizens.
Further, she noted that the government recognizes their individual selfless contributions to Guyana and added that their contributions will serve as inspirations to many. In that regard, Webster pledged that the government will continue to formulate policies and programmes to address better old age pension, health care public transportation and will also be looking at a social protection plan.
The Minister acknowledged the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) as an “area of concern” but assured that she and her team are working to address it and other related concerns.
In addition, Webster said that her Ministry is building a capacity for health professionals who will address specific ailments likely to affect elderly citizens.
Webster admitted that issues affecting the elderly have been overshadowed by seemingly more pressing issues; but vowed that this will be no more. She indicated that legislation which will serve as a means to protect the rights of the elderly, is being considered.
“Once again I commend you for building the moral fabric of our society.”
GPAG also treated members and invited guests to numerous renditions and humour. A crowd favorite was “Rules For Marriage”, which was delivered by Lennox Hyman. Some of the rules that evoked much laughter from the audience was “Never destroy things from the household due to vexation because you will have to replace it; never think you will agree during marriage upon things that you didn’t agree on before marriage; the good book (Bible) say the husband is the head and the wife is the helper she must help him to achieve his goals and be comfortable in all his undertakings.”
General President of GPAG, Wendel Roberts, who chaired the programme, used the tomato to advise the gathering on how to look at old age. Roberts said that when a tomato begins to wither, it is at its sweetest stage and said that most times it is during the old age we discover that “we” have devoted our hearts to wisdom.
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