‘It’s worrisome to hear about elderly murders’- Minister Webster

Apr 01, 2014 News

By Latoya Giles
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster, yesterday expressed shock and dismay at the recent murders of two senior citizens. She said that this sort of violence is worrisome.
Minister Webster, in her budget presentation, said that it was “worrisome” to know that one of the victims is reported to have been raped. She said that as leaders in society, they must send the signal that this type of violence must not be tolerated.
The minister said that the National Commission on the Elderly will continue its work during 2014. Webster told the House that this year the Ministry, in collaboration with the National Commission, will conclude the formulation of minimum standards for all homes and facilities providing care to the elderly.
She said that the Ministry will work to ensure that the Palms Geriatric Home, a model for elderly care, with focus on establishing best practices, seek to build the capacity of patient care assistants.
She said that there is a plan to partner with site based organizations to establish centers for the elderly in various communities across Guyana.
On Saturday, the partly decomposed body of a 75-year-old woman who was identified as Yvonne Adams was found in her Amelia’s Ward, Linden home with an electric cord wrapped around her neck.
On Wednesday, police found Joyce Lewis, another 75-year-old, dead in her North Ruimveldt home. She was also strangled. She lived alone.
Webster also pointed to instances of elderly persons who are abandoned by relatives at public health facilities and others who are abused at the hands of family members and pensions taken away.
Webster said that although Trafficking in Persons is a “global phenomenon” and it’s the second largest criminal activity in the world, Guyana has a very “low prevalence” of this act.
She told the House that repeated assessments have revealed a low prevalence of trafficking in persons in Guyana. The minister said that the potential impact of trafficking in persons on the safety and human rights of citizens has driven the government and its partners to develop strategies and programmes aimed at combating it.
Minister Webster explained that initiatives aimed at combating trafficking in persons have been undertaken under the guidance of the ministerial task force on trafficking in persons which comprises of representatives from government and non-governmental agencies.
In the area of Gender Equality she noted that at the recent 58th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women which was in March, Guyana reported on the progress made to reduce hunger, increase access to social services and benefits.
She said that Guyana by virtue is adopting a people-centered development approach. Webster noted that it has come a long way towards mainstreaming gender equality and the empowerment of women in national policies.

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‘It’s worrisome to hear about elderly murders’- Minister Webster

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‘It’s worrisome to hear about elderly murders’- Minister Webster

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