The Government of Dominica continues to demonstrate that it is prepared to support and look after the needs of the ageing population.
Parliamentary Representative for the Cottage Constituency Reginald Austrie, in addressing a National Senior Citizens rally at the Benjamin Park in Portsmouth last Sunday, said Government has not resisted from tackling the issue of ageing in Dominica.
He said the “Yes We Care” social Programme implemented by the current administration, is testimony that it is concerned about the less fortunate elderly amongst us.
“The Government of Dominica has instituted what we call the YES WE CARE programme. It is a programme that seeks to give less fortunate senior citizens a second chance, an opportunity to have their hair combed, an opportunity to have a decent meal, an opportunity to have their beds made at least once a day. The Government is paying somebody to look after these people,” he told those present at the Rally.
He added that it’s unfortunate that some family members and neigbours have neglected their responsibility.
“You have to ask yourself, where are the relatives and neighbours of these elderly people? They are not there and these poor people are left to fend for themselves. I want to say to you that as long as we remain the Government of Dominica, we will continue to stretch our hands across the country to ensure that our senior citizens are in fact made very comfortable,” he said.
He continued that the social and economic well being of the island’s elderly folk is a priority for this government. Austrie, who is a strong advocate of the old say the elderly, should be seen not as a burden but as a resource.
“You have made your contribution to this country, you have done your work in this country and had it not been for you I would not have been here. Having not received the medical care I and many other people would not have been here and so your contribution has to be recognized for the role that you have played in the development of this country” he told the Senior Citizens rally.
The Senior Citizens Rally in Portsmouth was the last of a series of activities organized by the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA INC) to commemorate the month of the elderly.
The four weeks of activities ended on Tuesday October 1.
i respect the government for this, yet its a shame in such a small country like waitikubuli we dot have a greater sense of community to care for our older folks.
why did he not support you follow.dont be fooled.
May god bless you!
Its a well known fact, that any type of civilised society always looks after their elderly population. The fact that this corrupt government have to always posit this position is clearly for an emotional route for more votes.
Give it to the relevant agencies such as social services, instead of prostituting for votes. I’m just saying
Hand outs. The buying of votes has started.
without a doubt.!!
Stop putting politic in everything.insted of saying these things why don’t you use your your spear time and help those i need.
Nonsense, Yes we care is a good initiative and is not yesterday it was implemented. So don’t come with your nonsense about buying votes. The elderly is important as well. At least when it good say it damn good. If old people who were bed ridden and had no one to cook, clean and take care of them can now have a hot meal and a tidy home, smiles on their faces and be clean and decent why cant you appreciate it for the good that it is. Even if you all are the opposition but allu stretching it we…tout biten, oppose. shucks man. If they were not taking care of the elderly what will you say!
good job may god bless u and the people who do the good