Member of Parliament for Roseau Central, Norris Prevost, has advocated for more respect be given to the dignity of elders.
Addressing the 2012 Christmas Gathering of the Dominican Council on Aging Inc, at the Windsor Park Stadium on Sunday, Prevost said it is degrading when the good being done for elders is constantly broadcast.
“I call upon caregivers and all those who help the elderly materially, emotionally, or physically, to respect the human dignity of our elders, and to uplift their pride and self esteem. It is not necessary to keep broadcasting over and over on TV and radio, whatever little we do for the elderly,” he said.
According to Prevost, elders have done their share in nation building and now they earn the right to be looked after.
“The elderly have worked hard throughout their lives for family, for community and for country. To be looked after in their late years is a right they have earned. They deserve the care, the love and the material support. We owe it to them,” he said.
Tribute was paid to Dominica’s centenarians and elders at the gathering and the country’s young people were called upon to copy the work of the elderly in their honesty, industriousness and hard work, in order to live long and build themselves, their families and Dominica.
I agree, more respect,,,they cursing them, they chupesing, they giving back chat,,,they think they will not age too…
O.K Prevost just say. uyOu have a partisan poitical problem with the success of “Yes We Care” promotions video. Just say it. Don’t mask it. We all know what you want to say. Don’t spin it.
You are right on the button Honourable Prevost. I endorse your statement 100 000 000 000 000 000 000%. Hope they get the message and they stop using the elderly citizens of the land as their political footballs.
Norris by now you should realize that everything Dominicans do; they do it with some ulterior motives; be it political, or simply because they want to hear their names on Radio and Television.
You know, it is a similarity to the where the Scribes and Pharisees ( I hope I spell that correctly) in Biblical days did everything publicly simply because they seek that earthly glory from man; however, their heart was not in what they do, it is the same we are experiencing today.
That is why when Dominicans asks me to involve myself collectively in doing anything pertaining to Dominica, I usually refuse, because in the end some put themselves out to get recognized for what everyone else contributes.
If I am doing something for someone at home, I do it in private, and I expect what I do to remain only in the mind of the person I helped; and in my mind alone and the Almighty.
The government does things for individuals in order to sometimes boost their political ego, and secure votes, individuals do things only to hear “that person is a nice person” and impress the unfortunate who cannot do anything to help themselves, or anyone else!
Looking after, or helping an next door neighbor or anybody who need help, especially the old and aging for that matter; no one should seek after a feather in their cap for that because as long as we remain alive each day the Sun rises and falls, it is one day added to our age; we become one day older, and might require that same help some day!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Dear Mr Prevost
I support your stance that we all should respect the elderly for all the good reasons you stated.
However, this is not the cause of our problem. There is no or little respect in society. Why are we asked to respect the elderly, when we respect no one else. Listen to the oral abuse on the radio stations, parents do not respect teachers, radio hosts and their callers make degrading comments on others and the country.
How do speakers at functions say “protocol having been established” and then continue their remarks.
Being non political, persons refused to address the President as President – the very people who say that “one is innocent until proved guilty.”
So Mr Prevost, again, I commend you, however, let us solve the causes of disrespect in the county. If we all respectful, then there would be no need to worry about disrespecting the elderly.
couldn t have said it better. right on the mark. i often remark that not only do Dominicans like to talk, they have perfected the art of doing so from both sides of their mouths.