President of the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA), Zetma Toussaint has revealed that a total of 12 elderly persons lost their lives during the passage of Tropical Storm Erika which devastated sections of the island on August 27th, 2015.
Speaking at 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the DCOA at the Goodwill Parish Hall on Monday, she said some of the bodies have not been recovered.
She noted that members of the Colihaut Senior Citizens Group were also severely impacted.
“Last year, 2015, was both busy and challenging especially after the passage of Tropical Storm Erika. I am to report that a total of 12 elderly persons lost their lives in this horrific storm, some of whom whose bodies have never been recovered” she revealed. “The council was able after collecting various items to provide relief in the form of personal and household effects.”
Toussaint stated further that Tropical Storm Erika also threatened to derail the council’s planned 3rd Caribbean Conference last September, “however we continued with much determination in collaboration with the Economic Commission for Latin America…”
“Thanks to the quick thinking of members of the Board of Directors and staff, we rallied around each other and proceeded in hosting the 3rd Caribbean Conference on ageing, elder abuse and the rights of older persons held on November 30th and December 1st 2015,” she stated. “From all reports the conference was successful and Dominica and the council were commended for their efforts.”
Moreover, she indicated that the lives of the elderly depend, to a large extent on how members of society treasure and honour the older members of its community.
She pointed out that the theme for this year’s AGM is “Building Friendly Communities.”
“The theme suggests that we have to first acknowledge that our society is an ageing one and thus emphasis has to be placed on making life more pleasant for our elders,” Toussaint noted. “An aged friendly society ensures that the seniors are well cared for in a loving environment that children learn to respect and honour the elderly at a very early age that all forms of abuse and violence are eradicated from all communities and seniors being safe and secure.”
She mentioned also that in building an age-friendly society access and proper lighting all aspects of society will have to change their concept of ageing.
“The various services such as healthcare, social services and education among others will have to reorient the way they cater for elderly,” she remarked.
She added, “It will not be too farfetched to give consideration to making buildings age-friendly, improving access by providing sidewalks so that wheelchairs and other aid can be used by the elderly very easily, access also and proper lightening as features that will assist in making life easier for the elderly.”
Toussaint called on the elderly to portray a positive image of themselves.
She said all members of society must be on board including children, the youth, adults and elders.
“This is my appeal to the respective groups and to all community leaders, churches and other civic groups to examine their role in developing this age-friendly community that we aspire for,” Toussaint said. “Let us stamp out the negative head of abuse to the elderly that is forging its ugly head in some of our communities. Let us not give up the fight.”
She thanked the government and other organizations who continues to support the council.
I wholeheartedly endorse what you stated. The youths must learn respect and for the elderly. If we live long enough, one day we will grow older, hopefully gracefully.
) I would certainly donate some to non-profit.organizations. Dominica would be first on my list.
The Lord takes note of our actions. What we put into life and how we treat others, we will receive two-fold.
Today, D/ca has a few more non profit organizations. Are the names on the Internet? There are D/cans as I who reside overseas. We have read of some of them as on DNO.. However, we are not all familiar with the names of these organizations. A list of them would be appreciated that in time we could contribute to.
I, personally would spread the word among all those whom I know as others do likewise, as each one reaches one, wherever we reside.
As I always say, if per chance I would be fortunate to win a lottery, a big one (if only
Normally, we could also contribute annually.
WHAT!!!! Only now this is coming out…only now months after the Storm that this tragic news is out…Nothing from the Government..OMG. ..this is sad and terrible…cannot believe this is my country..