Jean Lowrie-Chin, chair of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), says the organisation is continuing to press the Government for greater action to shield Jamaican seniors, especially the elderly from all forms of abuse. 

Lowrie-Chin said that the executive of CCRP has had meetings with former Social Security Minister Karl Samuda and representatives of the ministry to advance the creation of an Elderly Care and Protection Act. The ministry indicated that a working committee was being formed for this purpose and that it would include CCRP in the discussions.

The CCRP chair, addressing the annual general meeting (AGM) at the Police Officers Club in St Andrew on July 19, cited an elderly abuse survey conducted by the organisation in September 2022.

Of the 155 members who participated, 79 individuals reported that they had witnessed elderly abuse in at least one form. In their comments, some participants stated that the elderly were being abused financially by their offspring as well as other family members, in that they are being influenced into giving them money or signing over various assets into their name. 

The survey also reported the prevalence of elderly abuse among nursing homes and from caregivers. Seniors said they experienced verbal, physical and financial abuse when family members are not present. This abuse and intimidation made many elders afraid or reluctant to speak up for fear of repercussions.

Much emphasis was also placed on the condition of care homes across the country. CCRP has been in touch with the Health & Wellness Ministry to update certification of care homes as those listed on their website have expired since 2021.  

Participants also noted an indifference and lack of care from various government agencies, with tax offices cited as a specific example. Special lines for elderly persons have been removed, they said, along with seating for extended waiting, and no bathrooms are ever available. 

With research provided by board directors Warren McDonald and Patricia Reid-Waugh, CCRP has written to the Finance Minister Nigel Clarke requesting a waiver or reduction in taxation on retirees’ earnings, similar to the terms which obtain in Trinidad & Tobago or Barbados. 

Turning to the membership generally, the CCRP chair said the organisation has also been encouraging its 12,500+ members to sharpen their digital skills by participating in several seminars on the topic. 

Additionally, CCRP has been encouraging its members to join the National Health Fund (NHF), which recently added to the pharmaceuticals covered under its programme.

CCRP now has 87 discount partners, who have brought relief to its membership base.