It was a momentous occasion for the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), which, during the recently held annual general meeting, sees its membership swelling past 12,000.
CCRP founder and executive chair, Jean Lowrie-Chin, noted that the growing interest bodes well for strengthened advocacy in areas such as health services, recreational options, legislation, and pensions for seniors.
She saluted the wise guidance of board directors Vilma McDonald, Patricia Reid-Waugh, Aloun Assamba, Marlene Street Forrest, Dr Owen James, Dennis Jones, Sethuraman Kumaraswamy, Peter Mais, Warren McDonald and Donovan Wignal.
Proposed elderly care and protection legislation
Last October, a motion to create the Elderly Care and Protection Act was unanimously approved by the Senate. Lowrie-Chin remarked on CCRP’s seven-year advocacy for this legislation. There was applause for Senator Floyd Morris who had moved the motion and Senator Sherene Golding Campbell who not only seconded the motion but also offered to chair the committee. Golding Campbell accomplished her goal of a comprehensive framework for the legislation earlier this year.
Health services
On the matter of health services, the CCRP annual report highlighted the health plans being offered for persons up to 79 years by Sagicor via Gallagher Insurance Brokers and the international silver plan offered by Morgan White via John Galt Brokers for members up to 85 years. Thanks were extended to the National Health Fund and CEO Everton Anderson who responded positively to CCRP’s request for coverage of five new conditions, which include colorectal cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and thyroid disease.
Goodwill ambassador
The report outlined that goodwill ambassador Joan McDonald, appointed in February 2024, actively engaged in a range of initiatives throughout the year. She participated in community events, coordinated CCRP member participation in medical missions with AOJAH and Medicine in Action, and presented at several gatherings, promoting membership.
CCRP Caring Committee and parish representatives
A highlight of the CCRP annual peport was the noteworthy performance of the caring committee with the support of the CCRP parish representatives. CCRP’s Caring Committee distributed care packages to those most in need, supported hurricane relief efforts in collaboration with the National Council for Senior Citizens, and provided roof repairs for elders affected by Hurricane Beryl from funds raised from the NDTC benefit concert. The funds also covered outreach to nursing homes and charities.
Pensioners tax relief
Lowrie-Chin reported that after a written request to then-Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke, he announced in March 2024 that tax relief for pensioners would be increased from J$80,000 to J$250,000. Pensioners are now looking forward to even increased tax relief for those receiving J$6 million or less annually, recently announced by the Government.
Partners and discount partners
There was commendation for Jamaica National General Insurance (JNGI) for their Silver Shield Plan exclusively for CCRP members, and the 125 discount partners that offer reduced prices to members. Over the year, CCRP added 26 new discount partnersacross nearly all categories, increasing the total to 125.
During the discussion section of the AGM, members voiced their support for the advocacy being conducted on their behalf by the CCRP. They also expressed appreciation for the many exciting excursions that are taking place, and which are helping them to experience the CCRP motto of “Life to the Fullest.”
Life certificate for pensioners
It was reported that in October 2024, CCRP engaged with the Registrar General’s Department and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to streamline the Life Certificate verification process, proposing that RGD records be made accessible to the NIS to simplify verification for seniors. CCRP is now represented by general manager Angela Patterson on the committee planning the ‘AmAlive’ digital solution.
Rockfort Mineral Bath petition
Lowrie-Chin was happy to report on the official reopening of the Rockfort Mineral Bath. CCRP launched the petition for the reopening of the bath in 2023, and within five days over 2,500 members had signed the petition and over 300 submitted comments on past experiences of using the bath for health and wellness. This was shared with Cemex representatives, who were in the process of finalising talks with the National Heritage Foundation. The bath was reopened on August 21.
CCRP Living Legacy Awards
At the CCRP AGM, members were reminded that the 2025 CCRP Living Legacy Awards will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. In light of its 15th anniversary, 15 outstanding individuals will receive Living Legacy Awards in various areas of accomplishment.
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