Advocacy, community outreach and member empowerment took centre stage as CCRP (Caribbean Community of Retired Persons) hosted its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, July 23, at the Police Officers’ Club in Kingston. Members from across the island attended both in person and online to reflect on another impactful year (2025), celebrate the organisation’s achievements, and look ahead to the future.
Championing Advocacy for Older Jamaicans
Advocacy remained at the heart of CCRP’s work throughout the year as the organisation continued to champion the rights and well-being of older Jamaicans. A key highlight was CCRP’s presentation to the Senate, where Founder and Executive Chair Jean Lowrie-Chin called for legislation to better protect older persons from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The presentation advanced national discussions and contributed to the Government’s commitment to strengthening legal protections for seniors. AGM Chair Lowrie-Chin also noted the reopening of the Rockfort Mineral Bath following CCRP’s advocacy and their current outreach to the Jamaica Bankers Association for wheelchair access to ATMs, among other causes.
CCRP’s audited statements were presented by Director Warren McDonald, Chair of the organisation’s Finance Committee. Other Board Directors in attendance were Vilma McDonald and Patricia Reid-Waugh and online Dr Marlene Street Forrest, Dr Owen James and Donovan Wignal.
Responding to Hurricane Melissa
When Hurricane Melissa devastated western Jamaica in November 2025, CCRP quickly mobilised to support some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens. In partnership with Food For The Poor Jamaica and with the generous support of members, donors and corporate partners, the organisation provided emergency relief to seniors and families who had lost homes, livelihoods and essential belongings.
Using proceeds from its National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) Benefit Performance and additional donations, CCRP helped distribute food and hygiene packages, provided cash grants and contributed to roof repairs for elderly residents in communities across St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James and Trelawny.
Valued Discount Partners Recognised
The AGM also spotlighted some of CCRP’s valued Discount Partners, who attended the meeting and continue to play a vital role in enhancing the benefits available to members. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration in helping CCRP deliver greater value to its growing membership.
Discount Partners Bloom-Karin Yoga Life, Denz Elevator Company, Dr Suzanne Taylor, Dr Winston Dawes, Jamaica Automobile Association, Fast Recovery Human Tecar Treatment Centre and Sheldon’s Auto Parts were among those recognised for their ongoing support. Through the CCRP Discount Programme, members enjoy exclusive savings on a wide range of products and services.
Entrepreneurship in Action
A fitting conclusion to the AGM was the presentation of Certificates of Participation to 11 of the 42 members who successfully completed the CCRP Entrepreneurship Programme, funded by Digicel Foundation.
Facilitated by Dr. Kadamawe K’nife, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Thinking and Practice at the Mona School of Business and Management, UWI and Jamaica’s first Certified International Trade Professional, Robert Scott, the programme equipped participants with practical business skills and entrepreneurial knowledge.
Certificates were presented by Digicel Foundation CEO, Charmaine Daniels, Director of Strategic Planning & Community Development, Miguel “Steppa” Williams and Dr. Kadamawe K’nife, highlighting the successful partnership between CCRP and Digicel Foundation in promoting lifelong learning and economic empowerment.
Providers of discounted insurance plans also shared information with members: Gallagher Insurance Brokers, managers of CCRP health plans underwritten by Sagicor; John Galt Insurance Brokers, managers of international health plans underwritten by Lloyd’s of London, and BCIC who offer the CCRP Silver Shield property and automobile Insurance plans.
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