Biabou Senior Citizens Fitness Group celebrates 9th anniversary

The members of the Biabou Senior Citizens Fitness Group had lovely weather as they celebrated their 9th anniversary, on Sunday, February 25, 2018. Members of the group came out in their numbers to show support for what has become an important part of their lives – exercise, spiritual upliftment, bonding, and sightseeing. The event was held at the Biabou hardcourt.

In her opening address, chief health promotion officer in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Patsy Wyllie stated that the purpose of Sunday’s celebratory activity is to launch a series of activities leading up to the group’s 10th anniversary, on February 26, 2019. Wyllie said the formation of the Biabou Senior Citizens Fitness Group is a “clear demonstration of health promotion in its truest sense,” where senior citizens are enabled to increase control over and to improve their health through positive health behaviours. Wyllie also used the opportunity to thank other members of her staff for their various contributions to the group.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Simone Keizer-Beache was present at the event. She expressed gratitude to Wyllie and her team in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment for their hard work with and dedication to the Biabou Senior Citizens Fitness Group.

A long-standing member of the group, Ena Rodney, shared her experience with the group. Rodney said she is glad to be a member of the Biabou Senior Citizens Fitness Group. Before the group started, she explained that there were not many places for senior citizens to go. She thanked all organizers and the leaders of the group.

In his exhortation, Pastor Lenford Matthews applauded the group for attaining its 9th anniversary. He said that this is testimony of their strong bonds. Pastor Matthews told members that it is their determination to go on that has them celebrating their 9th anniversary. He encouraged the group to continue to celebrate what they have achieved.

The Parliamentary Representative for South Windward and Minister with responsibility for the Family, Frederick Stephenson, is proud that Biabou has such a group that is an example of healthy living and commitment among senior citizens. Stephenson congratulated members on this very important milestone in the life of their group. This is the only one of this kind in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Minister Stephenson stated. “It is our hope and it is the hope of the Government that more of these groups would be formed here in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” he added.

Members of the Biabou Senior Citizens Fitness Group led in prayer, scripture and song service, with other items from students of the Biabou Methodist School, New Adelphi Steel Orchestra, and the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Soldiers.