SVG Police embrace World Elderly Day

by Eldonte Samuel

The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) and the Ministry of National Mobilisation this week collaborated to organise a series of activities aimed at honouring the nation’s senior citizens.

Supt Simmons speaking to a resident at Garden of Eden

The week-long programme concluded on Friday, October 4, with the distribution of gifts to retired police officers and other senior members from various communities.

Throughout the week, representatives from the RSVGPF and the Ministry of National Mobilisation visited multiple homes for the elderly, accompanied by the police force band, to serenade the residents and convey their appreciation.

Visits were made to the Garden of Eden elderly home at Dorsetshire Hill on Tuesday, October 1, and the Joycare View Home at Richland Park on Wednesday, October 2.

Ex-calypsonian, Blakie, a resident at the Joycare View Home, added to the festive atmosphere as he joined in the musical performances with the police band.

While the planned visit to the senior home at Cane Grove on Thursday had to be postponed, a panel discussion was held on WEFM’s Thursday Cop Chat programme. The discussion focused on the theme, “Supporting our elders: safety, dignity, and empowerment,” which addressed critical issues such as cybersecurity safety for senior citizens.

The United Nations designates October 1 as The International Day of Older persons (World Elderly Day), and this year marked the first time that it was observed by the RSVGPF, Superintendent of Police, Junior Simmons said.
He emphasised the significance of the day in recognizing and acknowledging the contributions made by the elderly towards nation-building and the social fabric of society.

Simmons acknowledged the importance of fostering greater appreciation for the elderly.

“We believe that the elderly play an important role in shaping the fabric of our society and building this nation with their sweat and tears. Now that they are in their ‘sunset years’, we can’t allow them to just stay at home. We believe in giving back to them,” Simmons told SEARCHLIGHT.
“Some of them, are incapacitated, but it doesn’t mean that they still cannot contribute in some form or fashion.”

In a video posted to the RSVGPF’s Facebook page, one lady is seen lying in her bed, but was very aware of what was happening around her.

“She sang, she prayed for us, and she was speaking eloquently,” the Police Superintendent said.

A member from the Ministry of Mobilisation with one of the residents at Garden of Eden

He described his experience as a ‘humbling moment’.

“I said to myself, if the Lord can spare my life to reach that age, I’d want to experience something like that as well.”

The Police officer also stressed the significance of giving back to the elderly and urged the public, irrespective of age, to show love and care for the older generation.

The RSVGPF plans to continue the annual observance of World Elderly Day and extend the activities to the Grenadines at a future date this year.