By: Drizel Hanley
Basseterre, St.Kitts: Surrounding the theme “Tapping into the Talents, Contributions, and Participation of the older persons in society” the Month of Older Persons has been officially launched.
Minister with responsibility for Health, Social Services, Community Development and Gender Affairs, Sen. Wendy Phipps declared the Month of Older Persons opened and commented on the theme noting that it is “a declaration of the imperative inclusiveness of our senior citizens in everything we undertake.”
The Minister further noted that an entire month of activities are being held to “celebrate aging and the invaluable contributions of our citizens.”
Sen. Phipps also called on the people as a nation to understand and appreciate senior citizens and to be mindful that they too matter.
On Sunday 1st October, a Church Service was held in Sandy Point at the Roman Catholic Church.
Every Thursday for the month is dubbed Elderly Spa Day.
Today, Friday 6th October, Senior citizens are scheduled to travel over to the sister isle of Nevis where they will tour and also participate in the Seniors March.
Thursday 19th October is slated for a picnic at Frigate Bay.
Visits to and recognition of the oldest person in each community would also take place throughout the month.
The theme for this year’s celebration was chosen by the United Nations in observance of International Day of Older Persons which is traditionally celebrated on October 1st of each year.