Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 05, 2016 (SKNIS): In officially launching the Month of Older Persons, Senator and Minister of State responsible for Social Services and Community Development, Honourable Wendy Phipps, highlighted the fact that older persons in the Federation are attaining the age of 100.
Minister Phipps said that among the centenarians are several males, whose lifespan is scientifically shorter than that of females.
“What is also heartening is that more of our menfolk are now attaining the age of 100, she said.
Minister Phipps noted that the longevity of older persons was acknowledged for the first time this year when the Social Services and Community Development Department staged a Centenarian Day that was hosted by Governor General His Excellency Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton on May 31, 2016.
Deputy Director of Social Services, Ann Wigley, made the confirmation that there are fifteen (15) 100 year olds presently living in the Federation.
Centenarians on St. Kitts are James Pemberton, Edward Bailey-Solomon, Amos Davis and Samuel Depusoir and Lilian Griffin, who are 100 years old; Alfred Tyson and Una Duporte are both 101; and Gladys Williams and Louisa Isaac are 102. On Nevis, the centenarians are Celian Powell, 104 years of age; Doris Claxton and William Douglas, 102; Hisabelle “Dowie” Elliott and Florence Liburd, 101; and Rosetta Hull, 100.
The commemorative month is being held under the theme: “Take a Stand Against Ageism”, with the sub-theme “60+ Counts,” as designated by the United Nations. Locally, activities commenced on Sunday, October 2, with a church service at the Church of God of Prophesy in Newton Ground, St. Kitts, and will continue with a march in Nevis on Saturday, October 8, in which seniors from both islands will participate.
The remaining major events take place on Saturday, October 15, which is Senior Citizens’ Movie Day at Caribbean Cinemas and Wednesday, October 19 – Distribution of Food Hampers at the Seventh Day Adventist School; and Saturday, October 29th, is reserved for the Senior Citizens’ Gala at Manhattan Gardens Restaurant.
During the month of October, staff of the Social Services and Community Development Department will also make guest appearances on various radio and television shows to showcase the work of the Department, the importance of senior citizens to our families, communities and country, and the Federation’s responsibility to older persons.