By:Curtis Morton
Charlestown-Nevis-As part of the activities being held to celebrate the month of older persons, which is being held under the theme: ‘Take a stand against ageism,’ the seniors on Nevis participated in a historic march, on Friday 7th October.
According to Coordinator of the seniors’ division at the Social Services Department, Mrs. Garcia Hendrickson, the march was held on the insistence of Minister responsible for Social Development on the island, Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams.
‘I almost had a riot,’ noted Mrs. Hendrickson, at a mini rally at the ET Willet Park, at the culmination of the march. ‘When the rains came, I said that we may not march again and the seniors indicated that they came to march and they were going to march,’ she stated, during her vote of thanks.
The seniors marched and danced their way from downtown Charlestown, from in front of the Henry Memorial Wesleyan Holiness church, through Main Street, Charlestown, right up to the ET Willett Park, accompanied by lively gospel music, emanating from the speakers of a local DJ.
Some of the seniors were actually happily placed in two of the FUNKY MONKEY tours’ vehicles.
Also speaking at the culmination of the march, was Deputy Director at the Department of Social Services, Mrs. Kim Singh, who spoke with pride of the tremendous contributions of the older persons and pointed out that they should be honoured and well taken care of in their golden years.
Seniors Coordinator on St. Kitts, Ms. Anne Wigley, who brought over a contingent of some forty-eight seniors, added her voice to the proceedings.
She stated that every day is really seniors’ day but just like Valentine’s Day, a special month has been assigned for celebrating the older persons.
She also took time out to salute the centenarians within the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, pointing out that there were ten in St. Kitts and six in Nevis.
Hon. Hazel Brandy Williams, warmly thanked the St. Kitts contingent for braving the weather and coming over to be a part of the historic march. She indicated that a concerted effort was made to vary the activities this year and thanked all those who had a part in making the march a reality.
She was adamant that the seniors ought to be respected and receive the services that would enhance their golden years.
‘You are the ones who have set the foundation for us to build on. We pledge to carry on the fine work that you have started and established,’ she stated.
She took time out to list some of the programs that her Administration has put in place to assist the seniors. These include but are not limited to: Subsidized utilities; transportation assistance and minor repairs to homes.
She also indicated that she is eagerly anticipating the inaugural golden girls queen show slated for December.
The day concluded with the seniors enjoying a sumptuous luncheon at the Park and mingling with each other.