Highlights from 2007

Last year the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA) set up a delegation to present their asks and recommendations to the Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerritt and 13 members of his cabinet.

The Prime Minister issued an official response, indicating plans for a greater level of collaboration with DCOA on future policies relating to older people.

DCOA was invited to provide the government with the following lists:

• Medication that should be available free of charge to older people.
  
• Older people in need of housing assistance.
• Older people in need of a pension, to be placed on the public assistance list.

The Prime Minister also indicated that the government would fund the purchase and development of an office for DCOA.

What's planned for 2008?

Following the success of last year's meeting, the delegation are keen to meet again with ministers to assess whether the commitments made in 2007 have been fulfilled. They will meet with the Prime Minister and cabinet members.

They will ask the Government to make a commitment to improve the lives of older people through:

• Improved housing. An effort should be made to improve the toilet facilities, electricity and water pipes, ventilation, surroundings and kitchen facilities of older people's houses.
• A revised healthcare programme for older people. This should adress availability of drugs, access to treatment, attitude of healthcare staff, and the introduction of a home-based care programme.
• Training. Two doctors should be trained in the specialist field of gerontology.
• Sponorship. Field workers who work specifically with older persons should receive sponsorship.
• Improved access for older people. Better sidewalks, ramps and railings to public buildings, improved access to transport and parking facilities, and consideration of older people's access needs in housing plans.

The delegation

Mr Johnny Joseph, 66

Johnny is a regular at the REACH day care centre. He was left blind six years ago when he punctured his eye while digging yams in his garden. He lives alone.

 

Miss Jeanne Phillip, 69

A regular particpant in activities at the REACH day care centre, Jeanne has a passion for cricket. She used to play every day and now she keeps up her interest by watching it on television. Jeanne looks after two of her grandchildren.

Josephine Matthew (MaJoe), 76

Cooking and playing bingo are Josephine's favourite hobbies and her favourite foods are rice, plantain, green banana, and fish. MaJoe is the only Grandma at the REACH day care that can play four (4) bingo cards at once without even marking them.

Mrs Ophelia Marie, 57

Ophelia is an internationally renowned Dominican singer and the coordinator of a vibrant senior citizens' group.

Jno Baptiste Bellot, 66

Jno lives on the south of the island in Soufriere. He is a senior citizen and a vibrant member of the group.

Veronica Alexander, 61

President of Woodford Hill Senior Citizens Group.

Ignatia Pascal, 65

Coordinator of St Jerome's Ministry in Grand Bay.

Phillip Jno Baptiste

A member of the Council of Ageing.

Sandra Lawrence

From the village of La Plaine.

Huxley Pierre

A member of the St. Joseph Day Centre located on the north of the island.