Abuse of older persons, access to healthcare and mental health concerns were among the issues discussed when representatives of the Guyana Association of Retired Persons (GARP) met officials of the CARICOM Secretariat on October 19.
According to CARICOM, the discussions covered physical, mental and financial abuse, the impact of HIV on older populations and the welfare of older persons across the region.
The Secretariat’s engagement was led by Beverly Harry-Emmanuel, Adviser and Officer-in-Charge of the Directorate of Human and Social Development, alongside technical officers responsible for gender, education and health sector development.
GARP, which was officially launched earlier this month and is headed by former APNU government minister Joseph Harmon, describes itself in its executive summary as a non-governmental, benevolent and non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the welfare, dignity, security and social inclusion of retired persons throughout Guyana.
The association says it seeks to provide a unified voice for retirees while supporting their continued participation in national development.
According to the document, financial insecurity, limited awareness of pension and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) benefits, social isolation, healthcare concerns and inadequate representation in policy discussions are among the challenges it intends to address.
Its proposed programmes include retirement planning, pension and NIS guidance, financial literacy training, health and wellness initiatives, social and recreational activities, community outreach and volunteer opportunities.
Advocacy is identified as a central part of its mandate. GARP says it will engage government ministries, the NIS, healthcare providers, financial institutions and civil society organisations on policies and initiatives affecting retired persons.
It also intends to establish partnerships with private businesses, faith-based organisations, community groups and international partners to expand services and opportunities for retirees.
According to the executive summary, funding will be mobilised through partnerships, fundraising, grants and community support. An executive committee, operating under the association’s constitution and Guyana’s laws, will be responsible for leadership, oversight and the management of resources.
The association’s stated objectives include improving awareness of benefits, increasing access to support services, reducing isolation and encouraging active ageing and community participation.
“The experience, knowledge and contributions of retired persons remain valuable national assets that should be recognized, supported and celebrated,” the document states.
The issues raised at the CARICOM meeting fall within longstanding regional commitments on ageing. The Caribbean Charter on Health and Ageing, launched in Guyana in October 1999, promotes older persons’ health and their participation in Caribbean societies and economies.
The charter addresses supportive environments at home, in communities and in long-term care facilities, alongside primary healthcare, economic security and opportunities for productive activity. It recognises older persons as resources for development and affirms their right to live and die with dignity.
Discussion