ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, May 2nd, 2012 – Over 200 seniors along with several Government officials gathered yesterday to celebrate the launch of Senior Citizens’ Month 2012 under the theme Aging….A Lifetime Opportunity.
In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton promised the delivery of resources such as access to affordable, quality prescription medication and improved home care services so that the Territory’s senior citizens can live in comfort.
Additionally, plans to improve the delivery of homecare services include the establishment of standards and stabilizing the homecare work force; training and recruitment programmes for home care workers; and a registry of qualified providers who have passed a criminal background check.
Honourable Skelton stated, “Our immediate priorities must be to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community still receive the help they need; and to plan a future that gives our seniors the services that matter most”.
The health minister recognised the significant role of the Territory’s senior citizens in the development of the Virgin Islands and their respective communities, and shared that in spite of the many challenges experienced, they fought to preserve the Virgin Islands so that the people of the Territory could enjoy a high standard of living.
As part of the celebrations, Minister Skelton also paid tribute to the Territory’s oldest living male senior, Mr. William “Kenny” Industrious, who celebrates his 102nd birthday tomorrow, Thursday May 3.
In his remarks the Premier Honourable Dr. D. Orlando Smith, OBE paid tribute and recognized the seniors for their many contributions to the Territory’s development.
“I look forward to Senior Citizens’ Month celebrations since it is not only a time to recognize your contributions, but also an opportunity to interact more directly with so many of you, and to be reminded that age to many of us is just a number and growing older is just a part of a lifetime opportunity,” said Premier Smith.
Senior Citizens’ Month, an annual event held in May, is hosted by the Ministry of Health and Social Development to celebrate the Territory’s seniors. Featured highlights include an Open House and Cultural Day at the Old Sugar Works Museum on May 4; Seniors Games at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds on May 9; a General Knowledge Challenge at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall on May 16 and a Seniors Variety Concert on May 20 at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium
Other scheduled activities are an open house at the Adina Donovan Home on May 23; open house at all of the seniors’ centres on May 25; and a Seniors Health and Fitness Day on May 30.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development endeavours to provide leadership that promotes health, social well being and a safe environment.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
British Virgin Islands News