Jamaica is worth the effort

Observer column for MON 28 JAN 2019

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

CCRP Directors and distinguished volunteers at a meeting last year to discuss Elderly Protection Legislation.
Seated: Arlene Harrison-Henry, Public Defender and Attorney-at-Law Gloria Langrin
Standing: Board Members Avrill Crawford, Jean Lowrie-Chin (Executive Chair), Vilma McDonald,
Ambassador Aloun Assamba and Dennis Jones

Volunteerism is alive and well in Jamaica, and the kind folks who are stepping up for others are positively inspiring. The Business & Professional Women’s (BPW) Club of St. Andrew have been supporting the Elsie Bemand Home for Girls for decades and at a recent meeting, members spoke like proud parents when they related the academic performance of the students.  For back-to-school, they have ensured that the children have uniforms, books and proper nutrition to optimize their performance. 

Attorney-at-law Gloria Langrin announced at the meeting that she had been researching legislation for protection of the elderly and had data from Australia, Canada, India and Northern Ireland which can assist the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) in their quest to have similar legislation in Jamaica.  There were just about a dozen members at the BPW meeting, planning these initiatives under the leadership of President Dr Mearle Barrett. I was reminded of that famous quote by the late anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

Meeting earlier this month with Shona Heron and Norma Taylor

When we survey the beauty of our land, the blessings of our fertile soil and the innate goodness of our people, we know that Jamaica is worth every bead of sweat that we break. As we journeyed to Ocho Rios and Montego Bay earlier this month, the sights buoyed our spirits on our mission to establish chapters of CCRP which advocates for the welfare of seniors. 

Pixley Irons 

Enthusiastic volunteers Norma Taylor and Shona Heron in Montego Bay have stepped forward to lead the over 200 members in Western Jamaica, and Vana Taylor and Pixley Irons will lead the over 100 in Northeast Jamaica.

There is a great deal of focus on our children, as there should be, but not enough on our elderly, too many of whom are being abused mentally, physically and financially. Shona Heron related to us the heartrending story of her late elderly relative who had suffered from dementia.  She visited her regularly and noticed that she had marks on her legs.  One day Shona entered the house unannounced, only to find the caregiver beating the poor woman. We have heard too many horror stories like this. Thank goodness for the efforts of concerned Jamaicans on behalf of the elderly.