Spotlight on our bedrock - Jamaica’s seniors

Column published Mon 29 September Jamaica Observer

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Jamaica's National Council for Senior Citizens, with offices in every parish of Jamaica, continues to work at full steam despite the challenges of Covid-19.  Under the leadership of Executive Director Cassandra Morrison, they have launched a series of events to celebrate Senior Citizens Week, starting yesterday with National Grandparents' Day, National Church Service, at Phillippo Baptist Church.  The Mona Wellness & Ageing Centre, led by Professor Denise Eldemire Shearer, Alzheimer's Jamaica, led by Dr Albert Chen and STRIDE Jamaica, led by Dr Ishtar Govia have been giving invaluable support to the elderly, their families and caregivers.

Let me share some key points from a 2012 presentation by Prof Eldemire Shearer. The Professor, Honorary Chair of CCRP, explained that these preliminary findings were from a study entitled "Ageing in Jamaica today and the implications" over a one-year period. It involved a survey of 2,943 seniors in Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Thomas.  It was carried out by the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre and funded by the National Health Fund. Those interviewed ranged in age from 60 to 103 years, with the group's average age being 72.2 years.

Professor Eldemire Shearer noted that population ageing (older persons as an increasingly larger proportion of the population) was taking place worldwide at an unprecedented and pervasive rate. Persons 60 years and older represented 8% of world population in 1950 and 10% in 2000, she noted, and were projected to account for 21% by 2050.

Health & Welfare

"Population ageing brings a number of challenges related to health and welfare," she noted, "so documenting and understanding these are critical to the development of appropriate responses."  The Professor told the CCRP members and friends that of those surveyed by the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre, 52% were female. The majority had children alive – only 7.4% did not. Most (82.9%) enjoyed a good relationship with children, and more females than males had these good relationships. The majority (71.7%) of our senior citizens own their own homes, and most report being financially independent.

Chronic diseases are a challenge for this age group, defined as 60 years and older by the United Nations. Among Jamaican seniors, 65.4% suffer from either diabetes or hypertension and 22% have both. These are some of the comorbities referred to by CMO Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie which put seniors at higher risk of serious illness if they become infected with the Covid-19 virus.

The Professor pointed out that several ailments were showing a marked increase in 2012 compared to a similar survey in 1990:

Prevalence of high blood pressure rose from 42.6 to 61.3%;
Diabetes – from 10.2% to 26.2%;
Stroke – from 5.1% to 8.2%;
Heart Disease – from 5.4% to 5.5%
Glaucoma – from 4.9% to 11.6%
The prevalence of arthritis decreased, however from 40.0% to 35.0%

In addition, 5% of those surveyed in 2012 reported suffering from cancer, 55.4% said they were bothered by joint pain and 21.7% had had falls within the previous 6 months. Of the latter, the majority (54.3%) had fallen at home. Injuries sustained over that year were reported by 9.7% of the seniors surveyed. Of these, 74.8% had received medical care for their injuries, and more than half (53.6%) had been injured at home.

From personal experience, I cannot warn our seniors enough that they should wear safe shoes or secure sandals even around the house – my rubber flip-flops tripped me in my yard, and thank goodness I have now fully recovered from a broken wrist.

Most of those surveyed were able to function mentally: 11.0% were severely impaired and 38.5% had mild impairment. Less than one in 10 (8.7%) had hearing problems; 32.3% had eye problems, 7.5% had a physical disability; more than seventeen percent (17.5%) used assistive devices such as canes or walkers.

Financial challenges

Most of the seniors (72.0%) reported having only primary level education, while 17.0% reported having secondary/technical/vocational schooling, and 5.3% had been to university. Less than six percent (5.7%) reported no formal schooling. Professor Eldemire Shearer reported that most of the seniors interviewed functioned well physically. Less than 1 in 100 (0.8%) were fully dependent regarding basic activities; 92.7% were independent in all basic functions (an increase over the 88.5% reported in the 1990 survey), and approximately 7.3% needed various levels of assistance.

Asked how they planned for retirement 16.8% reported doing so with a health plan; 24.7% with savings, and 9.9% through investments. When asked about current sources of income, seniors reported that 13.5% were earning wages; 27.3% were receiving NIS payments; 48.5% were being assisted by their families; 8.2% were on the PATH programme; 15.4% had Jamaican Government pensions and 9.1% had private pensions.

Professor Eldemire Shearer urged persons to consider what their needs in old age would be, regarding financial independence, daily personal and community support, care givers and health requirements. This was especially important, she noted, for those who were single and lived alone. 

In a later presentation, she referred to a study by Dr Kayon Donaldson-Davis on Retirement Financial Literacy Levels Among Jamaicans at Mona Ageing & Wellness Centre. It notes, "Although the general literacy rate (ability to read and write at a 6th-grade level or higher) of Jamaicans is 89%, the number of people who are adequately prepared financially is not comparable... Approximately 71% of respondents who reported high levels of financial distress and low financial well-being, had not received financial information about retirement planning."

Dr Julian McKoy Davis and Prof Shearer also collaborated on a Symposium, 'Financial Literacy, Retirement, And Becoming Financially Capable in A Developing Country' last year. They note, "Less than half of all Jamaicans have adequate retirement funds. People with limited financial resources can and do save, but often use strategies that are not advantageous … Jamaica's rapidly growing ageing population has resulted in both a workforce and a retirement financial crisis."

This was pre-Covid. The hardship on our indigent elderly is severe. In Central Kingston, 86-year-old Sister Benedict Chung has redoubled her efforts to provide weekly food packages for the over 500 persons lined up at her gate at Laws Street Trade & Training Centre. She noted that she has been able to increase distribution thanks to Butch Hendrickson at National Baking, Max Jardim at Rainforest Foods, William Mahfood at Wisynco and the Digicel Foundation.

We applaud Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett for establishing a pension scheme for tourism workers, many of whom have been laid off due to low visitor arrivals. We also note the promise of Labour and Social Security Minister Karl Samuda for the revision and implementation of the National Policy for Seniors. A great deal of effort was put into the first revision by the late Minister Shahine Robinson and we look forward to this final step. The sickening issue of elderly abuse must be addressed with urgency and we look forward to briefing Minister Samuda on CCRP's submission to the Ministry on this matter.

Happy National Seniors Week to our elders – let us make every effort to keep them safe and well, just as they did for us.

PHOTO CAPTION

Seniors in solidarity - Elderly Abuse Awareness Day event organised by the National Council for Senior Citizens.

 

 

“Caribbean Writers on Teaching Literature” - a treasure for lovers of literature

                                                Authors Lorna Down and Thelma Baker 

Excerpt from Observer column published in Jamaica Observer 20 Sept 2020

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Last Monday, the UWI Press launched a publication which promises to be a mainstay for teachers of literature, Caribbean Writers on Teaching Literature”, which is authored by brilliant educators Dr Lorna Down and Thelma Baker. 

The book features interviews with teachers of three generations; readers at the event were Professor Edward Baugh, legendary poet and retired UWI lecturer, Dr Brian Heap, Director of the Phillip Sherlock Centre and author, Samuel Soyer, lecturer and author and Dr. Aisha T. Spencer, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Humanities and Education at UWI, Mona. Prof Baugh spoke of his performative style which I remember well: I still cannot read Walcott without hearing his voice.

In their enthusiastic telling of their teaching practices, we see the care and creativity of the eighteen educators. What a delight to read the witty interviews, including some with my teachers and colleagues, Professor Emeritus Maureen Warner Lewis, Dr Velma Pollard, Professor Emeritus Mervyn Morris, David Williams and the late Dr. Victor Chang. Dr Chang said he dressed in full red to teach ‘The Scarlett Letter’!

I predict that this book will be translated into myriad languages for not only teachers, but also for lovers of literature worldwide.

D.K. Duncan’s legacy of service

Excerpt from Observer column published 21 September 2020

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

It is when we lose political leaders that we see the collegiality among parliamentarians from all sides.  Tribalist utterances are replaced by words of respect and finally, we get to see the true mettle of the individual. And so it is with the passing of Dr D. K. Duncan, who was regarded as the master planner for the Michael Manley Government, and later, showing that he was more for Jamaica than for Party, joined Bruce Golding’s erstwhile National Democratic Movement.

Donald Keith Duncan studied dentistry at the Canadian Ivy League McGill University and operated a respected practice.  He could have lived a comfortable life, but he decided to offer himself for service to country as a politician.

He inspired his children to have lives of service in different spheres. We know of Patricia Duncan-Sutherland’s and Imani Duncan Price’s political careers, but few are aware that after that the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, Dr Khia Josina Duncan was a first responder, boarding a JDF flight to assist in saving lives under dangerous conditions.

The twins Donna Duncan-Scott and Keith Duncan have grown JMMB, the brainchild of their mother the late Joan Duncan, into a regional financial powerhouse and Keith serves as President of the PSOJ and Chairman of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC). It was when CCRP honoured activist-nurse Joy Crooks, founder of the Committee for the Upliftment for the Mentally Ill (CUMI) that we discovered Donna’s strong support of the organisation. So here we have a family, stirred to duty’s call, no doubt influenced by their patriotic father.

DK’s widow, Beverley Anderson Duncan, shared in a telephone call on Saturday, that “I can feel DK’s spirit, strong as ever” as she discussed the importance of voter participation. She wants a movement for civic responsibility to be led, not by any political organisation, but by civil society. Even as she grieves for her husband, she will not allow it to cloud their shared vision for an educated and engaged Jamaican society. I mourn with Beverley who has been my wise mentor.

We may all not agree with his politics, but there is no doubt that Dr DK Duncan has been a “good and faithful servant” of his people. May his soul rest in peace.

Election Night Acceptance Speech by PM Andrew Holness

 I had to transcribe this speech, given by Prime Minister Andrew Holness after his Party's victory in Jamaica's General Elections. It covered the challenge of the pandemic, the importance of national unity, the condemnation of corruption, and appreciation for the hard work of his team. 

Jean Lowrie-Chin 

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY MOST HON ANDREW HOLNESS, AFTER THE JLP VICTORY AT THE POLLS – 3rd SEPTEMBER 2020

 _______________________________________________________________________

“We went into an election with the backdrop of a pandemic and you will notice that I am speaking to you while still wearing my mask as a symbol that we are still under serious threat of the pandemic. By and large, I think most Jamaicans tried to abide by the protocols. I want to give the assurance to Jamaicans tonight that our Government will continue its effective management of the pandemic to keep you safe and to protect your life and livelihood.

“No doubt we are entering into a new phase of the pandemic, an inevitable phase that will require a new strategy of management, but whatever we do, you can rest assured that we will keep you safe, we will keep our frontline workers safe, we will make the necessary allocations in our budget so that you can be cushioned and cope with the economic fallout that accompanies the pandemic.

“Tonight, the victor is the people of Jamaica. You came out in your hundreds of thousands and you participated in the solemn process of democracy. You voted, you expressed yourself through the ballot. There is indeed cause for celebration but there is also I would believe significant cause for consideration - that there are many Jamaicans who did not participate, that there are many Jamaicans who for fear of the virus decided not to come to the polls; but they are also many Jamaicans who for other reasons – apathy, frustration with the process decided not to participate.

“So even though we have this overwhelming majority and people have given us the mandate that we require, we are still considerate of those Jamaicans who still look on with some suspicion, some concern, some apathy on the political process. So, we are very cautious in our approach to receiving this overwhelming majority. It must never be that the government that emerges from this victory takes on any characteristics of arrogance, in humility. It must never be that the government that emerges from this victory takes the people for granted in any way. As I stand here tonight I am obviously happy to have won but I want to assure all of you that I do carry this burden with great consideration of the expectations of not just those who elected us, but those who are looking on us for future decision as to whether or not they will participate in the process and I want to see those persons who didn't participate this time that we as a new government with a mandate that is indisputable, that we will conduct ourselves in a way that will make you proud as well and make you want to participate the next time around.

“I raise this in my acceptance – I don't call this a victory speech because with such a large mandate it brings a whole new dynamic as to how we manage Government. In our last government, the narrative of corruption dogged us and it is not something that we can hide away from and I want to be clear because there are many persons who will now be assuming state authority who may not have the understanding as to how that authority should be used. They will know clearly that this government does not stand for corruption. We have as a country managed to come to consensus on fiscal matters, on monetary policy, there is an evolving consensus on crime and violence, national security, there is consensus developing around growth policy but there must now be a clear consensus, a strong position on corruption.

“The mandate is also a victory for conscientious and thoughtful policy, and we saw manifestos being presented that were poles apart in terms of their content and structure. The manifesto that won, is a manifesto that was realistic, the manifesto that was doable and what it says to me is that Jamaican politics, the Jamaican people are maturing in their outlook. They understand that populist policies can have a destructive impact on the national good. So, in that regard Jamaica has won. We had by and large a peaceful election that can be emulated by other countries, we cherish our democracy.

“I want to acknowledge the PNP. I received a call from Dr Phillips conceding and congratulating and I thought that was very sportsmanlike and very dignified and really reflects well on our politics and I too obviously commended him on a putting up a good fight. As I said today in an interview, politics can be like gladiator sport but after it is finished, we must all try to be good sportsmen and sportswomen and for good reason.

“The task ahead of us is not just for the Jamaica Labour Party – the task ahead of us is for all of us, including the PNP, and so tonight I also appeal to PNP supporters: do not feel dejected, join us in celebrating Jamaica's victory. You will have a very important role to play in Jamaica’s stronger recovery and I am clear that there should not be any victimization, any retribution, any malice in how we move forward as a Government. We must embrace everyone; we need everyone on board for Jamaica to recover stronger.

“As I close, I want to thank my family, my wife Juliet who is still in her constituency – I brought my younger son with me for him to get some insights into politics.  I want to thank the campaign team: you would have heard from Babsy and from Desmond and Nigel but I want to have a special commendation for Kamina and I want to thank the officers of the Party – Chairman, Deputy Chairman and our very hard working General Secretary and his Deputy General Secretaries and all who worked on participating. Tonight, we put a word of prayer out for our Deputy Campaign Chairman Rudyard Spencer who is in hospital at this moment. I want to welcome our newly elected candidates, and for those who were not successful at the polls to say that your effort contributed to the victory and you are a part of the winning team.

“There were some unfortunate events today, one of them I would acknowledge is the sudden death of a voter at the polls. I extend my sympathies to her family. But as I close I give the assurance that with this large margin, this solid mandate, that we will be responsible with the power that you have given to us, we will continue our good policies, we will keep Jamaica on the path to prosperity. We will usher in an era of stability on which we will grow, we will usher in an era where Jamaica can fulfil its true destiny.”

 

 

Lorna Bell - Person of the Year!

 

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published 31 August 2020

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

You cannot help but be moved when you see the passion and energy that Lorna Bell pours into her work as Regional Head of Special Olympics in the English-speaking Caribbean. No wonder then that she was recently honoured with the 2020 World Civility, Vernet A. Joseph Productive Business Global Agent of Change and Person of the Year - Caribbean Awards from the I-Change Nations Organisation.

The citation reads: “I Dr Clyde Rivers, President of  I-Change Nations want to thank you for using your business innovation and initiatives to empower others in a way that creates global impact and productive change around the world. The journey of productivity is appreciating that we are all equal in time but separated by how we produce in it. Your character, commitment and integrity towards astute business practices are transforming the cultures of business around the world. Therefore, it gives us great pleasure to bestow upon you this high honour.”

Well deserved, Lorna Bell!

Election Day: trust the process

Jamaica Observer column published Monday August 31, 2020 - excerpts                         by Jean Lowrie-Chin

We are three days away from Jamaica's 18th general election and we can be proud that since 1944 both political parties have accepted the results. The first General Parliamentary Election under universal adult suffrage was held on 14 December 1944 after the dissolution of the Legislative Council, which had been Jamaica's legislative body since 1868. The Jamaica Labour Party, led by Alexander Bustamante, won 22 of the 32 seats.

Our Representation of the People Act which was last amended in 2012 through the efforts of the then Electoral Advisory Committee (EAC) led by William Chin See, has made our electoral system even stronger,  with heavier penalties, a Constituted Authority of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica overseeing Election Day activities and a Political Ombudsman monitoring political campaigning.

Further, there is CAFFE, The Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections, of which I am proud to have been a founding member. In 1997 I received a call from the late Jesuit superior for Jamaica Father Jim Webb who had gone to cast his vote in an inner-city area and on his arrival was told, “Is alright Father, you vote already”.

Resolving to address the issue, Father Jim called a meeting at the Roman Catholic Chancery with a group including Dr Blossom O’Meally Nelson and Dr Alfred Sangster. Doctor Sangster accepted the post as first Chairman of CAFFE. Because our company serves the Electoral Office of Jamaica, I recused myself from the Committee but had the pleasure of taking Dr Sangster to meet the then Director of Elections Danville Walker who enthusiastically welcomed this civic organization. With our ROPA, ECJ, EOJ, Political Ombudsman and CAFFE, we have a fortified electoral system. It is so well respected globally, that our officials have been invited to consult with their counterparts and observe elections in various countries.

However, this is the first time since Independence that we will be having an Election during a pandemic. The careless conduct of some Jamaicans is causing anxiety among our electorate. They should be reassured that the safety protocols are being strictly observed. The EOJ has assigned a 7000-strong sanitizing team who will ensure that social distancing is practiced at polling stations and that masks are worn.

Director of Elections Glasspole Brown has assured senior citizens that they will be given priority by supervisors when they arrive at polling stations. The National Health Fund are supplying masks and sanitizer to candidates, and we are urging them to reserve some for the elderly folks who they will be transporting to polling stations. Indeed, seniors are the most faithful of voters and therefore every government should be paying more attention to their welfare.

Monday, September 7^th will be the start of Senior Citizens Week. We hope that post-election, they will be getting the same level of attention from our eager candidates.

Politics takes courage

Jamaicans have been following keenly the political debates – this column is going to press before the final debate between Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips. Media polls and comments indicate that the JLP representatives won the first two debates, although the PNP representatives had some good moments.

Scrolling through social media at the harsh comments from supporters of either side, it is clear that a brave heart is required for politics. The tribalists are going full tilt, and we wonder if these are the same people who stand up and sing our national anthem which calls for “true respect for all”. Whatever side we support, we should thank each and every candidate for stepping up to represent their party so that our democratic system can remain strong.  Digital media travels at the speed of light and spreads like wildfire, so let us be responsible in our utterances.

It is not an easy road, and some of my colleagues who have gone into politics have shared unending demands for school fees, funeral, medical and various other expenses.  “Politics can bruk yu,” commented MP for Kingston Central Rev. Ronnie Thwaites, who will not be seeking re-election, in a recent media interview. This is why I am mystified that after all these years, the teachings of Marcus Mosiah Garvey which promote dignity over dependence, have not been mainstreamed in our schools.

Workshop for state care school leavers

International Gaming Technology (IGT) hosted an excellent virtual workshop last Friday for their After-School Advantage (ASA) students at Mustard Seed’s ‘Matthew 25:40’ residence, SOS Village - Stony Hill and Sunbeam Boys Home. Coach Tanique Easy gave useful guidelines on virtual job interviews to the enthusiastic youngsters, recommending appropriate dress, good posture, and having knowledge of the interviewer’s organization.

“Don't be late,” she warned. “You should log on at least five minutes before the time of the interview and ensure that you are in a quiet, well-lit location.” She said that “no silly user-names” should be displayed, only one’s correct birth name, and that the camera must be on. “Remove nose rings and cover tattoos,” she advised. We were impressed with the response of the students and the obvious care that their teachers took to prepare them for the workshop.

 “We want to ensure that students at the ASA centres understand that despite the fact that there may be a downturn in employment today because of Covid, preparation is important to ensure that when an opportunity arises you are ready.” said Debbie Green, General Manager of IGT Jamaica. “There's nothing to say that somebody would not be offered a job during these times – it’s not all doom and gloom – it may be difficult but there are still opportunities. We want to ensure that you are armed with the skills that can help you to ace what is likely to be an interview in a virtual setting rather than a person-to-person physical setting.”

 

CCRP Welcomes Special Provisions for Senior Citizens on Election Day

The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) welcomes assurances from the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) that senior citizens will be given priority when voting in the General Election on Thursday, September 3, 2020.

"As an elder, I am pleased to hear that we will be allowed to go to the head of the line at polling stations to limit our exposure," said CCRP Foundation Board Member  Mrs Vilma McDonald, adding: "We understand that supervisors will be in charge of assisting us. That is important as we will need help also to navigate the strict COVID-19 protocols that will be in place."

CCRP is encouraged to hear that political candidates are instructing those who will be transporting our elders to observe all COVID-19 protocols, and to sanitize their vehicles. It is critical that there is a safe mode of transportation to and from the polling station. 

"We welcome the news that the National Health Fund will be distributing a number of  disposable masks and sanitizer to all candidates," noted Mrs McDonald. "They should have some in reserve for the elderly they transport as some home-made masks may not fit well and make good use of the hand sanitizers to protect their supporters."  

"I want all my fellow seniors to be able to exercise their right to vote with a feeling of safety and security, during the pandemic," she added.  

In order to check if your name is on the voters' list, simply go to the EOJ website at https://ecj.com.jm. For more details on the voting procedure, view their YouTube channel at 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqh4RPaMiqc

Staff at the CCRP head office and regional chapters are now working remotely.  They can be contacted at the numbers and email addresses given on the CCRP website:  ccrponline.org.