The old folks of Region Five had a ball on Tuesday when they showcased their talents at an Evening of Culture organized by the Probation & Welfare Department at the regional boardroom, Fort Wellington.

A senior citizen singing in the audience during the celebration.

The event was part of the activities to observe the month of the elderly and they were very happy to be remembered.

There was loud laughter and clapping among the senior citizens as they danced to the popular Radika tune, performed Queh-Queh dances, sang calypsos and folk songs, modelled and even shared jokes.

They expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Human Services and Minister Priya Manickchand for remembering them and for setting aside this month in their honour. They thanked her and President Bharrat Jagdeo for the increase in their old age pension.

Some of the elderly women performing a queh-queh dance.

Senior Probation and Welfare Officer, Dollette Nicholson told this newspaper that she has been working in the region for one year and this was her first try at the senior citizens’ celebration.

She was pleased with the “overwhelming support from the region, the community and the NGOs. All the activities have been a success and are well attended.”

Also present were Regional Chairman, Harrinarine Baldeo; Regional Vice Chairman, KP Deokarran and PNCR-1G member of parliament, Jennifer Wade.

Baldeo told the elderly persons that government recognizes their contributions and is concerned about their welfare. He said while the increase is not 100% government has continued to provide assistance to them.

Wade told this newspaper that she was impressed with the way the old folks showcased their talents and said it was even “better than some of the young people. They were brave enough to come forward despite their age.”