Minister of Social Protec-tion Volda Lawrence has assured that the government is working to significantly increase the Old Age Pension and better protect the country’s senior citizens.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Social Protection, the Minister recently gave this assurance to members of the Toucan Senior Citizens Club at their 20th anniversary celebration on Sunday, at Den Amstel Village, West Coast Demerara.
Lawrence acknowledged that it is taking longer than planned to implement the pension increase and other benefits, because present resources cannot sufficiently meet these demands. She remarked that the administration is aware of the urgency to address the needs of the senior citizens and is working to provide improved housing, pension, and healthcare and to curtail elderly abuse and violation of their rights, including the squandering of their assets. She appealed for their patience and promised that her ministry will continue to collaborate with them and the younger members of society to improve their living conditions.
The minister commended the club’s fortitude and resilience over the past 20 years as it has sought to shape and sustain the fabric of society by strengthening the family structure and instilling values. She charged the members with the task of continuing to engage the younger generation and imparting their experiences and expertise to all.
The Toucan Senior Citizens Club was launch-ed on August 17, 1995 by Fitzroy Marcus, the then Chairman of the Blankenburg/Hague Neighbourhood Demo-cratic Council. At the recently held celebration, awards and tokens were presented to members for their outstanding service and dedication.
