Dear Editor,
It is heartening to see the improvements which are being made in Essequibo as it relates to the construction of new police stations, schools, hospitals, markets, and to a lesser extent, the opening of new housing schemes. One thing that is sadly missing is a home for senior citizens.
Seniors, here in Essequibo, are in dire need of such a facility. There is nowhere to accommodate elders when they are no longer able to take of themselves. Many of them have served their country as teachers, policemen, nurse and farmers. By the time they reach retirement age, they are left to fend for themselves. Their children are all grown and left for greener pastures; some may have their own homes but to find caregivers is practically impossible.
With cost of living what it is, the meagre old age pension is like a drop of water in the ocean. My firm belief is that some of the revenues from the oil industry could be spent to build a home for these neglected seniors. Some time ago a plot of land was identified in the Somerset Berks area for this purpose. Nothing materialized, but hopes are not lost; the economy is now booming and surely a few million dollars can be spent on the older folks.
They cannot wait as time and tide waits for no man and before they can benefit from the oil revenues they will be long gone. Is there someone in the government who can take up this challenge and satisfy this urgent need and bring relief to the struggling aged population of this region?
Sincerely,
Winifred Lawric
(Senior Citizen)
