First Lady observes International Day of Older Persons

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Georgetown : As the world celebrates the United Nations designated International Day of Older Persons today, First Lady Sandra Granger and her Luminous Women’s Group partnered with DeSinco Trading Limited to make a donation of milk to senior citizens at six homes in and around Georgetown.

The recipient homes were the Uncle Eddie's Home, Archer's Home, St. Joseph’s Home, St. Vincent De Paul’s Elderly Home, the Palms Geriatric Institution, Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and the Dharm Shala, in Albouystown.

In handing over the milk to the elderly, Mrs. Granger told the residents that their contributions to Guyana are noteworthy and as such they should be celebrated. She noted that it is now the responsibility of the government and its respective agencies to ensure that their needs are taken care of.

“You are all special people and I am happy to be here with you today. Service is a great thing. We want you to continue to live your life in peace and safety, with a measure of comfort. Senior citizens must be kept active and engaged and the government, its Ministries and organisations, must do all that is possible to keep our senior citizens active and engaged,” the First Lady told the residents of the Uncle Eddie’s Home.

 

The First Lady disclosed that the offer of the milk was made to the group some time ago by DeSinco Trading Limited and it was felt that senior citizens would benefit most from such as a donation. The initiative then took shape, in time for International Day for Senior Citizens.

 

She noted that the Luminous Group, which consists of veteran educator Ingrid Fung, Hazel Moses Walrond, Gloria Croft, Rafiya McWilfred, Gem Williams, Margaret Lawrence, Minister Amna Ally, Abena Fung and Sulan Fung, will continue to look at ways, in which, senior citizens can best be supported.

 

The administrators of the homes thanked the First Lady, the Management of DeSinco Trading Limited and the Luminous Group for the contribution. They noted that it will go a long way for the homes and particularly the residents since the product is one of the most significant in their diets.

The International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on October 01. This year it is celebrated under the theme: “Sustainability and Age Inclusiveness in the Urban Environment.”