Barbados yesterday toasted the large number of centenarians who have given the country a No. 2 international ranking, with Government urging people not to sideline them.
In a ceremony aimed at bringing together many of the more than 90 centenarians on the island, Minister of Social Care Steven Blackett complained about society emphasizing what is new and exciting, treating as “second rate” anything associated with past times and age.
“We have done this to our own detriment, completely forgetting that were it not for the labour, effort and sacrifices of our older folk, none of us would be able to enjoy the progress and advancement that we have become beneficiaries of,” he told the gathering at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
“My desire is to see a change in this state of affairs. I believe that we must give honour where honour is due and our centenarians and seniors are deserving of our honour and the highest respect.”
Blackett said the elderly folks’ contribution had been invaluable in helping Barbados to maintain a civil society over the years. (TY)
