UPP Candidate for St. Mary’s South, Kelvin “Shugy” Simon is celebrating World Senior CitizensDay by honoring seniors who have made their mark in the community by touching thelivesof other villagers.
He presented gift baskets to several seniors in the villages of Bolans, Urlings, Crabbe Hill and Johnson’s Point, who he refers to as “Golden Treasures in the Community.”
“We owe our older citizens a debt of gratitude and a heartfelt salute.
I was raised by my grandmother and as a child, I learned a lot from my elders.
I presented gift baskets tosomeof our seniors to help brighten their day and to remind them that they are loved and cherished,” Simon said.
Simon points out that many seniors in St. Mary’s South remain active throughout the community
Some have become successful entrepreneurs while others serve as volunteers invariousprograms and projects that benefit the community.
“Our elderly population presents a real resource that our community can tap into. Thisgeneration has decades of experience and lots of wisdom.
With good health, our senior citizenscan look forward to a long and rewarding retirement because they have so much to offer.
If theychoose to engage in flexible and part-time work during their retirement, this will allowthemtoremain active on their terms, while continuing to contribute to society,” Simon added.
The UPP Candidate plans to roll out a health and wellness initiative in St. Mary’s South. It will engage seniors in various activities that they enjoy, while helping them maintain goodphysical and mental health.
Simon bemoans the poor health facilities in St. Mary’s South that puts the elderly at riskbylimiting their access to health check-ups and screenings. He points out that the BolansClinicremains inoperable 5 months after the official opening.
Additionally, the pharmacy in Johnson’sPoint remains closed, and residents must venture to either Brownes Avenue or GraysFarmclinics to fill prescriptions.
The government is also criticized for continued late payments to pensioners, despite commitments made by the Social Security to ensure timely payments.
“After years of yeoman service our senior citizens should not have to spend their goldenyearsworrying about how to make ends meet. Many are on fixed incomes and with the risingcost of living, inflation is squeezing their pockets,” Simon said.
Simon indicates that senior citizens will remain high on his agenda for St. Mary’s Southandheis committed to continued advocacy on behalf of the welfare of seniors.
He encourages families, caregivers and others in the community to remember, recognize, respect, and reach out totheseniors as golden treasures of our society.
