The Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) is set to introduce a formal reporting protocol for elder abuse, a move intended to create a more structured approach to protecting the island’s seniors.
The announcement was made at the opening session of BARP’s annual general meeting at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on Thursday evening.
President Marilyn Rice-Bowen said BARP had for years fielded reports of elder abuse informally, through emails, phone calls and members visiting the office directly. Under the new system, a dedicated form will be completed at BARP’s offices and forwarded to the Family Conflict Unit of the Barbados Police Service for follow-up.
“We want to deepen our commitment as we seek to erase elder abuse from our social landscape. If we have to lead it, thus we will. Every senior deserves to live in safety, dignity and respect,” she added.
Rice-Bowen also highlighted a new partnership with the Central Bank of Barbados, which has provided $83 000 in funding to train 220 members in basic computer skills, with tablets issued to members on a needs basis.
“In today’s world, digital technology is no longer a luxury. It is an essential part of everyday life, whether it is communicating with family overseas, accessing important services, managing finances or simply staying informed,” she said.
On health and wellness, she pointed to a partnership with Beacon Insurance, which has introduced a preventative care programme for members on BARP’s health plan. “Early intervention not only improves health outcomes, but also enhances quality of life.”
A further collaboration with the Colon Cancer Institute is making fit test kits available at reduced cost, also covered under the health plan.
Looking ahead, Rice-Bowen announced a dedicated media room to boost communication through podcasts and social media, and the roll-out of a digital membership card in the first quarter.
(DDS)
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