As Minister with responsibility for the elderly, and as a representative of the people of Barbados, I want to place on record my deep concern for the welfare, protection, and dignity of our nation’s older persons.
The recent incident of violence against a senior citizen has strengthened my resolve and that of this Government to ensure that our elderly are not only respected but safeguarded and empowered.
Our senior citizens built this country. They shaped post-Independence Barbados into the modern, 21st-century nation we proudly call home. Their labour, their sacrifice, and their resilience laid the very foundation upon which we now stand. They deserve not only our gratitude but our unwavering protection and support as they enjoy their well-earned golden years.
It is within this context that the Elder Affairs Programme, housed within the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, forms a cornerstone of our agenda for healthy, active, and dignified ageing. As the population of older persons steadily grows, Barbados finds itself at a pivotal moment in its journey toward a truly inclusive society, one where every citizen is valued across their lifespan.
This programme reflects Government’s firm commitment to safeguarding dignity, strengthening support systems, and creating opportunities for active ageing. Rooted in respect, equity, and participation, it ensures that older Barbadians are not only cared for but empowered to continue contributing meaningfully to national development while living healthier, safer, and more fulfilling lives.
A key pillar of this work is the introduction of strong legal protections. The Government will soon present the Older Persons (Care and Protection) Bill. This legislation will define and criminalise physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse, as well as neglect and abandonment.
Let there be no doubt: abuse of our elderly will not be tolerated. Under this Bill, those found guilty may face fines of up to $100,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both. This is a clear and unequivocal message of accountability and zero tolerance.
Complementing these reforms, the Ministry established the Social Empowerment Agency, or SEA, on 2 January 2026. By uniting five core social services into a single, streamlined, and people-centred agency, the SEA empowers vulnerable citizens including our elderly through holistic support, skills development, and capacity-building.
It equips individuals to move from dependency to resilience, independence, and active contribution to society. Our seniors are the pillars of our nation. They deserve our protection, our compassion, and our respect. As a government, and as a people, we must remain vigilant, united, and resolute in ensuring that every older person in Barbados lives in dignity, security, and peace. (BGIS)
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