I realise that, most likely, it is because I am at the cusp of plunging into the heart of that demographic that is the Guyanese elderly that I return to this theme almost annually.
I refer to the theme and issue of aging; of experiencing those so-called “golden” post- 60 years as senior citizens; of being described as the elderly or simply “old people.” Sunday columnist Dr Ian McDonald “goes to town” on all this in his own inimitable literary style. I might be much more brusque as I record once again my lamentations and expectations.
Frankly Speaking, I have given up on trying to find out what’s the active agenda of the seemingly closed-door National Commission on the Elderly. (But really, what does it do?) Then, as usual, I’ll be more anecdotal than scientific with what follows.
If “life begins at forty” who is a senior citizen? Be careful now. Definitions must consider ageing process, culture, legislation, even raw affection.
An “old” or “elderly” person in Guyana, Ghana, Cuba or California might not be considered that senior in China, Russia or Mongolia where life expectancy might be beyond eighty years of age. Countries retire their workers at varying ages. Retired citizens in many developed countries actually look forward to the concept and happy reality of retirement. Real friendly retirement. But in my Guyana!?
The plights of the status
Retired persons in Guyana, past 60/70, hopefully become pensioners even with old-age’s pains and afflictions there are some seniors who enjoy pensions from varied sources- government ministry, army, police force, corporation and the NIS and the government’s modest old age offering, for example.
But for most of Guyana’s old folks without familial or national safety-nets, life can border or being hell. That’s because despite the lofty aspirational promises in our Constitution about care and love for Guyana’s older generation- such as articles 24, 149 (B), 213 – the visible reality tells the sordid truths: there are no top-flight retirement homes for the poorer seniors; needed social services subsidies have been withdrawn; there is no priority for old-age transportation or medical care; even compassionate hospices are absent.
So whilst the current Finance Minister is right about increases and pensions must be sustainable for extended periods, I appeal for the silent Commission on the Elderly to inspire the Cabinet, even Civil Society, to fashion immediate and practical programmes to motivate and comfort our Golden Boys and Girls. (Even as I suspect that parents and grandparents of Cabinet members are being kept safe and comfortable.)
A real media conference with the President
As the American Presidential Elections heads into the Campaign homestretch, the Republicans and Rightist media all wonder when Democratic Nominee Hillary Clinton will host her first real full-length Press Conference. She has not done so for nearly a year. Alternatives have been “town hall meetings”, talk show appearances and very selective interviews. She, for some reason, has avoided the more bruising, probative Press Conferences.
So too has our own President of sixteen months. I’m now wondering why. So come with me as I plan elements of one of President Granger’s first full-scale, no- holds-barred media conferences.
He calls Mark, even Imran (?) to alert them of his decision. So who is to be invited? All media houses, okay. Press Liaison officers from the foreign mission? Perhaps not. Duration? One hour or a little more? Okay. Who will be at the Head table? President and moderator alone? Specific Ministers? Why? Okay, President alone. Opening statement? Yes. Any issues of national significance not covered in opening statement? Certainly.
Who are the more friendly media? Chronicle, channels 9, NCN and 67 (TV)? Will the Mirror turn up?
Has Kaieteur News done an “about-turn” on us? Likely questions!? A sampling Comrade President: the AFC in the Coalition. Public servants’ salary increases. Ministers’ code of conduct. Ministers’ 50% effective in preventing “temptations”? You still have hope for long term coalition politics?
What’s the role of GINA? Why no charges after costly audits? Procedures? Witnesses? (Goolsarran says none needed for the former Finance Minister’s situation.) Your new economic initiatives and frank assessments of sugar, rice and bauxite.
Now let’s role-play responses to all of those gentlemen. The President will already be back from the UN by tomorrow!
Please ponder…
The looming shortage of brains and skills as the engineers and contractors hold sway. Yet ads this week seek Geoscientists, Geochemists, petrologists and geologists. Help Diaspora, help!
Do active carpenters in Eccles (EBD) tip off robbers about residents’ movements?
Will police Traffic Operation Safeway see mobile traffic cops between 9:00 pm and 2:00 am? And highway patrols at nights? (Poor Traffic Dept.)
Coming soon: GuySuCo as overseer and the PPP as auditors.
Acquire the old Co-op Bank Building in Stabroek to establish a modern Vendors Mall
’Til next week!
(allanafenty@yahoo.com)
