Minister of State for Labour and Social Security, Andrew Gallimore, has said that the Government is committed to developing programmes for senior citizens, including the creation of a registry for all elderly persons in Jamaica.

Through the initiative, he explained, the elderly will "be registered and an assessment of their basic needs (will be done), taking into account what assistance, if any, they get from the Government."

Mr Gallimore was addressing the National Council for Senior Citizens' (NCSC) long service award and retirees appreciation function on October 4 at the Church of God in Jamaica on Constant Spring Road.

He said the Government will seek to expand the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) so as to include more senior citizens. "We know that there are seniors who should be on the PATH programme who are currently not enrolled and we are going to make a special push on this," Mr. Gallimore said.

Another initiative to improve the lives of senior citizens in Jamaica is the creation of primary health care programmes, which will place special emphasis on home visits by community health aids.

"Homes for the aged will be refurbished and adequate standards of nutrition and medical care will be maintained at all public infirmaries and golden age homes," the State Minister added, noting that, "trained staff will provide counselling, group therapy and organise productive activities for our seniors."

He said the government believes that subventions should be in place for community-based organisations and individuals who provide care and shelter for our elderly.

In the meantime, Mr. Gallimore noted that senior citizens in Jamaica continue to contribute greatly to the building of communities and to the country on the whole. "I want to let you know that under my stewardship, I am going to ensure that the seniors of this country are given the attention that they deserve," Mr Gallimore said.

The NCSC is an agency of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security that caters to the needs of senior citizens in Jamaica. The council offers a number of programmes and activities that are geared towards improving the quality of life of seniors and aims to empower them in national development, as well as to bridge the inter-generational gap in the society.