Senior fishermen honoured as part of Senior Citizens' Month
The ceremony was attended by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith who acknowledged the seniors for their invaluable contributions to society and pledged government’s continued support to make life comfortable as possible for them.
Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton did the honour of declaring the month’s celebrations officially opened. It was at that moment the elderly were assured by the Honourable minister that their complaints and concerns would not fall on deaf ears. Hon. Skelton said it is a part of the Government’s plan to make life for seniors as comfortable as possible. “I know you all have problems, I know you all have difficulties but complain to us we will provide them.”
Hon. Skelton updated the senior citizens about the Spooner’s project and noted that the new facility for seniors being constructed would be a complex, “It’s not going to be just an old people’s home as you know it now, it’s going to be a complex with all sorts of facilities and activities will be there. So it’s not just one building, it’s about seven buildings surrounding a courtyard.”
“To all seniors I urge you to live your life, forget your age and make each moment count,” said the Minister for Health and Social Development as he officially declared the month for senior citizens open. He also urged the general populace of the Territory to take time out during this month out to recognize the important contributions of seniors. "They are powerful, vital and valuable members of this community,” said Hon. Skelton.
Senior Citizens’ month is being observed under the theme “Unleash the power of age” and focuses on the invaluable contributions of elderly men in the Territory. While the ministry would be highlighting men in various sectors throughout the year 2013, this month’s celebrations seek to recognize the contributions of senior fishermen as selected amount were honoured at the opening ceremony, most in their absence.
On the honour roll and present to receive their tokens were fishermen Herman Thomas, Owen Fleming, Charles Ernest Rymer and William Industrious. Hon. Delores Christopher was on spot to receive on behalf of her dad Ivan Lettsome aka Fox. Others honoured in their absence were Alfredo Delville, Alphonso Nibbs, the brothers Harris and Monroe Thomas and Hugo Smith, Allan Callwood (Jost Van Dyke), Hartman Flax (Virgin Gorda) and William Vanterpool (Anegada).
Among the honourees was the Territory’s eldest senior Mr William Industrious who stole the show of the evening. Still with all his faculties in place, Mr Industrious took the microphone and sang with a melodious voice for a much younger woman of the audience who he serenaded then called for his harmonica and did an intriguing rendition. He was recognized by the Premier as he celebrated his 103rd birthday last Friday April 27, 2013.
Activities of Senior's Month will include a general knowledge challenge to be held on May 8, 2013 at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall, A Senior Citizens’ Variety Concert on May 19 at the HLSCC, Aging Expo on May 24 and the Old Time Picnic on May 31 at the Benjamin Romney Park.
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