‘Too much neglect of the elderly’ – Rev Franklyn E. Manners
This admonition comes from Superintendent Minister of the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church, Reverend Franklyn E. Manners.
“There is far too much neglect of the elderly,” Reverend Manners told the gathering of the elderly, their loved ones and government officials at the Sea Cow’s Bay Methodist Church where a service was held on May 1, 2019 to herald the start of activities for Seniors’ Month 2019.
Reverend Manners was tasked with delivering the sermonette when he spent the allotted time lobbying for better care for seniors of the territory.
Not about the benefits
Reverend Manners said the sad reality of the situation is that relatives of elderly persons are too occupied with looking at what they can get from taking care of an elderly family member.
“Taking care of the elderly is dependent on what one gets or expects from the family," Mr Manners said, adding that relatives often feel they have no obligation to help an elderly person if they are not included in a will.
“There should be no necessary connection between taking care of the elderly and what you might benefit from the will. It is the duty and obligation of persons to take care of their parents.
“I know that there is a school of thought out there that says children owe nothing to their parents. I beg to disagree in the strongest of ways,” as he said it’s a biblical command that children should honour their parents in the Lord, “For this is right. That does not only mean at special service like this today or honouring them on Mothers’ or Fathers’ Day. It means taking care of them 365 days of a year.”
What goes around comes around
There is a saying “once a man twice a child” that is often interpreted as meaning we will be like a child again when we get up in age and would need care and attention like a child.
Reverend Manners reminded persons of this in his own words.
“There is far too much neglect in our society, but we must remember, what goes around, comes around.”
Seniors built a ‘strong foundation’ for VI- Premier Fahie
Also giving brief remarks were Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin A. Malone (AL).
Premier Fahie expressed that elders are critical knowledge sets in the development of the territory, because of their roles played in the development of businesses and other sectors of the territory’s economy. “If you can’t connect with our seniors, then you can’t contribute to the future.”
He added, “That’s the beauty of the seniors; you have built the Virgin Islands on a solid foundation, so no matter what anyone says...we know because of the strong foundation you have given us, we can build on it. You have taught us to be strong Virgin Islanders.”
Our seniors are inspirational- Hon Malone
Hon Malone, on the other hand, expressed with regret that the programmes for seniors have seen a reduction but committed to seeing that they are all restored. He disclosed that all of the outer islands will be catered for this year, as the talent, aspirations, determination and achievements of the elderly are celebrated.
“If we do not know where we came from, how can we know where we’re going?” Hon Malone asked rhetorically, adding that despite the disasters of 2017, “our seniors stand tall and inspire us to persevere.”
Seniors Month 2019 is being held under the theme, ‘Connect, Create, Contribute’.
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