Today, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, this column asks: How would you like to be treated in your later years? Having received too many complaints about elder abuse, CCRP, the seniors advocacy organisation, has been repeatedly calling for legislation to address this issue.

This year, the UN theme focuses on moving ‘Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work’. The organisation notes that, “This year’s focus emphasises structural changes that protect the human rights and dignity of older individuals while bringing localised practice into broader intergovernmental discussions.”

Relatives have complained about the treatment of their elderly in unregistered care homes, and people living overseas have called to say that funds they send to care for their parents are being misused. One elderly lady was found wandering on the road in the middle of the night — it turned out she was being kept on the verandah of a home after her son had turned his back on her. There have also been reports of some caregivers fleecing their elderly charges.

We embraced the good news in November 2024 that the motion made to the Senate by Professor Floyd Morris had received unanimous support from both sides, and Senator Sherene Golding Campbell had agreed to chair the senate committee to create the law. We had never seen such a swift roll-out of presentations from important stakeholders and the finalisation of a foundational document last year, which should move this legislation through with dispatch. We have not heard of any further steps towards making this a reality, and so we are appealing to those in charge, including Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr to take this Act to the House for approval.

Every day this legislation is delayed, more elders are suffering from physical, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. Tough penalties and a requirement that abuse cases must be reported will help to address this outrage. I hope that civil society groups will join the call to urge the authorities to move this legislation forward.

Think of the beloved elder who sacrificed for your education and well-being, he/she deserves the best care and protection. Think of the challenges you yourself may have in old age. This legislation is crucial for those who may not be able to protect themselves in their twilight years.

Floyd Morris Naphtali Junior

Thank you, Richard Byles

As Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Governor Richard Byles looks forward to his retirement, we can be thankful that this exceptional Jamaican, who could have done as well anywhere in the world, dedicated his professional life to Jamaica’s private and public sector.

I will quote from a citation presented to Byles when he was honoured with the CCRP Living Legacy Award last year:

“His tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer of PanJam Investment Limited, First Life Insurance Company, and most notably, Sagicor Group Jamaica, reflect a legacy of operational excellence and strategic foresight. Under his 13-year leadership at Sagicor, the company experienced robust growth, solidified its brand dominance, and contributed significantly to national financial stability.

Even as he ascended in the private sector, Mr Byles maintained a strong commitment to national service. His appointment as the first private sector Co-Chairman of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) marked a pivotal moment in Jamaica’s economic history. With transparency, discipline, and candour, he helped guide the country through the complex reforms required under the International Monetary Fund agreement. His joint stewardship of EPOC with Keith Duncan was a cornerstone of the country’s successful fiscal turnaround and re-established trust in Jamaica’s economic management.

In August 2019, Mr Byles was appointed Governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), where he brought to bear his exceptional experience and insight. As head of the nation’s central bank, he supervised the monetary policy apparatus and oversaw the stability of Jamaica’s financial system. He was instrumental in leading the ongoing transformation of the BOJ into a fully independent central bank and was at the forefront of introducing the Twin Peaks model of financial regulation—an initiative that will bring clarity and coherence to financial oversight across the island.

As Chairman of the CARICOM Central Bank Governors’ meetings in 2023, Mr Byles demonstrated his continued influence not just nationally, but regionally, guiding critical discourse and policy directions within the wider Caribbean context.

Richard Byles.

His contributions have been recognised by numerous awards and honours. He is a recipient of the Order of Distinction, Commander Class (CD), and is an inductee of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) Hall of Fame.”

We wish him a happy retirement.

AFJ gives to Melissa Relief

Last weekend the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) honoured three outstanding individuals and their organisations at its annual Florida Gala: Norman Horne, ARC Manufacturing; Michael Caponi, founder of Global Empowerment Mission (GEM); and Edward Raine, president and CEO of Food For the Poor. All three organisations responded with personnel, roofing, and relief supplies within days of the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa.

“Throughout the evening, we reflected on stories of resilience from families reroofing their homes, small farmers’ livelihoods being restored, and schools being strengthened. These stories are possible because of supporters like you,” noted an AFJ release. “As we continue our work in disaster recovery, education, health care, and economic development, we remain inspired by the compassion and commitment of the AFJ community.”

The AFJ, comprising former US ambassadors to Jamaica and US and Jamaican supporters, also embarked on a dynamic relief fund-raising project led by President Wendy Hart and Executive Director Caron Chung.

Jamaica does not have a single, dedicated law specifically for elder abuse. Karen Roach

The organisation donated close to US$2 million for emergency relief last year, and in April awarded another US$952,000 via 65 grants for a wide range of rebuilding projects. Guest speaker Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett expressed his Government’s appreciation for AFJ’s altruism and their honourees.

Jamaica as ‘Sports Capital’

Alrick McKenzie, founder and summit director of the Made4Goal Jamaica Global Sports Summit, believes that Jamaica can become “the sports capital of the Global South”. He is organising a two-day conference of leaders in key sectors to discuss his vision later this month at the University of Technology, Jamaica.

He is quoted in the
Jamaica Observer as saying, “Jamaica has already proven that we can compete with the best in the world…The next step is building the systems, partnerships, investment opportunities, and infrastructure that allow sport to become a stronger economic driver for the country. This summit is about bringing the right people into the same room to have those conversations and create meaningful outcomes.”

The Jamaica brand is recognised as one of the world’s most admired. McKenzie may very well be on to something big if he gets the support this vision deserves.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is an author and executive chair of PROComm, PRODEV, and CCRP. Send comments to lowriechin@aim.com.