Elderly organise for their rights

With around forty-five percent of its population under age eighteen, Belize has always been thought of as a young nation. And while that may be true it does not mean that older Belizeans are without a voice. As life expectancy increases and baby boomers begin to enter retirement, Belizean seniors are becoming more vocal.

Jacqueline Godwin, Reporting
They may be pushing seventy and beyond but that did not stop these men and women from parading through the streets of Belize City. The march officially launched the opening of senior citizens week held each year to honour Older Persons living in Belize. According to the National Council on Ageing in
the year two thousand, there were thirteen thousand, five hundred and ninety-six persons aged sixty and above in the country and the number is increasing by approximately one thousand each year.

But despite their burgeoning numbers, aging Belizeans continue to have problems meeting their basic needs.

Kamela Palma, Chairperson, N.C.A.
“The key things are improved health, improved income, security, improved education and an improved involvement in Belize’s society.”

Since the N.C.A. was established in 2003, it has been working to place older person’s concerns on the National Agenda. Today, the NCA helped to officially establish one programme that will have the elderly more involved in improving their quality of life.

Kamela Palma
“And one way they can do this is by organising themselves—forming an organization.”

VOICE, Voicing the Opinions on Issues Concerning the Elderly is a representative organization of older persons in Belize that will work to demand equality, dignity and respect.

Justo Castillo, Member, Steering Committee, VOICE
“Because they have been like little fighting fragments, we want them to realize that they have, they really have rights and certain privileges and they should not be you know bad about it or feeling—as the Creole would say about it—‘potified’ about it, that it has to be a must for the community, it has to be recognized by the community.”

Viola Myles, 104 years old
“Yes, it is true. We have to do something because we are still alive. We are not yet dead, so let’s go on.”

The prime minister did promise to move forward with his government’s commitment to provide the necessary support systems for older persons. During the launch of VOICE, Said Musa proposed to increase the monthly stipend given to special needs senior citizens from seventy-five dollars to one hundred dollars effective December First and National Health Insurance is being rolled out countrywide a month later. VOICE Steering committee member, eighty-seven year old Justo Castillo says they are encouraged by the message.

Justo Castillo
“a hundred dollars for the ladies who are now getting seventy-five, and that men will also eventually be taken care of, in order to gain equity because we have both men and women. So you can’t forget the men you know. The goodwill is there and I hope everything goes well, I hope it will be complied with.”

While government promises to do its part to improve the lives of older persons, local communities and families are also being called upon to help fill other needs.

Sharon Pollack, Executive Director, Helpage Belize
“Very, very important and we have to realise sometimes when they get older and they have strokes and they have different things that happens to them, it changes them, but they are still there. You know, Alzheimer’s and all the different dementias that happen, in essence the person is still there and they need to be treated with dignity.”

Victor Herrera, 78 years old
“I want quietness mommy, I want them to stop with this violence.”

Viola Myles
“I am so sad to hear all the stories that is going on out there, because now I can’t walk to go nowhere to talk to none of them. But I pray for them because nothing beat prayer.”

Justo Castillo
“Better relations inside the families, that is important too because not all the old people are going into the infirmary or anything like that. they are going to be at home forever, make the home happier.”

Sharon Pollack
“When we get a certain age we just don’t fizzle up and die. We are still alive and we have the wisdom to pass on to the younger ones, so we need people to listen and hear.”

As for one hundred and four year old Viola Myles, she does not know if she will live to celebrate another senior citizens week but will continue to inspire both young and old.

Viola Myles
“But you know I am still holding on to the Lord, like the chorus says ‘keep holding on and never let go’, until the Lord ready for me.”

Senior Citizens Week continues nationwide with road trips, games and parties.