Council formulates policy on ageing

The National Council on Ageing is meeting this week in Belize City to formulate a National Plan of Action for the Elderly. Chairperson of the Council, Kamela Palma, says that the process involves input from institutional care givers and personnel from four relevant ministries.

Patrick Jones

“Why do we need a plan of action for the elderly?

Kamela Palma, Chairperson, National Council on Ageing

“Well first of all, we have a policy. The policy dictates a national plan of action. A policy is a broad document, as you know, [while] the plan of action specifies and prioritises what we are supposed to do, how and when and what agents we need to bring into the picture. So, although the Council is spearheading this, the Council looks to working very closely with Ministries of Government and NGOs and the private sector.”

Patrick Jones

“What is the current state of the elderly of Belize?”

Kamela Palma

“The elderly people I would say is doing well, although we need to be able to provide more services for them. We need to look at addressing issues such as their health and well-being, their productivity, the fact is that they are alive and kicking and can still contribute and their income security. These are aspects that the national plan of action will address in fact.”

Palma says Minister of Human Development, Marcial Mes, has pledged government’s support for the Council’s work. Following the workshop, which ends Friday afternoon, a draft plan will be submitted to Cabinet for review. Facilitator for the exercise is international expert, Dr. Martha Pelaez.