Older people have always occupied a significant place in Trinbagonian society. They play active and often primary roles in the rearing of grandchildren, serve as community leaders and peacemakers and can be counted on to provide and pass on life skills and priceless pearls of wisdom to the next generation. Unfortunately, after having contributed handsomely to their families and the wider society throughout their lives, many become victims of the most demeaning and degrading forms of mistreatment, often at the hands of their loved ones.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day highlights this disgraceful and pervasive social ill experienced by approximately one in six older persons globally. Many cases of abuse go unreported and undetected, due in part to the culture of shame and secrecy that silences victims and harmful stereotypes which paint older persons as more expendable than other groups.
Elder abuse has many forms, but in the age of Covid-19, a particularly troubling manifestation is the failure to plan inclusively for the elderly. In the pivot to online services and other new ways of doing business, many senior citizens who are not equipped with technological know-how or devices have been left behind or exposed to financial exploitation by their relatives, friends or even strangers at the ATM. To reduce this risk, banks and other financial and public institutions must redouble their efforts to make their systems and services more accessible and accommodating to older adults.
The recent, appalling display of disregard for our senior citizens which left them standing—and when they could no longer stand, sitting—on the ground unshielded from the elements lining the nation’s roads is a less than subtle form of elder abuse. Conditions that would have been traumatic for the young were visited upon our senior citizens; I could not help but think how my own 92-year-old mother would have fared in those circumstances. I take the opportunity to thank the thoughtful and compassionate citizens who provided chairs for them to rest their weary bones as they waited—some in vain—for the opportunity to be vaccinated.
While we dig ourselves out of this Covid-19 hole, let us all be alert to the forms of elder abuse that might arise during this crisis. Every sector of society has a part to play. Caregivers, beset with their own problems, must ensure that their personal challenges do not affect the quality of care they offer to their charges. Social service providers, many of whom already give yeoman service, must be even more patient and understanding with their clients who may be struggling to adjust to fast-changing protocols. Our stressed and overworked police officers have heartened the nation in recent times with displays of compassion for the elderly whose mobility is compromised by the effects of ageing.
And where elder abuse is suspected or detected, members of the public must do their part and report these cases to the Older Persons Information Centre hotline at 800-OPIC (6742). On this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, let us make treating older persons with care and respect a priority.
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Mr. Efthmyios Efthymiades, Ambassador-designate of the Hellenic Republic (Greece) to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, presented his credentials to Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on October 15, 2024 at The President's House. Her Excellency welcomed the Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago and wished him every success in his new post.
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In delivering the feature address at the Sangre Grande Ramleela Committee's 34th Annual Ramleela Celebrations 2024 on Sunday October 13, 2024, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, congratulated the committee on the hosting of the cultural event, and the fact that of the 175 players, 120 were young persons from various schools in the community, Her Excellency expressed, "How lucky we are in this country to be able to have all our citizens, of every religious persuasion, of every class, colour and creed, participate in this truly amazing Festival. Ramleela is a cultural, social and spiritual phenomenon which has enriched Trinidad and Tobago for many years. It is a time when entire communities come together to re-enact the life and times of Sri Ram as chronicled in the Ramayan. It is a wonderful opportunity for young people to become immersed in our religious and cultural traditions, and to have the opportunity to one day carry them forward. It is a time for everyone, the Hindus and non-Hindus alike, to reflect on and identify with many of the themes and moral lessons found throughout the story." #ramleela2024 #SangreGrande #officeofthepresidentt
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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T is with Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association 1914.
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Message from His Excellency Kerwyn Garcia S.C., First Gentleman and Patron of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Associationon White Cane Safety Day 2024—October 15, 2024Today, the nation and the rest of the world commemorate White Cane Safety Day. Observed annually on October 15th, White Cane Safety Day was first proclaimed and celebrated in the United States in 1964 and has since gained recognition worldwide. White Cane Safety Day serves to raise awareness about the use of the white cane as a tool of mobility and a symbol of independence and resilience for the blind and visually-impaired.The origins of the white cane date back to 1921 when James Briggs, a photographer from Bristol, United Kingdom, claimed to have invented it to enhance his visibility to motorists and pedestrians around his home. Throughout the 1930s, the use of white canes by the blind or visually impaired became more widespread in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.In Trinidad and Tobago, as well as around the world, the white cane is used by the blind or visually-impaired as a tool for safe and reliable navigation. The white cane enhances mobility by providing users with tactile feedback about their surroundings, allowing them to detect obstacles, changes in surface texture, and other important information that facilitates safe travel. The white cane also signals to both pedestrians and motorists that the user is blind or visually impaired. It is important to recognize that the white cane is more than a mobility aid - it also embodies independence, resilience and hope. It empowers blind and visually impaired individuals to navigate the world with confidence and certainty. It serves as a reminder that everyone has the right to move through our world with dignity and safety.As patron of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association, I stand in full support of the Association’s efforts to advocate for the rights and dignity of persons who are blind or visually-impaired in Trinidad and Tobago. On this White Cane Safety Day, let us all take the opportunity to recognise and support our fellow citizens as they strive to participate in our society on a full and equal basis. #WhiteCaneSafetyDay #blindwelfareassociation #patronage #officeofthepresidentt
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#mondayinspiration Strength through adversity #ICYMI As we recognize Cancer Month, The Sunday Newsday ran an inspiring story of how Her Excellency Christina Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago found her inner strength in the face of one of the most difficult times in her life. Here is an excerpt from the story by Carol Quash and you can click on the link for full story.TWENTY years ago, President Christine Carla Kangaloo came face to face with her mortality in the form of breast cancer.And although getting rid of the invasive and unwelcome visitor came with a myriad of challenges, it also taught her life lessons she might not have learned otherwise.“It did change my life," she said. "I would say it has strengthened me and made me deeply appreciative of life.“It showed me that there was strength I had that I didn't know I had; it taught me resilience; it taught me to lean on other people,” which can sometimes be difficult for women who are not used to allowing other people to see their susceptibility.
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President Kangaloo: Cancer made me stronger - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
TWENTY years ago, President Christine Carla Kangaloo came face to face with her mortality in the form of breast cancer.
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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T updated their cover photo.
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The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T's cover photo
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