News

Members of the public got the opportunity to take a closer look at the services being offered at the National Insurance Service's (NIS), Golden Years centres, when they attended an open- day at the Black Point facility.

The Board of Trustees and the staff of the NIS Golden Years Centre, Black Point, hosted an open-day on Wednesday 25th September, 2018.  The main aim of the open-day was to create awareness of the role of the Centre, and to highlight services offered.  The open-day included an exhibition of art and craft items made by senior citizens who attend the Centre.

In her welcome remarks, Co-ordinator of the Centre, Ms. Joy Matthews, expressed concern that the Centre’s potential is not being maximised, and that more persons should avail themselves of its services.  These, she said, are among the main reasons for hosting the open-day.  Ms. Matthews commended the staff for the upkeep of the Centre, and enhancing its beauty in tandem with the surroundings.  Overall, Ms. Matthews said that she was pleased with the work that the Centres are doing.  

Ms. Matthews commented on the fact that she enjoys the company of the senior citizens with whom she interacts when she visits the Centre. 

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Kenelm Beach, stated the goals of the Centre, which are to improve the quality of life of the aging population in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, reduce the incidence of loneliness and isolation among the elderly, to provide facilities for socialization and companionship, and to provide nutritional meals to help maintain healthy lifestyles.  

The senior citizens were given the opportunity to speak at the open-day.  A resident from Lowmans Windward, Sis. Angela Prince, is a regular at the Black Point Centre.  Sis. Prince described the open-day as a great day for them, and extended thanks to Jesus, Ms. Matthews, of whom she described as “very concerned about us”; and to Mr. Beach. 

The open-day is a precursor to the United Nations International Day of Older Persons on 1st October.  To this end, members from Black Point and Cane Grove, and Buccament Government Centres, will celebrate with a picnic at Rawacou, on Thursday, 4th October 2018.  

SOURCE: API