By Sue-Ann Wayow
THERE is an urgent need to protect the rights, dignity and well-being of senior citizens in Trinidad and Tobago.
Last Saturday, the elderly were in the spotlight as the Victim and Witness Support Unit (VWSU) of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) successfully hosted the fourth instalment of its Elder Abuse National Symposium.
The symposium was in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) observed annually on June 15.
The event was held at the St Mary’s Parish Hall in Tacarigua and themed, “Protecting our Legacies IV – Empower Elders, Prevent Abuse: A Community Response.”
The TTPS stated in a media release on Tuesday, “This year’s symposium brought national attention to the growing issue of crimes against the elderly in Trinidad and Tobago, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard their rights, dignity, and well-being.”
The event featured keynote speaker retired Director of the Division of Aging Jennifer Rouse.
In attendance were older adults, caregivers, community members, and key stakeholders, all of whom engaged in a sensitisation seminar aimed at educating and empowering participants.
The session provided essential tools and resources to help identify, prevent, and respond to elder abuse, the TTPS stated.
A sensitisation booth was also featured at the event, offering critical information on available support services, personal safety strategies, and how individuals and communities can collaborate to protect vulnerable seniors.
The TTPS stated, “The symposium proved to be both impactful and inspiring, reaffirming the TTPS’s commitment to strengthening community responses and preserving the legacies of the nation’s elderly population.”
