NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Older, more experienced persons are the backbone of society and should be treated as such, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell said recently.

Addressing the Urban Renewal Commission’s annual Seniors (Harvest) Thanksgiving Luncheon held Friday, November 29, 2019 at Holy Trinity Activity Hall, Stapledon Gardens, Minister Campbell said the Luncheon’s theme: 'A Grateful People' could not be more suitable for the occasion.

More than 300 senior citizens from the 10 Urban Renewal Communities in which centres are located attended the luncheon.

“I make no secret about the extra, special love that I have in my heart for the older, more experienced persons in our country, along with the children and the community of persons with disabilities,” Minister Campbell said.

“I like being around older, more experienced persons because I know that wisdom will flow. I know that there will be order. I also know that wherever they are, the blessings abound and that because of this, one will be much better off.”

Minister Campbell applauded the seniors for the roles they have played, and continue to play, in the social development of the country.

“As a country we owe you a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices that you have made along the way. I want you to know that as a government, there is a sense of gratitude; as a ministry, there is a sense of gratitude, and as an individual, there is a sense of gratitude from me,” Minister Campbell added.

Minister Campbell asked one favour of the seniors.

“The experiences that you have, share them. The wisdom, knowledge and understanding that abound in you, share it. Ensure that you share those traditions and stories that make us who we are. Ensure that you share [with the young] our culture for it is our young people who will continue the legacies that you are still creating, still working on. Deposit all that you have into them so that they will be able to take the baton and run with it.”

Minister Campbell urged the various Senior Citizens Associations and other groups that partner with the various Urban Renewal Centres to remain at the forefront of their communities.

“Put pressure on your centre managers. Ensure that you have a seat at the table. Ensure that you have a voice. Ensure that you are a part of some of the decision-making. Earlier this month we celebrated World (Universal) Children’s Day and I reminded children across The Bahamas that according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, it is no longer a situation where children must be seen and not heard; that children now have the right to be heard. If children have a right to be heard, our older, more experienced persons should also have that right. I give God thanks for you; I give him thanks for what you have done for our country,” Minister Campbell added.