FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas -- The month of October has been globally designated as the ‘Month of the Older Person.’ The Department of Social Services in Grand Bahama has organized a number of activities designed to highlight and celebrate older persons in Grand Bahama, with special emphasis on older women.

“To accentuate and honor the outstanding older women in our communities on the island of Grand Bahama, the Senior Citizens’ Division has planned a number of exciting events that are sure to make our older persons feel appreciated,” said Brahnae Bannister, Special Projects officer at the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development.

The events and activities include a church service at Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King on Thursday, October 6^th; a talk show on matters pertaining to ageing, will take place via zoom, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 13 and an Honorary Concert at the Jubilee Cathedral at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 29^th. The church service is scheduled to honor women of Grand Bahama and celebrate their contributions to their respective communities.

Members of the public are invited to nominate eligible women 60 years and older, whom they feel would have made or who continues to make positive contributions to the growth and development of the island of Grand Bahama. Applications for nominations can be obtained from the Department of Social Services in the Sun Plaza or online at the Social Service website. The deadline for submission of the forms will be October 14, 2022 at 4 p.m.

Ms. Dorothea Gomez, Chief Welfare Officer and Officer in Charge at the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Grand Bahama, said women have been the backbone of society, not just in The Bahamas, but in so many other countries around the world.

“Women have been doing it all for decades,” she said. “From being mom, to teaching, supporting, guiding; and now women are holding top positions in politics, in religion and in companies. So, we are happy to honor the accomplishments of our women, especially our older women in Grand Bahama.”

HONORING SENIOR WOMEN OF GRAND BAHAMA – The Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development (Grand Bahama) will hold a number of events and activities in honor of older women on the island, during the month of October, which has globally been designated as “Month of the Older Person”. The theme for this year’s observance is the resilience and contributions of older women. The announcement was made during a press conference at its offices on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. On hand for the press conference were (from left); Stephen Russell (intern); Ms. Angela Mullings, Clerk; Mrs. Brennamae Rolle-Cooper, Chief Welfare Officer/ Supervisor for the Seniors Division; Ms. Brahnae Bannister, Special Projects Officer; Ms. Dorothea Gomez, Chief Welfare Officer/Officer in Charge; Mrs. Dianna Hield-Case Aide; and Mrs. Linda Hepburn, Case Aide.  (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)