Minister for Grand Bahama and Member of Parliament for Pineridge the Hon. Ginger Moxey contributed to debate on the Older Persons Rights, Protection, Care and Support Bill in the House of Assembly this week. The bill seeks to define the rights of and provide protection and support for senior citizens in the country.
Moxey told parliamentarians that how we treat our older people speaks to who we are as a people. She said, “for the Davis-Cooper administration, security means protecting our borders and our communities, but it also means protecting the grandmother at home, the grandfather in a nursing facility, and every older Bahamian who deserves to live free from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.”
The minister noted that the bill speaks to the heart of her constituency and will provide protection for seniors across Grand Bahama. Moxey said, “it defines an older person as an individual 65 years or older who, as a result of the natural course of aging, may encounter limitations that require greater protection and support. But one thing is clear: the legislation does not define older persons by their limitations; instead, it recognizes that our elders are citizens whose experiences and contributions are valuable.”
Moxey said the bill makes provisions for senior day care, community nursing and home-based services. “This allows older persons to remain independent and avoid unnecessary hospital visits,” she said.
The bill was passed in the House and now moves on to the Senate for debate.
