President Weekes: Treat Our Elderly With Care And Respect

President Paula-Mae Weekes has called on members of the public to do their part to protect the elderly in society. The President's remarks come as Trinidad and Tobago celebrated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day today, June 15th. In a release from the Office of the President, President Weekes said older people have always occupied a significant place in Trinbagonian society, but she is concerned that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the elderly and their needs are not being taken into consideration. Referring to recent attempts by senior citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19, President Weekes said the appalling display of disregard for senior citizens which left them standing and, when they could no longer stand, sitting on the ground unshielded from the elements and lining the nation's roads is a less than subtle form of elder abuse. She called on citizens to be alert to the forms of elder abuse that might arise during this crisis and added, every sector of society has a part to play in protecting the elderly.