Rain no damper for National Grandparents celebration

A HEAVY downpour did not dampen the spirits as hundreds turned out to celebrate National Grandparents Day on Sunday at The Verandah, Juici Patties Complex in Clarendon.

The event, organised by the National Council for Senior Citizens, culminated activities in observance of Senior Citizens Month in September.

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr, in his address, acknowledged the invaluable contribution of senior citizens to national development.

He said that the Government is committed to implementing policy measures to ensure the welfare of the country’s seniors.

“Jamaica’s population is shifting, and the older people in Jamaica are becoming a larger and more important group. It means we have to pay more attention to the older people in Jamaica,” he noted.

Charles pointed out that while not all grandparents are senior citizens, as many were in their 40s, grandparents are traditionally older, wiser and more experienced.

He noted that this year’s large turnout of grandparents from across the island’s 14 parishes for the National Grandparents Day celebration, is a testament to the level of support and quality of care they are receiving.

Custos of Clarendon Edith Chin, who hosted the event, noted the vital role played by her grandfather in her upbringing.

She thanked the seniors, noting that the special day was to show appreciation for what they had done for their children, grandchildren and the nation over the years.

It was a festive and celebratory afternoon with fun-filled activities and games, such as dominoes, ludo, draughts and cards, as well as the increasingly popular ‘Sip and Paint’. The grandparents entertained the gathering with old-time stories, riddles, proverbs and jokes.

The oldest grandmother and grandfather in attendance were recognised.

The guests of honour, who received a red-carpet welcome, were attended to by the courteous team of red T-shirt-clad Juici staff.

Upon arrival, they were served ice-cold coconut water or fruit drink and later, cups of hot soup with cocktail patties.

Dinner was a scrumptious meal of Sunday favourites – curried goat, baked chicken and jerk pork with rice and peas, pasta salad and vegetables. They enjoyed a wide selection of gospel music and later danced to popular oldies music.

Among those in attendance were Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Dr Norman Dunn; former Custos William Shagoury; and founder of Juici Patties, Jukie Chin.