SAJ assists senior citizens of Greenwich Town

As it has done for many years, the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), on behalf of its members, presented Christmas gift packages of groceries to the elderly in Greenwich Town. The presentation to 50 senior citizens of the community took place on Monday, December 21, at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 31 East Avenue, Greenwich Town. The SAJ has a long history of assisting the community which adjoins Newport West, where Port Bustamante and the SAJ offices are located.

HEALTH ADVICE FOR SENIORS

The SAJ used the occasion to encourage the golden agers to follow all the health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to avoid contracting COVID-19. Nurse Deanmarie White, the SAJ’s occupational health officer, reminded the senior citizens that they are among the most vulnerable in the population and that they therefore need to take extra precautions. She reminded them that although they have been accustomed to all the hugs from their children and grandchildren who visit them at Christmas time, they should ask them not to do so this Christmas. She told them to ensure that visitors wear masks, sanitise and keep some distance when they come to visit.

Nurse White also encouraged the senior citizens to limit their trips outside of their homes to the barest minimum so as to avoid contact with infected persons. She advised them to try as far as possible to do all they need done in one trip, and to do so no more than once per week. She told them that for any trip outside the home, they are to wear masks at all times, sanitise and practise social distancing in order to protect themselves.

HEALTH CLINIC

The SAJ also runs a free health clinic at the Holy Name Church for members of the community. Over the last year, 218 persons were treated at the clinic operated by the SAJ.