National Library of Jamaica
THE FORGOTTEN (2) - VERE TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL - CLARENDON
Article 25 of the United Nation clearly outlines that every human being has the right to an adequate standard of living irrespective of his or her age.
However, the reality in twenty first century Jamaica is that one of the most vulnerable groups in the Jamaican society – the elderly are left to fend for themselves. This most fundamental of human rights is sadly neglected not only at a governmental level but also at the most basic unit of society – the family.
With the increase of urban migration and the demise of the traditional extended family structure in the Caribbean an ever increasing number of our elderly are being displaced. After a life time of servitude to their families, communities and nation it is an indictment upon us collectively as a country that we allow this most blatant of human rights violation to persist.
I challenge the viewer of these images and the individual reading this text to take time out of your busy routine to visit an infirmary or an elderly community member.
Sometimes all they desire is a smile or a word of encouragement or just some to say, “I care”.
THE FORGOTTEN (2) - VERE TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL - CLARENDON
Article 25 of the United Nation clearly outlines that every human being has the right to an adequate standard of living irrespective of his or her age.
However, the reality in twenty first century Jamaica is that one of the most vulnerable groups in the Jamaican society – the elderly are left to fend for themselves. This most fundamental of human rights is sadly neglected not only at a governmental level but also at the most basic unit of society – the family.
With the increase of urban migration and the demise of the traditional extended family structure in the Caribbean an ever increasing number of our elderly are being displaced. After a life time of servitude to their families, communities and nation it is an indictment upon us collectively as a country that we allow this most blatant of human rights violation to persist.
I challenge the viewer of these images and the individual reading this text to take time out of your busy routine to visit an infirmary or an elderly community member.
Sometimes all they desire is a smile or a word of encouragement or just some to say, “I care”.