The moon has presented a luminous effect on society causing all sorts of dark patches to glow. Covid-19 must have had or is having a devastating impact on life. Things that were lacking or taken for granted are now lit up and showing that we are living in a real world. No more must one person be dominant over another. As to what extent or how far this disposition will reach, only time will tell.
The beauty about invisible shackles has always baffled me. Why? Well somehow when life seems confusing because of a particular problem, there is a motive that is questionable and strikes at the core of its existence. For example, the elderly folks in Trinidad and Tobago are quite often marginalised. Let’s stop and look at the present way that engulfs the aura of mystery as it pertains to our elderly folks.
Why is it that in all walks of life the vulnerable in society are made to undergo disconcerting conditions? Quite recently an offer was made to our elderly and disabled, due to the coronavirus, to do their grocery shopping one hour earlier than the normal opening time. Speakers to some of these elderly people I found out they felt it would have been much better if a cashier or two had been designated to assist them throughout the day. It put additional pressure on them as it entailed their getting up early and having to get to whatever grocery is convenient and most of all, having to utilise that one hour allotted to them.
The bank is another area of contention. If it is not online banking, it is queueing up in the bank or the phobia of using the ATM. The latest inconvenience is the relocating of branches from one area to another. Quite a number of elderly and disabled folks are saying that this abrupt change has caused problems as far as transportation is concerned. The question is, what are the alternatives, if any, to solve this ongoing predicament. We would have to wait and hope for a suitable outcome.
A complex area that is peaking serious interest is the elderly and disabled’s inability to attend church since they are placed in the category of being most vulnerable to Covid-19. Some are in favour or not attending while others are considering how to cope with such a predicament.
Every effort must be made to include them at mass as this will surely lift their morale and even prolong their lives.. To those in charge of making the decisions, do your best to serve our elders. They have done what is best for us. Going to mass has always been a place to seek comfort, tranquillity and solace. By attending mass they renew their faith and meet and chat with their friends. What better outing can they look forward to? I am certain they are yearning to return, even with social distancing as a must.
For more than a decade I have been advocating for a special day for the elderly and disabled to vote. To date, very little or no progress has been made. The objective of voting on a special day is to avoid any delay in the system. I am optimistic that one day soon this albatross will be lifted with the aid of the Lord. Voting is a constitutional right and the elderly and disabled must be given every opportunity to perform this duty in a manner that is pleasing and acceptable. These folk had to fight for the right to vote. They are now seeking a day to vote. Struggle has become part of life for these folks.
Having touched on some of the more poignant areas, I feel it is only fitting that I conclude in a succinct manner. Treat the elderly and disabled with compassion, and blessings will fill this nation with riches.
It would be remiss of me if I did not mention Elder Abuse Day 2020. This day has always been a difficult day to tolerate due to its name. To me abuse is a cruel subject. For abuse to stop, the Lord has to intervene and I do hope it’s soon. To all who are or were abused, strike a diligent conversation with the Lord for He is your only hope.
In the spirit of growth.