The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) says it is deeply saddened by recent incidents of elderly abuse, including the rape of a 91-year-old woman, and the mounting cases of death of elderly citizens resulting from fires in Jamaican homes.

The organisation is calling on every citizen and all communities to take steps to protect society’s most vulnerable.

“The CCRP exhorts community-based organisations, including those in the Neighbourhood Watch programme, to act with urgency in giving priority to activities that can safeguard our senior citizens from the threats they face from multiple sources,”

“As a first step toward providing protection from abuse and the prevention of fire, the CCRP recommends that Neighbourhood Watch and community organisations identify the elderly and disabled persons in their geographical area, so that specific programmes can be arranged for their protection and well-being,”

CCRP commended the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) for their efforts in public education, raising awareness, and conducting inspections at homes for the elderly and recommend that the Neighbourhood Watch programme in communities be included in efforts to strengthen fire prevention.

The Jean Lowrie-Chin-led entity noted that in 2023 there were 10 reported fatalities from among senior citizens because of fires and that there are already two such fatalities since the start of 2024. Among the causes of these fires is the use of candles by persons who cannot afford electricity. The CCRP is therefore recommending that efforts be made by both governmental and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide affordable solar lighting, especially for the homes of the elderly.

Data from the Auditor General’s Department reveal that in the period 2021-2022, the JFB responded to a staggering 7,881 genuine fire calls islandwide, averaging approximately one response every hour of every day throughout that year. While these numbers highlight the dedication of the JFB, they also underscore the urgent need for collective action to address the root causes of fires affecting our elderly population.

The CCRP recommends the following measures to enhance safety and protect the elderly in our communities:

1. Neighbourhood Watch and community organisations identify the elderly and disabled persons in their geographical area, be it a housing scheme, district, lane, or apartment/townhouse complex. This information can be used to arrange for regular visits by members of the community organisation to check on the welfare and safety of senior citizens. The information could also be shared with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Poor Relief Department, and Jamaica Fire Brigade so that specific programmes can be arranged for their protection.
2. Community safety workshops: Community based fire safety workshops conducted by the JFB for Neighbourhood Watch, religious, and civic associations to educate elderly individuals and their caregivers on preventative measures and emergency response strategies. These community organisations should take the initiative of inviting the JFB to stage these workshops.
3. Technology integration: Poor relief departments within the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development should collaborate with NGOs to explore the integration of technology, such as affordable solar lighting, for even one bulb in the homes of the elderly, and the provision of smoke detectors with visual and auditory signals, for early detection and response capabilities in homes with elderly occupants.
4. Accessible fire safety resources: We commend the JFB for producing brochures in Braille so that individuals who are blind will get that information of what to do to prevent fires and what to do in the event of fires. We also recommend that accessible formats that can be viewed or heard from their telephones and radios be also provided for the most vulnerable.
5. Home safety inspections: The JFB and community organisations should more closely collaborate in identifying homes where the elderly reside so there can be regular safety inspections, focusing on the unique needs of elderly residents, and provide recommendations for improvement.
6. Emergency preparedness training: Community-based organisations should invite and facilitate the JFB to conduct emergency preparedness training sessions specifically tailored for the elderly, emphasizing evacuation plans, safe exits, and communication strategies during emergencies.

The CCRP stands ready to collaborate with local authorities, the JCF, the JFB, and community organisations to implement these recommendations and promote a safer living environment for our elderly population.