Minister vows to strengthen protections for elderly
As Saint Lucia marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, there is a call for the country to take a more active and organised approach to protecting its elderly. The focus is now on prevention, policy and community responsibility. In a national address, Minister for Equity and Older Persons, Emma Hippolyte, described the […] The article Minister vows to strengthen protections for elderly is from St. Lucia Times.
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As Saint Lucia marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, there is a call for the country to take a more active and organised approach to protecting its elderly. The focus is now on prevention, policy and community responsibility.
In a national address, Minister for Equity and Older Persons, Emma Hippolyte, described the observance as “an unfortunate and solemn reminder of the mistreatment of older persons, which remains one of the most pressing human rights challenges in Saint Lucia.”
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognised around the world as a time to think about the challenges older people face. However, the Minister stressed that recognition is not enough.
She explained that this year’s theme, Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work, urges people to go beyond mere recognition of the problem and take real action.
The Minister said that while awareness is important, real systems need to be put in place to prevent abuse before it happens. “Awareness is vital, but it is not enough,” she said, adding that the country must “build systems, policies, and communities that actively prevent abuse, protect rights, and promote dignity.”
To support this effort, the Division of Older Persons in her Ministry will lead the national response to the needs of an ageing population. The Minister said the Government will also develop new policies and that the division will “introduce the national policy for older persons to the Cabinet”.
A key part of the strategy is to have practical and enforceable solutions. Hippolyte explained that “elder abuse prevention must be practical and possible and effective,” and she outlined several main areas for action.
One priority is to create laws that not only make abuse a crime but also make sure people can get justice. She said this means having “legislation with teeth that not only prohibits abuse but provides clear avenues for justice and accountability”.
The Minister also spoke of the need for community training and awareness. She said there must be “training and vigilance to equip caregivers, health professionals, and community leaders to detect, report and respond to abuse”.
Hippolyte also said it is important for all groups – families, civil society, faith-based organisations and governments – to work together to protect older people.
She said it is also critical to create supportive, age-friendly environments where older people can stay active, visible, and valued. This helps reduce isolation and vulnerability.
The Government, she said, is already taking steps in this direction. “In Saint Lucia, we are committed to this shift from awareness to prevention,” Hippolyte said. “The Department of Equity is advancing reforms that strengthen protections, expand caregiver support and include senior rights in every sector of national development.”
She also said that partnerships are being strengthened to make sure the impact lasts. “We are building alliances to ensure that prevention is not a slogan but a lived reality.”
The Minister also spoke about the importance of cultural attitudes toward older people, saying that prevention starts with respect and social values. “Let us remember, prevention begins with respect,” she said. “When we honour the wisdom, contributions and humanity of all the persons, we create a culture where abuse cannot thrive.”
Hippolyte called on citizens to play an active role in safeguarding the elderly, adding that they must be vigilant in their communities, report abuse when they see it, support older persons when they are vulnerable, and celebrate them when they thrive.
“Together, let us make elder abuse prevention work in policy and practice in every home, every institution, and every community… our elders are our treasured assets. Let us treat them with love and respect,” she said.
The article Minister vows to strengthen protections for elderly is from St. Lucia Times.
