CCRP condemns murder of 80-y-o

The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) said it was shocked by the recent news that the 80-year-old matriarch of a rural community was tied up and burnt to death in her house.

The deceased has been identified as Sylvia Barrett, a St Ann farmer and vendor. Her body was found with hands and feet bound following cooling-down operations.

"Such acts of cruelty against our senior citizens are becoming all to frequent, and we therefore urge immediate concerted action by the Government, communities, families, churches and concerned citizens to protect these vulnerable members of society," the CCRP said in a release.

In response, the CCRP has called on neighbourhood watch and community organisations to identify the elderly and disabled persons in their geographical area, including housing schemes, districts, lanes, or apartments/town house complexes.

"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, the Poor Relief Department, and the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), so that specific programmes can be arranged for their protection," the CCRP said.

The entity also called for community safety workshops to be conducted by the JFB, on the invitation of the community organisations, to educate elderly individuals and their caregivers on preventative measures and emergency response strategies.

"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," the CCRP said, while advocating for the JFB and community organisations to more closely collaborate in identifying homes where the elderly reside so there can be regular safety inspections.

"Community-based organisations should invite and facilitate the JFB to conduct emergency preparedness training sessions specifically tailored for the elderly, emphasising evacuation plans, safe exits, and communication strategies during emergencies," the entity said.