Dr. Daisy Acosta, Honorary Vice President
Mr. Johan Vos, Director of Development ADI
Mr. Keith Franca, President of St. Maarten Alzheimer's Foundation
Distinguished guests
It is with great pleasure that I address you this morning as we discuss ageing in the world, the Caribbean and St. Maarten. In particular I heard that some of you thought that St. Maarten has the utopian fountain of youth but given my platinum highlights that glitter under this light, and the fact that I do not move as fast as I used to or remember as much as I could or should-rest assured that we are still looking for it on our paradise.
Based on your request, I will mainly focus on ageing here on our beautiful shores of St. Maarten, by sharing with you some of the evidence that was collected during the recent elderly research. According to statistics 11% of St. Maarten's population was elderly in 2012 showing 6,269 elderly persons as of January 1, 2012. Here on St. Maarten we have seen that in the last 10 years the elderly population doubled, especially in the last 5 years.
The nationalities that comprise our elderly population are Haitians, Dominicano's, Dominicans, Jamaicans, Indians, Americans and Guyanese. Unfortunately 50% of them do not have the Dutch nationality and 13.4% of the elderly registered only between 2000-2011. When we take a look at the age group 60-70 years old, about 52.1% have been on the island for more than 20 years.
When the time comes to choose an island to open a regional ADI office please consider St. Maarten as your hub. In our own way we are very international given that over 100 nationalities reside on this "metropolitan" centrally located island.
When it comes to the caring for the elderly here on St. Maarten, about 7% of them are fully dependent on others to have their regular activities done. Those relied on for care are family members, district nurses, neighbors and the Helping Hands Foundation.
Due to the declining economy the scenario of the extended family and friends is under attack, as it is now necessary that many/most people HAVE to work resulting in less time to look at our elderly. Approximately 15-33% of our elderly experience loneliness while 25% reported feeling left out or isolated. Based on research, our elderly would like to be more involved in activities and would welcome the development of services and service points which cater to them.
Being aware, the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor-with our theme: Putting People First-opened and staffed the Gaston Boasman helpdesk for the elderly and physically challenged in the Hope Estate to assist "vulnerable groups"." This helpdesk is staffed by our Department of Family, Humanitarian Affairs & Community Development and is also used for foundations to keep their meetings to discuss their needs and concerns and to avoid them from using their limited financial resources. As minister I am an advocate for sharing resources and synchronizing our efforts.
Members of the Golden Age Foundation, the St. Maarten elderly and recreational foundation, Home Away from Home, Meals on Wheels, Diabetes Foundation, COME, faith based elderly groups and social clubs like the Lions and the Rotary are all trying to fill the gaps, increase awareness and provide added-services. This only proves that we must and should work together.
The Departments of Social Development and Social Services remains committed to research, policy development and services which strengthen the position of elderly people in our community. Yesterday I was informed of a case of an Alzheimer's person who was dropped off at our social services office by an unknown person. The team kicked into gear because they were never confronted with such a case and with the effort of all they were able to contact their offspring and resolve the situation. Our question was: What would have happened if the team was not able to contact the family member-this may be the benefit of a small island but there are still situations that we are not familiar with. Where would we have housed this person? The medical center, mental health foundation or a hotel? Until we figure out where the person should be. This new situation created a learning opportunity for all involved. We have to be the "enablers" as referred to in your handout. I look forward to being part of it by the work we have done so far to enable and to empower foundations, patients and their families.
I would like to thank ADI for choosing St. Maarten as their preferred destination for this regional workshop and rest assured you have my support should you decide to open your regional office here as well. Thank you and have a very productive final day but please take some time to enjoy St. Maarten.
