Hon. Frankie A. Campbell (left) and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Mr. Michael Foulkes (right) share a moment with Mrs. Iris Dean and Mr. Richard Dean ahead of the Urban Renewal Commission’s annual Valentine’s Day and Movie Extravaganza held at Galleria Cinemas, Mall at Marathon, Thursday. The Deans, members of the Urban Renewal Commission’s Senior Citizens Association, will celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary during 2019. (BIS Photo/Matt Maura)
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NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of Social Services and Urban Development,
the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell said Thursday (February 14, 2019) that
ministry officials are in the process of reviewing and “putting into
place” laws that will protect the country’s Senior Citizens.
“You
are entitled to be treated with respect and decency,” Minister Campbell
said to a rousing round of applause from the seniors – the vast
majority of whom were “decked out” in their red and white.
Addressing
a Senior Citizens' Valentine’s Day and Movie Extravaganza hosted by the
Urban Renewal Commission at Galleria Cinemas, Mall at Marathon, Mr.
Campbell took the opportunity to introduce Parliamentary Secretary in
the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Mr. Michael
Foulkes, to the seniors.
Minister Campbell said
Parliamentary Secretary Foulkes, an attorney by profession, has as a
primary task the review and putting in place of laws that are “deficient
in our ministry.”
“Among the laws he has been asked to
review and put in place are the laws that will protect elderly Senior
Citizens. We are satisfied that you have done your due. We are satisfied
that you have put in your time. We are satisfied that you have paved
the way for all of us. We are also satisfied that you are entitled to be
treated with respect and decency,” Minister Campbell added to a rousing
round of applause.
Hon. Frankie A. Campbell escorts Mrs. Louise Pople into the Food Court at the Mall at Marathon Thursday (February 14, 2019) ahead of the annual Valentine’s Day and Movie Extravaganza hosted by the Urban Renewal Commission. A combined two hundred seniors from communities throughout New Providence and the Commission’s Urban Renewal Seniors Association participated in the event. (BIS Photo/Matt Maura)
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Two hundred Seniors from
communities across New Providence and those who are members of the Urban
Renewal Seniors Association, participated in the event – despite the
sometimes inclement weather. Bused under the protective covering of the
Mall, the seniors were seated in the Food Court for a short welcome
ceremony before being escorted into the Movie Theatre.
They
were greeted at the door by representatives of the Urban Renewal
Commission who formed a reception line to receive the seniors. Minister
Campbell serenaded the female seniors with a rendition of Endless
Love. All of the seniors were presented with gift baskets and other
treats.
“This morning, I am more than pleased to be here
with you,” said Minister Campbell. “It was very, very important that I
share in this special day, this special time and this special occasion
with you.”
Mrs. Sheryl Knowles, Programme and Special
Projects Coordinator with the Urban Renewal Commission, said the
Commission annually uses Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to “reach
out” to seniors in the urban communities “by treating them to a day out
at the movies.”
“This is one of the many ways we remind
them that we love, cherish and celebrate them on the internationally
recognized and celebrated day of love,” Ms. Knowles said.
“This
is a day that many of them look forward to annually as they get to
share with other seniors, watch a movie and enjoy hot dogs, popcorn,
drinks and lots of laughter. Urban Renewal Seniors Association is an
outlet that is used to keep our seniors active and motivated,” Ms.
Knowles added.