Jamaica urged to strengthen protection for older citizens facing abuse

A 2018 Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica exposé warned that abuse of older Jamaicans remains a serious but often hidden problem, especially for seniors who are frail, isolated, disabled or dependent on relatives, caregivers and friends. The programme said senior citizens account for 12.6 per cent of Jamaica’s population and many cases of mistreatment never reach the authorities.

The report identified several forms of abuse, including neglect, physical harm, verbal attacks, emotional and psychological cruelty, sexual abuse, discrimination and financial exploitation. It noted that older people whose children have migrated may be particularly vulnerable, especially when paid caregivers control their daily care or gain access to money, bank cards or personal information.

Advocates said Jamaica had no law aimed specifically at elder abuse at the time. Cases could still be pursued under general statutes such as the Offences Against the Person Act and the Sexual Offences Act, but campaigners argued that seniors needed protections similar to those in child-care legislation, including stronger reporting duties. A green paper revising the national senior citizens policy was tabled by then Labour and Social Security Minister Shahine Robinson, with proposals to strengthen safeguards for the elderly.

The National Council for Senior Citizens, a department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, said it was established in 1976 and guided by a 1997 policy. The council said six elder-abuse cases were reported to it in 2016 and 13 in 2017, while acknowledging that the true scale was likely higher because the issue is not tracked as a separate crime category. Reported matters are usually investigated first by parish-based social workers, with police, churches, community groups, counselling services and other agencies involved where needed.

The programme also highlighted the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons, founded eight years earlier for people 50 and over who are retired or preparing for retirement. The organisation promotes senior welfare, social connection, skills use and access to services, including a major medical insurance arrangement for members. Its Living Legacy Awards have honoured older Jamaicans including Dr. Jean Small, who earned a PhD in her 70s.

Members of the public were urged to watch for warning signs such as bruises, fearfulness around caregivers, poor hygiene, hunger, bed sores and unusual withdrawals of money. Suspected abuse can be reported to the National Council for Senior Citizens, Ministry of Labour and Social Security offices or the police.