BROWN’S TOWN, St Ann —The Social Development Commission (SDC), in a heartwarming display of community spirit and appreciation, partnered with key stakeholders to host the ninth annual Brown’s Town Elderly Celebration and Social Fair at the Addison Park Sports Complex in St Ann, on Thursday.

Under the theme, ‘Golden Legacy: Celebrating the Timeless Contributions of Our Elders’, the event brought together more than 250 senior citizens from the Brown’s Town area to honour their lifetime of contributions, while providing essential services and fostering social connections.

Parish Manager of the SDC, St Ann Division, Hillary McBaine said the initiative aligns with the Commission’s mission to strengthen social protection and promote community cohesion.

“We recognise the awesome contribution that our distinguished veterans have [made] to the growth and development of Jamaica. Many of them are retired civil servants and professionals in other fields who reside in Brown’s Town and its environs,” McBaine said.

The day was packed with activities designed to uplift and empower the elderly, including an awards ceremony, wellness services, educational sessions, entertainment and more.

A resident of Philadelphia District in Brown’s Town, Desburn Cole, received an award for outstanding community development. Awards were also bestowed to a quiz team and others who participated in the day’s activities.

The initiative was supported by various organisations such as the National Senior Citizens Council and healthcare partners such as Spicy Hill Clinic and Phoenix Vision Centre.

They provided free medical services, including eye tests and general health screenings, to the attendees.

For those unable to attend, the event organisers ensured that food packages were delivered to their homes so that no one was left out of the celebration.

The event was also supported by the Jamaica Bauxite Institute, Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited, Cause for Change Foundation, the Brown’s Town Community Development Committee, local churches, small businesses, and Member of Parliament, for St. Ann North Western, Krystal Lee.

Brown’s Town High School and Brown’s Town Primary School also participated by providing entertainment and special tributes to the elderly.

Community Development Officer for Brown’s Town, Nauseen Lawrence, said the event was an essential part of fostering respect and care for the elderly.

“We have a lot of issues in Jamaica where from time to time the elders don’t know where to go. So, we provide this opportunity… so that our elders can have ease of access,” Lawrence stated.

“Also, it’s a learning process for the [students] who came in. So, they will be [exposed] to their (elderly) knowledge and expertise, giving them some advice that it can help them to grow into better human beings,” she added.

For the seniors in attendance, the event was more than just a day of fun, but also a reminder that their contributions have not been forgotten.

Una Dookie, a resident of Brown’s Town and a first-time attendee, noted her excitement about the opportunity to engage in fellowship with people her age.

“I heard about it through my church where it was advertising every Sunday. So, I wanted to come and really see what it was like and to fellowship as well. I also just did my blood pressure and my sugar test. I’m good, I’m really happy and appreciate this,” Dookie explained.

She also lauded the SDC for taking the time out to organise the initiative for the elderly of Brown’s Town.

Another attendee, Lambert Tucker, came with specific needs in mind after hearing about the fair on the radio.

“I came to get the eye test. I was hoping I would get glasses,” Tucker pointed out.

-JIS