Mr. President,

Since the First World Assembly held twenty (20) years ago in Vienna, the phenomenon of an ageing population has become a development priority in many countries. Indeed, the United Nations Principles for Older Persons is increasingly recognized as an important guide in the development of a National legislation and plans.
 

In Barbados, Older Persons are seen as an integral part of the population, and in its drive to create a society for all ages, the Government intends to move ageing from the periphery to the center of economic and social policies.
 

This Second World assembly on Ageing therefore, provides us with the opportunity not only to review the outcome of the First World Assembly, and to review the revised plan of action and strategy on Ageing, but to outline measures taken by our society in a comprehensive response to the current ageing process.
 

Barbadians, with an average life expectancy for males of 72 years and 77 years for females, has the highest percentage of persons aged 60 and over in the English speaking Caribbean. The 2000 census shows our population standing at 268 182. Those 60 years and over numbered 41
 

805 with 17 298 or 41.3% being males and 24 507 or 58.6% being females. Persons 60 years and over represented 15.58% while those 65 and over represented 12% of the population. Older women outnumber older men in each age group.
 

Older Persons are a valuable resource. They are the repositories of traditions, culture, knowledge and skills, attributes essential in maintaining intergenerational links. Moreover, they have themselves contributed by their labour to the creation of wealth now being enjoyed by al¡ age groups. The vast majority of older persons also continues to make vital contributions to the society and community, as workers, care givers, volunteers, mentors and through other forms of activities.
 

As the proportion of older persons in society increases, demand increases for government and private sector programmes to meet their needs. Existing policies and programmes for example the compulsory retirement age, created to accommodate a much smaller proportion of elderly persons, must accordingly be restructured to meet new demands. Government in response is already undertaking a programme of pension reform as a first step.
 

Social changes, including increased female workforce participation and changes in the extended family structure, have led to a shrinkage in informal care. Young grandmothers in the workforce, are unable to care for the children and there is greater reliance on formal care. Similarly the extended family and neighborhood are no longer available to provide for the care of their elderly.
 

Ageing is a gradual and individual process. Our national policies and programmes for Older Persons are being based on the fact that this ageing process is a natural transition in the life cycle, and that needs, capacities and potentialities usually prevail over the entire life span. Barbados therefore, in order to provide equal opportunity and better quality of life for the elderly, is developing a National Policy on Ageing, which we recognize as both critical¡ and timely.
 

The recommended national policy and programming will include:

(i) The creation of a National Machinery for Older Persons' Affairs, including both advisory and executive mechanisms;
(ii) Legislation to protect Older Persons against discrimination and abuse and to ensure safety in the physical environment;
(iii) Public and individual strategies to provide financial¡ and economic security for Older persons;
(iv) The teaching of individual responsibility for health and security; 
(v) Protection and Security;
(vi) Education and training.
 

We acknowledge too, the importance for our elder population of health care, insurance, housing, transportation, retirement benefits, income security, accessibility and mobility. Barbados has therefore already taken initiatives, to address some of these issues.

In the area of health and health care, Barbados embraces the philosophy that the right to Health Care is a fundamental human right, and maintains a health care system of high quality in which free health care is available to every citizen and resident. Provision made for care of the elderly includes a free drug service for chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Access to adequate housing is critical¡ for sustaining the quality of life for older persons. Housing, however, must not be restricted to the mere physical shelter, but must incorporate the physiological and social dimensions.

Following the lead of one NGO, the Soroptimists, Barbados will expand the provision of Senior Citizens' Villages, offering both residential accommodation and recreational programming. These facilities are designed to ensure continuing interaction with the wider community of older persons and maximum utilization of the skills available within this segment of the population.
 

There is universal pension coverage with both contributory and noncontributory pensions providing a social safety net for the poor and the elderly. National Insurance contributions are shared by workers and employers and provide for a contributory pension at age 65. The payment of the non-contributory pension is financed by government.
 

In September 1998, the Government of Barbados set up a National Committee for Older Persons in response to the United Nations declaration of the 1999 International Year of Older Persons. The Committee continues to undertake a wide range of activities geared to improve the life of older persons ranging from annual luncheons for Centenarians to National Consultations on Supportive environments for older persons. One highlight has been the highly successful Senior Games held recently which represents a new thrust toward enhancing the status and the quality of life for the elderly within our society.
 

The Government of Barbados is focusing its attention on the issues confronting our ageing population and it pledges its full commitment to creating an enabling environment with strategies and programmes geared to continue to improve the quality of life for elderly persons.
 

I thank you.