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SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2026
Theme: “Empowering Elderly Voices for an Inclusive Future.”
Citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica,
As Minister with responsibility for Social Services in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, it is my distinct pleasure to join with the people of Dominica as we celebrate and honour our older citizens, including our 15 cherished centenarians, during the Month of the Elderly, observed from September 1st to October 1st.The inevitable process of ageing and being regarded as “an Elderly or Older Person” is a phenomenon that no one can avoid, as long as one is born and lives long enough to attain the threshold, that golden age of sixty.
We celebrate our elderly this year, in alignment with the United Nations sentiments for the International Day of Older Persons, under the theme, “Empowering Elderly Voices for an Inclusive Future.”
This year’s theme speaks to a fundamental principle of our approach to national development: our elderly citizens must never be left behind. Their needs, voices and well-being must be considered in the plans and decisions that shape the future of our country. This commitment is reflected in the Government’s housing programmes, the non-contributory Older Persons Assistance Programme, and free medical care at our health institutions. These initiatives demonstrate our belief that development must be people-centred and inclusive, and that every Dominican, at every stage of life, deserves to live with dignity, security and respect.
As we look toward the future, we have a responsibility to ensure that our seniors are not left behind as the world around them changes. We are living in an age of rapidly advancing technology and Artificial Intelligence, which is no longer science fiction but a reality that is transforming the way we live and interact. Our older persons must be given every opportunity to understand, embrace and benefit from these changes, while ensuring that their own knowledge and wisdom continue to have a place in our evolving society. This is where the Dominica Council on Ageing Inc. plays such an important role. The Council serves as a vital bridge, advocating for our seniors, giving voice to their concerns and promoting their well-being and welfare locally and internationally. This Labour Government therefore remains committed to supporting the Council and its invaluable work on behalf of the older citizens of Dominica.
Special attention must be paid to the 15 centenarians, Gems of the Nation, who supersede the classification of Older Persons, and who epitomize the quality of life that is inherent in this Nature Isle of the World. We must continue to honour and cherish them, and ensure that their legacies live on, as well as guarantee that they enjoy the golden chapter of their lives.
To the leadership and members of the DCOA, I extend my sincere appreciation for 33 years of steadfast advocacy and service. Your work has helped to ensure that the concerns, rights and well-being of our older citizens remain part of our national conversation. I commend you for this enduring commitment and encourage you to continue being a strong and trusted voice for our seniors as we work together to build a more inclusive future for every generation.
I trust that the many events that the Dominica Council On Ageing Inc and its membership have planned for the month will be as rewarding, educational, healthy, and entertaining as these have been in the past years. I encourage all of Dominica, young and old, to remain steadfast in its support, and participate in the various planned activities.
To the many corporate entities, private businesses and public institutions that have partnered with the Dominica Council on Ageing to support this year’s activities, I extend my sincere appreciation. Your generosity, resources and willingness to contribute are an important part of making this month meaningful for our older citizens. Your support will help the Council to deliver activities that celebrate, engage and empower our elderly, while advancing the broader objectives of the Month of the Elderly.
As we begin this month of celebration, reflection and appreciation, let us all renew our commitment to ensuring that our older citizens are valued, respected and included, not only during this month, but throughout the year.
It is therefore my distinct honour, on behalf of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica, to officially declare the 2026 Month of the Elderly open.
Thank you, and may God continue to bless our seniors and bless our beloved Dominica.
SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2026
Theme: “Empowering Elderly Voices for an Inclusive Future.”
Citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica,
As Minister with responsibility for Social Services in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, it is my distinct pleasure to join with the people of Dominica as we celebrate and honour our older citizens, including our 15 cherished centenarians, during the Month of the Elderly, observed from September 1st to October 1st.The inevitable process of ageing and being regarded as “an Elderly or Older Person” is a phenomenon that no one can avoid, as long as one is born and lives long enough to attain the threshold, that golden age of sixty.
We celebrate our elderly this year, in alignment with the United Nations sentiments for the International Day of Older Persons, under the theme, “Empowering Elderly Voices for an Inclusive Future.”
This year’s theme speaks to a fundamental principle of our approach to national development: our elderly citizens must never be left behind. Their needs, voices and well-being must be considered in the plans and decisions that shape the future of our country. This commitment is reflected in the Government’s housing programmes, the non-contributory Older Persons Assistance Programme, and free medical care at our health institutions. These initiatives demonstrate our belief that development must be people-centred and inclusive, and that every Dominican, at every stage of life, deserves to live with dignity, security and respect.
As we look toward the future, we have a responsibility to ensure that our seniors are not left behind as the world around them changes. We are living in an age of rapidly advancing technology and Artificial Intelligence, which is no longer science fiction but a reality that is transforming the way we live and interact. Our older persons must be given every opportunity to understand, embrace and benefit from these changes, while ensuring that their own knowledge and wisdom continue to have a place in our evolving society. This is where the Dominica Council on Ageing Inc. plays such an important role. The Council serves as a vital bridge, advocating for our seniors, giving voice to their concerns and promoting their well-being and welfare locally and internationally. This Labour Government therefore remains committed to supporting the Council and its invaluable work on behalf of the older citizens of Dominica.
Special attention must be paid to the 15 centenarians, Gems of the Nation, who supersede the classification of Older Persons, and who epitomize the quality of life that is inherent in this Nature Isle of the World. We must continue to honour and cherish them, and ensure that their legacies live on, as well as guarantee that they enjoy the golden chapter of their lives.
To the leadership and members of the DCOA, I extend my sincere appreciation for 33 years of steadfast advocacy and service. Your work has helped to ensure that the concerns, rights and well-being of our older citizens remain part of our national conversation. I commend you for this enduring commitment and encourage you to continue being a strong and trusted voice for our seniors as we work together to build a more inclusive future for every generation.
I trust that the many events that the Dominica Council On Ageing Inc and its membership have planned for the month will be as rewarding, educational, healthy, and entertaining as these have been in the past years. I encourage all of Dominica, young and old, to remain steadfast in its support, and participate in the various planned activities.
To the many corporate entities, private businesses and public institutions that have partnered with the Dominica Council on Ageing to support this year’s activities, I extend my sincere appreciation. Your generosity, resources and willingness to contribute are an important part of making this month meaningful for our older citizens. Your support will help the Council to deliver activities that celebrate, engage and empower our elderly, while advancing the broader objectives of the Month of the Elderly.
As we begin this month of celebration, reflection and appreciation, let us all renew our commitment to ensuring that our older citizens are valued, respected and included, not only during this month, but throughout the year.
It is therefore my distinct honour, on behalf of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica, to officially declare the 2026 Month of the Elderly open.
Thank you, and may God continue to bless our seniors and bless our beloved Dominica.
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It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making
The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
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