This Commission was appointed by Cabinet in May 1999, and is made up of fifteen persons. It is a relatively new entity which was established in accordance with the recommendations of the Commission appointed in 1996 by the Minister of Labour, Health and Housing.  That Commission (1996) was mandated to make recommendations for the enhancement of the quality of life of the Elderly in Guyana. It carried out its mandate and in 1998 submitted its Report entitled “GIVING HOPE TO THE ELDERLY”.  This Report presented a number of wide ranging recommendations, which included the establishment of the NATIONAL COMMISSION ON SENIOR CITIZENS.  It further indicated that the responsibilities of such a National Commission should include the identification and promotion of special services for the benefit of all senior citizens.  It should also be expected to recommend and to monitor the implementation of policies which would ensure the improvement of the quality of life of the senior citizens.
 

THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON THE ELDERLY is yet in its infancy and is in the process of formulating its programmes and strategies of operation. As part of its programme, it plans to initiate a general debate on the recommendations of Justice Trotman’s Report in order to obtain the views of all partners.  The outcome of this activity would provide a basis for formulating a policy document which reflects the views of a range of persons.  It also plans to visit several of the existing residential homes for the elderly to assess their conditions and to make appropriate recommendations.
 

        FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM:

        THE CHAIRMAN
        NATIONAL COMMISSION ON THE ELDERLY
        ^c/_o THE CHIEF SOCIAL WORKER
        SOCIAL SECURITY AND SENIOR CITIZENS
        WELFARE DEPARTMENT
        MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES & SOCIAL SECURITY
        1, WATER & CORNHILL STREETS
        GEORGETOWN
        RERPUBLIC OF GUYANA