Press Statement
Access to healthcare, mental wellbeing and protection from abuse and neglect took centre stage at “Seniors: Let’s Talk!”, as a packed room of older Bahamians benefited from information about their health, rights and support services.
Organised by Ms. Ertha Charlow, Chair of Older Persons Month and Assistant Director, Senior Citizens Division/Disability Affairs, the Department of Social Services event formed part of Older Persons Month observances in October 2026. It also served as a live taping of “Taking Social Services to the People”, hosted by Dr. Deborah Bartlett.
The discussion came as the Government advances the Older Persons Rights, Protection, Care and Support Bill, 2026, now being debated in the House of Assembly. Minister of State for Social Services, the Honourable Bacchus Rolle, led the Bill’s second-reading debate, outlining proposed measures to strengthen the care, dignity and protection of older persons. These include access to healthcare and support for people living with dementia and other cognitive impairments.
Gabrielle Romer, Senior Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services, brought remarks highlighting support available to seniors, including housing, food and medical aid assistance.
Bringing together respected national figures and voices of lived experience, the panel included The Right Honourable Algernon Allen, KC, Co-Chair of the Urban Renewal Authority; cultural giants Pat Rahming and Arlene Nash Ferguson; Bridgette Pratt, who is blind and attends Braille classes at the Disability Affairs Unit; and James Seymour, representing Colina Insurance
Topics ranged from healthcare insurance and mental health to family and caregiver support, financial management and seniors’ rights. Together, these issues highlighted the importance of addressing the practical, emotional and financial concerns that affect older persons’ quality of life.
With October also observed as Blindness Awareness Month, Ms. Pratt’s participation brought an important perspective to the conversation about inclusion and support for seniors with vision loss. The observance also drew attention to blindness and vision loss affecting many older persons.
The gathering gave older persons a prominent place in discussions about their own wellbeing, reinforcing the importance of listening to their experiences as the country strengthens its approach to healthy, secure and dignified ageing.
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