President Danny Faure received members of the Council for the Elderly at State House yesterday morning.

The meeting forms part of the President’s series of weekly meetings with key agencies, where as the Head of State he has the opportunity to listen to strategic plans and concerns, and engage in consultation to see where the role of government can be strengthened. President Faure thanked members for their commitment and reaffirmed the government’s full support to the Council through the Ministry of Family Affairs.

In the presence of Council Board members, the Chairperson of the Council, Mrs Jeanine Chung-Faye, provided the President with a general overview of the undertakings and status of the council since its creation in August 2018.

Discussions centred on the transformation of the Council, including the implementation of systems and structures geared towards achieving greater tangible results for the betterment of the senior citizens of the country. Other topics raised included greater integration of the community, advocacy and awareness on the realities of an ageing population, and the launching of new programmes such as promoting healthy and active ageing.

The Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Marie-France Pereira, highlighted some of key challenges impeding the work of the council including the lack of resources, recruitment delays and insufficient expertise. She reassured the President that along with the support of the Board and Government, the Council remains focused on their strategic plan and implementation.

Also present for the meeting was the Minister for Family Affairs, Mrs Mitcy Larue.