The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) is reacting with “shock and outrage” at last week’s murder of an 80-year-old woman in St Ann and is demanding greater protection for the elderly, even as investigators struggle to solve the case.

The body of 80-year-old Sylvia Barrett of Spring Garden, Bamboo in St Ann was discovered in her burnt-out house with hands and feet tied.

On Sunday, head of the St Ann police, Senior Superintendent Dwight Powell, told The Gleaner that investigations were ongoing and there was no additional information to report at this time.

In a release on Sunday, the CCRP urged action by government and other stakeholders to protect senior citizens.

“Such acts of cruelty against our senior citizens are becoming all too frequent, and we therefore urge immediate concerted action by the government, communities, families, churches and concerned citizens to protect these vulnerable members of society,” the CCRP urged.

owards this, the CCRP has put forward a five-point plan to address the situation and has stated its readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to implement them. The plans include the identification of elderly folks in neighbourhoods and regular visits to them, and emergency preparedness training that would include the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

The suggested measures are:

1. Neighbourhood watch and community organisations identify the elderly and disabled persons in their geographical area, be it a housing scheme, district, lane, or apartment/townhouse complex. This information can be used to arrange for regular visits by members of the community organisation to check on the welfare and safety of senior citizens. The information could also be shared with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Poor Relief Department, and the Jamaica Fire Brigade so that specific programmes can be arranged for their protection.
2. Community safety workshops: Community-based fire safety workshops conducted by the JFB for Neighbourhood Watch, religious, and civic associations to educate elderly individuals and their caregivers on preventative measures and emergency response strategies. These community organisations should take the initiative of inviting the JFB to stage these workshops.
3. Accessible fire safety resources: We commend the JFB for producing brochures in Braille so that individuals who are blind will get that information of what to do to prevent fires and what to do in the event of fires. We also recommend that accessible formats that can be viewed or heard from their telephones and radios be also provided for the most vulnerable.
4. Home safety inspections: The JFB and community organisations should more closely collaborate in identifying homes where the elderly reside so there can be regular safety inspections, focusing on the unique needs of elderly residents, and provide recommendations for improvement.
5. Emergency preparedness training: Community based organisations should invite and facilitate the JFB to conduct emergency preparedness training sessions specifically tailored for the elderly, emphasising evacuation plans, safe exits, and communication strategies during emergencies.

“The CCRP stands ready to collaborate with local authorities, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and community organisations to implement these recommendations and promote a safer living environment for our elderly population,” the organisation stated.