Centenarian Louisa Neblett shares a light moment with Minister of Social Care, Christopher Sinckler, during a??birthday dinner in her honour at the??Hilton Barbados.??
A Government Minister has praised centenarian Louisa Neblett’s work with the youth.??????
Minister of Social Care, Christopher Sinckler , speaking last weekend at the 100th Birthday Dinner for?? Ms. Neblett, at Hilton Barbados, said he was "particularly impressed by her ministry", as she often spread the Word of God and spoke to the youth about life whenever the opportunity presented itself.??
He stated that this was critical because a lot was taken for granted, especially by the youth. "When one looks across the world and see what is happening … the level of violence and crime, the social degradation and marginalisation, we have to stand up and be counted for the role that we have to play to ensure Barbados remains as sound as it is, based on a strong moral foundation, respectful both of the judgment and
intercession of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and, of course, that we can be our brothers and sisters’ keepers.
"This is the foundation of Barbados and whenever that fabric is challenged, we, who know better, must stand up and be counted, and I think Louisa has demonstrated that with her Ministry to young people," Mr. Sinckler remarked.????
Adding that this type of interaction was lauded by his Ministry, which has responsibility for the elderly, he pointed out that it often sought to promote intergenerational linkages, because it benefited both groups. "The elderly would pass on their strong values, morals and traditions, which have helped to bring our country to where it is today, and the youth would, in turn, show the elderly love and respect, look out for them, and protect and care for them in their vulnerable twilight years," he stressed.??
Mr. Sinckler also lamented the treatment that is given to some senior citizens. "Too many of our elderly people are being abandoned; being taken to the hospital and … nobody returns for them. That is not the type of society we want in Barbados. Growing old … should be a privilege – a social, human privilege in this country – and should not be seen as some type of sentence to marginalisation and isolation from the rest of our society," he said.
In touching on the small wages Ms. Neblett worked for most of her life, the Minister told the audience that the lesson to be learnt was "it is not how much money we earn but what we do with it that is important.??
"Ms. Neblett saved every cent possible in the hope of one day owning her own home; a goal she went on to achieve. That is one of the valuable lessons which she can pass on to our young people – take whatever work you can get; once it is lawful. Be resourceful, spend wisely and be prepared to make sacrifices in order to achieve what you want to achieve," he advised.