Quarterly Newsletter for period April - September 2008

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON AGEING

Volume 1, Issue 2

WORKING TO PLACE OLDER PERSONS’ CONCERNS ON THE NATIONAL AGENDA

IN THIS TRIBUTE TO MS. KAMELA PALMA ISSUE Ms. Kamela Palma has been the Chairperson of the National Council on Ageing since February 10th 2003 when, along with 16 member • Tribute Ms. Kamela Palma Pg 1 organizations, she was officially sworn into office at the • From the Editor Commissioning Ceremony, by Dolores Balderamos–Garcia, then Minister of Human Development, Women, Children and Civil ADVOCACY Society. Ms. Palma was chosen to be chair, not only because her previous • The Golden Years Pg 2 experience and skills as a leader had been recognized but also for • VOICE updates her passion and dedication to uphold the rights of older persons in Pg3 Ms. Kamela Palma Belize. On behalf of the Secretariat staff • – Belize and past and present NCA members, I can say that she has Health Fair Pg 6 been an excellent leader who has guided the organization • P.A.H.O. Workshop: Mental Health in through many stages of developmental to a point where we Disasters Pg 6 readily accept the challenges that will be presented to us when • Elderly and advocating for older people. Disasters Workshop Although we will miss her at the NCA we are also very in the British Virgin proud that she has been appointed Belize’s Ambassador to the Islands Pg 6 and that her skills as a diplomat have once HEALTH again been recognized.

We congratulate her and do not need to wish her well Ms. Palma and her 97 • Health Corner Pg 4 in this new post because we all know that she will be an excel- Sugar Free Banana year old father Mr. Cake Recipe lent Ambassador and representative of Belize. Carlton Fairweather Exercise Tips From the Editor RECOGNITON Welcome to the second issue of the National Council • The NCA Pays on Ageing’s newsletter. I am the new Programme Officer for Tribute to Ms. Viola the NCA, having joined the Secretariat office in July this year Miles Pg 3 and editor of this edition of the Newsletter. • Recognizing our It has been sometime since we have produced an Golden Age Heroes Pg 4 & 5 updated newsletter but, as you can see, there has been many events taking place and no shortage of information to ACTIVITIES report on over the past few months. This edition has several • Older Persons articles featuring people who we wish to pay tribute to for Celebrate Earth Day Ix-Chel Poot Pg 7 their service and dedication. Chief among them being Ms. • Student Interns 2008 Kamela Palma who will be leaving us. She will be greatly missed and we wish her every Pg 7 success with her new appointment and of course we plan to always keep in touch. Another person we pay tribute to is Mrs. Viola Myles who died at the age of 105 in

March of this year. Also featured in this issue are the nominees for the Golden Age Hero Award. The Golden Age Hero Award is designed to honor persons 60 years and older who, through voluntary service, have contributed to the improvement of their community. Nominations range from entrepreneurs to school teachers and everything in between. The NCA is proud to honor these older persons who have dedicated time and energy to selflessly serving our country.

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The Golden Years The NCA Pays Tribute to Mrs. Viola Myles Belizean American donates bike to child infected with HIV/AIDS In this issue of the newsletter the NCA The Golden Years programme would like to pay tribute continues to inform and educate to Mrs. Viola Myles who on the issues of older persons died in March 2008 at every other Sunday on Love Fm. The impact of the the age of 105 years. radio show was seen when after we aired a show Mrs. Myles was not only on HIV/AIDS. a remarkable woman for Ms. Sandra Peters a Belizean American who having reached the age is an avid listener to “The Golden Years” on line, has of 105 but also for the responded to the call for help from the aunt of a 13 many years of service year old school girl who is HIV positive from birth. that she gave to the Sandra, while listening to the programme “HIV and community in Belize AIDS and how it affects the Older Persons” has Ms. Viola Myles & Dr. Troja City. purchased a bicycle for the child that her aunt had Mrs. Myles was a requested during an interview in Dangriga. This has lifelong Salvationist who came to Belize from her provided the child with a necessary means of birth home of when she was a young transportation to school as she lives quite a distance woman to work as a missionary with the Salvation away. The distance had made it difficult for her to Army in Belize. She never returned and spent the travel to and from school especially in the rest of her life in the home she came to love. afternoons. Sandra had wired one hundred dollars Sister Myles was known throughout Belize US to NCA’s previous Programme Officer – Raphael City and many citizens will have seen her each year Martinez. The bicycle was bought in Belize City and around the months leading up to Christmas on was picked up by Nurse Estella Humphreys - Health Albert Street with a bell in one hand and a kettle in Educator and Chairperson of the HIV and AIDS the other, collecting donations for the Salvation Society in Dangriga on Saturday 5 April 2008. Nurse Army Xmas appeal for the poor and needy. In fact Humphreys has been working with the child and her Mrs. Myles spent most of her time working with the family for the past 3 years. The NCA is grateful for poor and needy and was well known for her the assistance rendered by Ms. Sandra Peters. generosity. The Golden Years is broadcasted live every Mrs. Myles other Sunday with our hosts Mrs. Gwen Gillett and was actively involved Ix-Chel Poot (NCA Programme Officer). If you would in other organizations like to be a part of the Golden Years, you can apart from her church contact us at 822-1546/822-3978 or call in during a and supported the broadcast at 203-2098. YWCA and HelpAge Belize. She entered and won the Miss Y Pageant at the age of 95 and was still dancing at her 100 year birthday party, as seen in the picture. The NCA will always remember Mrs. Viola Myles as a fine and spirited lady.

Ms. Viola Myles

& Ms. Palma celebrate

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VOICE The Representative Organization of Older HEALTH CORNER Persons in Belize SUGAR-FREE BANANA CAKE The inception of VOICE saw the creation of a 2/3 c. banana, mashed new type of organization working for older persons. 1/2 c. butter, softened VOICE is the medium through which older persons 3 lg. eggs advocate for their rights and equal access to 3/4 c. water services. VOICE empowers older persons instead of 2 c. Whole wheat flour serving them. VOICE 2 tsp. baking powder members are advocates 1 tsp. baking soda and through their 1 tsp. cinnamon advocacy they serve Optional: 1 c. chopped walnuts OR 1/2 c. chopped their country and other walnuts & 1/2 c. raisins older persons. It has taken the Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch pan. Beat together VOICE groups across mashed banana and soft butter until creamy. Beat in the country some time water. In a separate bowl, beat eggs until very to adapt to their new foamy. Beat into mixture. Blend in flour, baking role as advocates. powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Beat until Some of the groups smooth. Stir in walnuts or walnuts and raisins, if de- h a v e n e e d e d sired. Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake at 350 de- restructuring while grees for 20 minutes or until a knife inserted comes others simply needed out clean. Cool. Serves 8-10 a gentle push in the Mr. Israel Alpuche, E N J O Y ! right direction. VOICE Chairman Mr. Evan Dakers, the NCA consultant, has been working with the VOICE groups over the past WALL PUSH-UPS months to ensure that the VOICE movement will not loose momentum and will continue making strides in

VOICE two day workshop in

the right direction Recognizing that they needed to increase their management skills, a two-day training workshop was organized by Mr. Dakers and sponsored by United Nations Population Fund 1. Place hands flat against the wall. (UNFPA) and the NCA. A total of 23 VOICE members 2. Slowly lower body to the wall. Push body away participated in the workshop which focused on from wall to return to starting position. “Setting and Achieving Goals.” The workshop was facilitated by Belize Institute of Management (BIM).

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Mrs. Rose Groutsche, 69, migrated to Belize in 1967 with her husband Claude Groutsche. A proud mother of three Belizean born daughters, Ms. Rose began her volunteer work in 1969 when she joined Saint John’s Ambulance Brigade. She joined the Girl Guides Association in 1975 and worked with the guides on many different projects. This early work with young women has Mr. Antonio Vega Sr. and his wife Mrs. Lidia Vega inspired much of her work with young people. Ms. Rose’s life goal is to develop a facilities in which she Mr. & Mrs. Antonio Vega have been married can help teenage girls and school dropouts to since April 26, 1943; their union has produced ten become productive members of society. children and a life time of service to Belize. Mr. & Ms. Rose is a very active member of Belize Mrs. Vega were instrumental in the development of Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) and even two key economic sectors on their island home of after her retirement in 2005 she still volunteers Caye Caulker; fishing and tourism. during the summer camps sponsored by BCVI. Founder of the Northern Fisherman’s Cooperative Mr. Vega’s success was possible through the support and dedication of his family. His wife did the early book keeping of the Mrs. Arcadia Carrillo born on January 6, cooperative and his children would aid in packaging 1934, is a resident of Chan Pine Ridge, Orange Walk lobster for export. and has a long history of volunteer work in her The introduction of tourism on the island community. Professionally she has served as a saw the Vega’s setting the standard for hospitality teacher, impacting and improving the lives of and water tours. When the need arose they Belizean Children. Mrs. Carrillo continues to work as donated prime real-estate for the development of a teacher contributing to the development of her an air strip. community. Mr. & Mrs. Vega continue to impact lives through the volunteer work they continue to do on Mrs. Gwen Gillett, is a very integral the island including sharing advice, home remedies member of the NCA. Mrs. Gwen is the host of the and ensuring the cleanliness of the island. Golden Years Radio show, a service she devotes herself to entirely. She is no stranger to the radio and in her early years she and George Mckeesey Mrs. Elfrida Miguel, of San Antonio were hosts of the very popular “Gwen and Georgie” Village, Corozal, is 77 years old and has served her radio show. community for 53 years through voluntary service. These days Mrs. Gwen devotes her time to She began working for her community after her family and serving her community. She is hurricane Janet and has not looked back. Her presently the secretary for the Belize Council of service includes work with Red Cross, the Corozal Churches, a member of the board for the Sister Methodist Church and the Methodist eye clinic. Cecilia Home and the NCA. Mrs. Miguel has been a leader in her community serving as a village councilor and as a Justice of the Peace. Also Nominated: Ms. Sadie Vernon- Belize City Mrs. Edna Wiltshire- Belize City Mrs. Ethel Castillo- Belize City Mrs. Gwen in action on the Golden Years “Honoring older Belizeans doing extraordinary things in their community”

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Mr. Godsman Ellis has been involved in Mr. Julio Alvarado many organizations and campaigns and can be born March 29, 1922 im- described as a committed activist and seeker of migrated to Belize in Octo- justice in Belize. Many will know him as an ber 1954. He has lived through environmentalist and proponent of eco-tourism. He out the country of Belize but has served as the president of both Belize Tourism has settled in Benque Viejo. Industry Association (BTIA) and Belize Eco-Tourism As he settled into life in Association; during his time with BTIA the Belize Benque Viejo Mr. Alvarado took Marine Terminal was established. on several community projects His love for nature and its desire for to improve the lives others. His work began in 1957 preservation saw him take a strong stand against when he served as a founding member of the the building of the Chalillo Dam and the destruction Benque Viejo credit union. In 1967 he was the of the wildlife habitat in the area. vice-president of the first July Benque Fiesta a Mr. Ellis is also an educator, agriculturalist event that is held yearly and receives national and historian. He posses a vast wealth of support. A founding member of the Benque Lions knowledge of the and Maya History. His club he has been responsible for two agriculture love for his country and its people has caused him seminars and the organization of eye clinics. to be involved in the Human Rights Commission Mr. Alvarado is well known for his talent as a where he served as Vice-President. harmonica player and is often invited to play the national anthem at events. His artistic talents also includes poetry and many of his poems have been Mr. Justo Castillo is a very active 88 year published in national and international newspapers. old member of the Belmopan community. He serves as a lay preacher at the Our Lady of Guadalupe . A founding member of the Belmopan’s Lions Club he still takes a very active Mrs. Gwen Zetina can be considered a role in events and fundraising. perpetual volunteer. She is present at many Mr. Justo serves as a functions and participates in organizations where Justice of the Peace work needs to be done. and is regularly called She is a lay preacher at Our Lady of upon to swear in new Guadalupe Catholic church and an active member of citizens of Belize. He the Lions Club and HelpAge Belmopan. She loves presently holds the her garden and her plants and for many years she post of Treasurer for has presented displays at the National Agricultural HelpAge Belmopan and Show. is a member of the Ex- ecutive Board of the National Council on Ageing. Mr. Ralton Brown, 77 has been described as very community minded. He is involved in his Also Nominated: local neighborhood watch, which is his way of Mr. U. Pech- Hattieville ensuring the safety of his community. Nurse Gwendolyn Perez- Hattieville Mr. Brown is a member of VOICE Toledo Nurse Armandina Simmons, San Ignacio where he advocates for the rights of older persons. Nurse Sanz, San Ignacio He maintains a working relationship with local Mrs. Alyndie Campbell- Belmopan churches and the local Police Department Mr. Rodolfo Lopez- Belmopan Mrs. Rose Armstrong—Belize City

“Honoring older Belizeans doing extraordinary things in their community” NCA’s Quarterly Newsletter 5

• To review the current approach to mental MEXICO—BELIZE HEALTH FAIR health disasters and emergencies in the country. In a joint effort to improve the lives of • To define a working process to update, im- Belizeans the Belize and Mexico Governments prove and implement the mental health ac- hosted a Health Fair in Belmopan on 28 July 2008. tion plan in disaster and emergencies situa- The fair offered free health services including blood tions. sugar testing and doctor consultations. The NCA The workshop was facilitated by Monica was invited to participate through the erection of Zaccarelli and Devora Kestel. Presentations were an educational display and booth. made by all the organizations which respond Keeping inline with the theme of Health all during a national emergency. The workshop closed our posters and displays were based on Healthy with the creation of a draft National Mental Health Ageing. We focused on three main areas: diet, Plan and the appointment of a committee to exercise and mental health. In addition to the finalize and implement the draft.

ELDERLY AND DISASTERS WORKSHOP IN THE BRIISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

During the event of an emergency or disaster situation older persons often face increased difficulties because they may be slower to react both mentally and physically to impending danger. This will be compounded if they live alone and have no family to assist their evacuation from what they perceive as their fortress or comfort zone. Many countries in Ix-Chel Poot (Programme Officer ) and Ms. Jennifer Dunn the Caribbean region have (VOICE Member) providing information at the health fair felt the increasing impact of Hurricanes over the past health display the NCA also provided pamphlets on few years so in an attempt Healthy Ageing including two Alzheimer's and to address the vulnerability mental health pamphlets designed by Christy of older persons in a disas- Kessens, a student intern. ter situation the Barbados Our booth was strategically located at the office of PAHO organized a entrance of the fair so people passing by on their workshop in the British way to other booths, had the opportunity to collect Virgin Islands on July 14th the information we were offering. & 15th 2008, entitled Ms. Jenny Dunn, Mary P.A.H.O. WORKSHOP Elderly and Disasters. This was particularly important Lee Ellis, International MENTAL HEALTH IN DISASTERS for Belize since it had just Federation of the Red PAHO in collaboration with the Ministry of suffered the effects of Cross and Mr. Jeff Health Organized a two day work shop to address flooding from Arthur on James, HelpAge the issue of Mental Health in Disasters. The June 2nd, right at the workshop took place on the 31 July and 1 August, International. beginning of the season, 2008 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize which took everyone by surprise but especially City. those people that were affected in Stann Creek The main objectives were: and the Gales Point / Mullins River areas. • To review concepts of disasters management The workshop was attended by Lindy and understand the broader context of health Jeffery, Executive Director of the NCA and Jenny in disasters and emergencies situations. Dunn, a member of the VOICE organization from • To build a common understanding on mental Belize. Topics covered during the 2-day workshop health in disasters and emergencies in the were: country. • the impact of disasters on the elderly and

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their subsequent care and rehabilitation by CEO, Ms. Judith Alpuche, Mr. Simeon Lopez, • the needs and challenges of providing Mayor of Belmopan and Ms Kamela Palma, appropriate responses during an emergency Chairperson of the NCA, who likewise had an early start to travel from Gorda Town. Presentations were also made by participants The Audubon Society staff gave each person having experienced disaster situations from tokens to remember the day – a mahogany tree, a Hurricane Ivan in Grenada and Hurricane Katrina in green bag for shopping to avoid using plastic bags New Orleans. and a green water bottle. Everyone went home It was agreed that all countries of the happy and the question frequently asked was “When Caribbean need to up-date and improve their will you be doing this again?” National hurricane plans to include procedures for See back page for photos the evacuation of older people in the event of any emergency situation. STUDENT INTERNS 2008

The NCA again this year was happy to accommodate a further 4 students during the months of June and July who were completing a variety of courses. Andrea Town and Catherine Poirier from Queens University in Canada were in their final year of an Msc in Occupational Therapy and stayed for 5 weeks and worked on a project to deal with rehabilitation of homeless persons with mental health issues at Port Loyola Day Clinic. Amanda Hansell from New Hampshire Disaster and Elderly Workshop –BVI University, USA, also an Occupational Therapy Ba student undertook a quality of life study with the Older People Celebrate Earth Day residents of the 3 homes for older persons in Belize. Christy Kessens joined the NCA for just Earth Day is celebrated internationally on three weeks in July from ProBelize, a volunteer April 22nd but this year Earth Day was celebrated a agency based in San Ignacio. Christy is currently day early on April 21st at Guanacaste Park for older studying Gerontology at Iowa State University and people from Belmopan and the children from Stella developed 2 very useful and interesting fact sheets Maris School in Belize City. on Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Christy also The National Council on Ageing and Belize appeared as a guest on a Golden Years programme Audubon Society had been talking for some time along with Mrs. Rose Armstrong from Sister Cecilia about the need to make National Parks and Home, to discuss the condition of Alzheimer’s protected areas more user friendly for older people Disease and the various signs and symptoms of and people with special needs, so to celebrate Earth deteriorating mental capacity in older persons. Day, Guanacaste Park came alive with activities to Both the leaflets produced by Christy are stimulate the senses for all participants. available from the National Council on Ageing office. Over 100 people present enjoyed poems and dance from the children from Stella Maris and after a healthy lunch, Ms. Leela Vernon entertained everyone with a selection of her original songs. Old and young showed that they can both ‘get down’ when it comes to dancing to . Other activities during the day involved the planting of Mahogany trees and trail walking for the energetic. Hon. Peter Eden Martinez, Minister of Human Development and Social Transformation, set out from 4.00am to travel from Punta Gorda to Belmopan to attend this function and he was joined Mrs. Rose Armstrong from Sister Cecilia Home, “Treat the older person fairly and equitably” Mrs. Gwen Gillett, Christy Kessens, the student intern.

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Earth Day 2008 at the Guanacaste National Park in Belmopan

Where to find the NCA

Look forward to the next issue of NCA’s Newsletter For further information about the NCA: in December 2008, articles will include: Contact: Ms. Lindy Jeffery Executive Director • International Day of Older Persons or Ix-Chel Poot • Health issues Programme officer

• NCA Planning Retreat Address: 35, Mussel Creek Street

P.O. Box 372 • NCA moves City of Belmopan • Intergenerational Projects Belize Phone: +501-822-1546 Fax: +501-822-3978 Email: [email protected] Web site Address: www.ncabze.org

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