Fijians must commit to taking care of the elderly, says Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar.
While marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Lautoka yesterday, she said Fijians must be reminded that elders must always be treated with respect and honour.
“No matter how tough the situation may be, there is absolutely no excuse for violence and abuse against our elderly,” she said.
“They have made significant contributions to who we are today, and this must never be forgotten.
“As a country, it is important that we all acknowledge that we need to do more to ensure that our senior citizens in Fiji are treated with respect, care, and dignity and just have an ear to listen and not be able to make a difference.”
She said preventing the abuse of elders must involve every Fijian.
“Elder abuse will be successfully prevented only if we develop a culture that fosters intergenerational solidarity.”
To commemorate the celebrations, Ms Akbar also officiated the handover of a bus for residents of the Golden Age Home with funding provided by the Japanese Government.
She said the special bus which was retrofitted to cater for its elderly passengers was made possible through a $279,000 funding from Japan.
Ms Akbar added the funds provided by the Japanese Government went to the ministry’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project, which mobilised the unique vehicle.
