Dear Editor,

AS a bouncy past three score and 10, I was delighted to read the nicely written letter by Everette De Leon, Chairperson of The National Commission for the elderly.The writer deserves our highest compliments and praises and the Daily Chronicle which titled the letter, “Take a stand against ageism,” must be congratulated for publishing the instructive letter. Let me admit two things: first, the term ageism is new to me, and I was not aware of such a commission being active, many thanks. But let me add these bits: (a.) We are retired, healthy people with a wealth of experience and oft times when they have less family commitments and can therefore focus better on devoting more time to a given task, we have seen many of these folk gobbled up by institutions and agencies in the developed world and even in the CARICOM States, adding to our loss of useful human resources.

What is this fuss about older persons? What ought to matter is a person’s health, physical condition and mental alertness. Inasmuch as I am a Freddie Kissoon fan, I disagree strongly with him when he was critical of the appointment of certain seniors; by jove, we need these men and women to help stable the ship of Guyana through storms and difficulties. Know something else, these elders, in most cases are settled and less likely to snatch and steal.

In Guyana, we have in every field people of advanced chronological age serving with competence and dignity. Early last year, I met 90-year-old Sylvannus Mc Kend of Meten-Meer-Zorg still chasing after his cows, rain or sunshine. Bud Lee in his mid-80s, still an excellent surgeon; in the courts we have Sasenarain, Ashton Chase , C. M. L. John, then there are the likes of Earl B. John, whose clear letters provide the wisdom the nation needs. There are others still kicking and can put to shame some of the young guns in all their 90s. As we encourage our young people to be a part of the grand design to build Guyana, let us not put those who still have the nerve, experience and time to serve aside. Up with youth, but hold steady the so-called elderly.

Regards
Eric Moseley