By Kurt Campbell
[www.inewsguyana.com] – Human Services and Social Security Minister Jeniffer Webster has expressed annoyance at the recent murders of two elderly women who lived alone.
The Minister said what is more worrying is that one of the victims is reported to have been raped.
“This sort of violence must not be condoned and as leaders we must send the signal that this must not be tolerated,” Webster told the House during her contribution to the Budget debates on Monday night, March 31.
On Saturday, March 29 the partly decomposed body of a 72 – year old woman who was identified as Yvonne Adams was found in her Amelia’s Ward, Linden home with an electric cord wrapped around her neck.
While on Wednesday, March 26 police found the battered body of 75 – year – old Joyce Lewis in her North Ruimveldt home. She was also strangled to death and lived alone.
“These recent murders of these women who both lived alone raise concerns about the need for protection of the elderly; it is a worrisome trend and needs to be addressed immediately.”
Webster also pointed to instances of elderly persons who are abandoned by relatives at public health facilities and others who are abused at the hands of family members and pensions taken away.
In this regard, Webster said the National Commission on the Elderly will be working to complete the formulation of legislation to protect the elderly.
She said the Ministry will also work with the elderly to make them more security conscious.
