Attorney Corey Beckles (left) and legal assistant Anthony Hinds explaining how the proposed legislation would give agencies the power to protect the elderly. (Picture by Jameel Springer.)

Stiffer laws for elder abuse

Article by nationnews

Three attorneys are working on a 53-page proposal that would impose stiff penalties for anyone found guilty of elder abuse in Barbados.

Upon conviction, perpetrators could be fined $25 000, jailed for ten years, or both.

The abuser will be listed in a National Register of Elderly Persons database, to be kept by a Council of Elderly Social Welfare Services. This council will fall under both the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs. Those listed in the registry will be barred from operating or being employed at any institute or residence that gives access or care to any elderly person.

Attorney Corey Beckles, one of those working on the document, said the proposed legislation would also allow for the creation of an Elderly Welfare Council to oversee any issues regarding seniors. (Nation News)