Lack of care for the elderly

In blistering heat we patiently waited our turn either to have our property tax documents processed, to seek clarification about the items on the form, or simply to deposit them. This in the face of no clear notices or assistants to guide us to the appropriate line.

I do not know what the situation was in the other Valuation Division offices throughout Trinidad but surely any caring government sensitive to the needs of its citizenry, especially the older citizens — incidentally who outnumbered the other age cohorts in the lines — would have considered the setting in using this venue.

More and more as I get older, I recognise that many among the political and business elite consider us as mere digits to any transaction. It is no wonder that washroom facilities are minimal or non-existent in public spaces and offices and at banks, that no preferential treatment is provided when we queue to use public transport or to attend public events and that ramps and rails are still a novelty.

Maybe our voices are too tired to be heard, but one must remember that the level of our civilization is judged by the manner we treat our children and old people. Surely we have a long way to go but to put it crudely, at this time, we are eating our children and old people.

LENNOX BERNARD via emai