On 11th December, Christmas joy came to 75 elderly and retired persons from Lowmans Leeward to Barrouallie at the National Insurance Services Retirement Centre at Cane Grove. This came about as the United Returnees Association held their fourth such luncheon for the elderly.{{more}}

Chairman of the Association Ken Abraham, on welcoming the elders, told them his Association was very pleased to have been able to have such a wonderful luncheon four years in succession and will be doing so again come next Christmas. Abraham said that this year’s luncheon has been even more exciting as sitting among the elderly were acting Prime Minister Sir Louis Straker, Minister of Health Douglas Slater and Minister of Social Development Mike Browne. Dawn Small represented the National Insurance Service.

The Minister of Social Development said that he was happy to be among the elderly and was happy for the invitation and will be back next year – invitation or not. Minister Slater said in the past, the annual luncheon was held at the same time as the Budget debates, but he was very happy that this year that he could attend. He spoke of the Wellness Revolution and said that all the attendees’ looked pretty fit. Slater thanked the United Returnees Association for its work.

Sir Louis expressed surprise of the table settings, saying the tables were set with flowers and white table cloths, with the elders seated and members of the Association doing the serving and cooking. Sir Louis said that it is really good for those who can help to do so and more so to remember our elders, which is even more commendable.

The United Returnees Association will be having a $75 Dinner on 19th of December at the same venue at 7:00 pm. The U.R.A was formed four and one half years ago and has been active ever since.