ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Minister of Public Health, Social Affairs, Elderly Care and Addiction Management Mervin Wyatt-Ras is calling for greater community involvement in protecting Aruba’s senior citizens from abuse and neglect.
Speaking in an interview with Matutino DIARIO, the minister explained that the Department of Social Affairs, which falls under his responsibility, maintains contact with families of elderly individuals who have become victims of abuse and provides support when needed.
Wyatt-Ras stressed that abuse of any kind should never be accepted within the community, especially when it involves senior citizens who have spent their lives caring for others.
He emphasized that society has a responsibility to support and protect older adults, noting that many residents face demanding work schedules and daily responsibilities that can make it difficult to keep an eye on vulnerable individuals.
The minister compared elderly care to raising a child, stating that just as it takes a community to raise a child, it also takes a community to care for and protect older adults.
According to Wyatt-Ras, Aruba must move beyond awareness and focus on concrete action. One of the initiatives being developed is a dedicated reporting point for elder abuse cases, which would help authorities gain a clearer understanding of the scope of the problem and provide better protection for victims.
He also highlighted that legal protections already exist for elderly abuse victims and emphasized the importance of public awareness, reporting, and community support in preventing abuse and ensuring the well-being of Aruba’s senior population.
