BY: Latonya Roberts
Journal Staff Writer

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Social Services, Information and
Broadcasting, Phedra Rahming-Turnquest said that the minister is working on a
review of a legislation that protects elderly persons from abuse and exploitation.
Mrs. Rahming-Turnquest’s comments came at a “Holiday Social” the Ministry
held for the elderly.
“The Residential Care Authority does fall within the portfolio of the Ministry of
Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, so the legislation that will be
reviewed will also be impacting their Act as well. There is a review of their Act
and there is also the introduction of legislation for the care and protection of
elderly persons” she said.
After the case of Ingrid Carey and Mervie Knowles came to light, many
Bahamians expressed their anger and concern via social media, comments about
the government’s lack of efforts to protect Mrs. Carey and ensure that Ms. Knowles
was fit to oversee the care of her and many other elderly persons.
Well, Mrs. Rahming-Turnquest explained that the ministry is examining the case
amongst several other complaints.
“I know that there were some concerns expressed in the past, regarding the care of
elderly persons in residential care facilities, particularly one in Grand Bahama.
There are a number of facilities in Grand Bahama as they are throughout New
Providence.”
She also highlighted the role the ministry takes to aid in the care of the elderly.
“For many of these persons, you can say that they are abandoned, it means that
many of their relatives are unable to care for them, so in some instances they pay to
have them reside in various care facilities. The ministry assists where they can and

to homes that are not specifically ours, we offer grants to ensure that they are able
to function in as much as we are able to provide.”
The Ministry of Social Services expects that the legislation to protect the elderly,
once reviewed, will advance.