BARP hosting computer access, training

The elderly population in Barbados is in line for major digital skills upgrade as the umbrella body representative group embarks on a renewed thrust.

Recently, International Day of Older Persons was celebrated under the theme Digital Equity for All, and president of the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) Marilyn Rice-Bowen pledged to provide free computer-related services and associated training to the association’s over 22,000 members.

At the same time, Rice-Bowen announced that BARP would be ramping up its efforts to keep the local elderly population up to speed with technology.

“The access to digital platforms is still not readily available to all ages. However, it is working in progress.

“At BARP we are committed to ensuring that all members have the training and the access to the digital platforms,” she said.

“In the first quarter of 2022 we will introduce IT for everyday use because we observe the dearth that currently exist and few programmes. We will fill that void for our seniors,” she said.

Pointing out that the elders were “shapers of society”, Rice-Bowen said BARP would ensure that their human rights and privileges are upheld.

She said the association would also be providing some “hands-on training with the ATM machines and border controls” and wherever else there is a need for digital access and education.

“We will also in the first quarter of 2022, open a members’ business centre. That centre will give members who do not have an access to the computers at home, to come to BARP and complete their passport applications, submit income tax forms, renew driver’s licence – whatever they need. Those persons who do not have a computer will be able to access computer free of cost,” she announced.

Stating that statistics have shown that the global population of those age 60 and over is to rise significantly within the next three decades, Rice-Bowen said it was therefore critical that any planning done now include this age group.

She was addressing a virtual media briefing where officials of BARP and the Barbados Diabetes Foundation signed a two-year agreement that would allow for BARP members to have access to medical services of the Barbados Diabetes Foundation at a discounted rate. (MM)