GREAT BAY--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Claret Connor has welcomed the opening of the White & Yellow Cross Psychogeriatric Daycare and Training Facility, describing the new center as an important investment in the dignity, care and quality of life of senior citizens and persons living with psychogeriatric conditions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Connor said the occasion was particularly meaningful to him not only as the newly appointed Minister of VSA, but also because of his previous role as Director of the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), where he worked closely with organizations and partners focused on strengthening the wellbeing and resilience of St. Maarten’s people.
“I have had the privilege of working closely with organizations and partners dedicated to strengthening the wellbeing and resilience of our people. I understand the importance of turning vision into action,” Connor said.
He praised the White & Yellow Cross for continuing to translate plans into tangible services for the community.
“White & Yellow Cross continues to follow through. You continue to accomplish,” Connor said.
The Minister stressed that the new facility should be viewed as much more than a physical structure, noting that its purpose is closely tied to specialized care, compassion, knowledge and support for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.
“This new facility is much more than a building. It represents care, dignity, compassion, knowledge, and a commitment to improving the quality of life of our senior citizens and those living with psychogeriatric conditions,” he said.
Connor said the benefits of the facility will extend beyond the persons receiving direct care, as families, caregivers, friends and loved ones will also benefit from the support, information and respite that such services can provide.
“The impact of this facility will extend far beyond the individuals who will receive services here directly. It will touch their families, caregivers, friends, and loved ones, providing support, knowledge, respite, and, most importantly, hope,” he said.
The Minister noted that supporting senior citizens and persons requiring specialized care strengthens the wider community, as families are often directly affected by the challenges associated with long-term care and psychogeriatric conditions.
“When we invest in the wellbeing of our seniors and those who need specialized care, we are investing in the wellbeing of the entire community,” Connor said.
He also reaffirmed the Ministry of VSA’s responsibility to continue supporting the wellbeing and quality of life of the country’s senior population.
“As Minister of VSA, I want to assure you that the wellbeing, dignity, and quality of life of our senior citizens remain an important responsibility. It is one that I take seriously,” Connor said.
He said he looks forward to working with the White & Yellow Cross and other partners to further strengthen support systems available to residents who require specialized care and to those who care for them.
Connor congratulated the leadership and staff of the White & Yellow Cross, caregivers, families, supporters and all persons involved in bringing the facility into operation.
“May this facility be filled with compassion, learning, meaningful connections, and countless moments that improve the lives of those it serves,” he said.
The Minister expressed hope that the facility will stand as another example of what can be achieved when institutions and community partners place people and their wellbeing at the center of their work.
