Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidate for St. Mary's North, Dr. Philmore Benjamin, has pledged to make elderly care a central pillar of his platform, proposing adult daycare facilities, recreational programmes and enhanced social support for the country's senior residents.
According to Antigua News Room, Benjamin outlined his vision during an ABS Television/Radio interview, arguing that older residents deserve more than basic care — they need meaningful opportunities to remain active and socially connected.
"We have to think about some recreation," Benjamin said, signalling his intention to move beyond conventional approaches to senior welfare.
Central to his proposal is the establishment of adult daycare-style facilities where elderly residents can gather, interact and maintain their cognitive wellbeing. "You could go and socialize with others, your age group… and keep your mental capacity a bit clearer," he said.
Benjamin also stressed the value of physical activity, suggesting that low-impact, non-competitive sports could meaningfully improve quality of life among seniors. "There's no real limit for you to be doing something recreational," he said, adding that structured programmes could benefit both physical and mental health.
Transportation and accessibility form a further component of his plan, with the goal of enabling elderly residents to participate fully in community life. Benjamin said such initiatives would help seniors "feel a part of the livelihood" rather than being marginalised.
Drawing on his background as a medical doctor, Benjamin framed elderly care as a matter of dignity and overall wellbeing — not simply the treatment of illness. "I have a passion to improve elderly care in this country," he said.
His broader platform encompasses healthcare reform, youth development, infrastructure improvements and community-based representation, as Antigua and Barbuda prepares for general elections on April 30.
