By ALESHA CADET
Tribune Features Reporter
acadet@tribunemedia.net
It was a day to celebrate community and togetherness, as the Bahamas National Council For Disability hosted a luncheon to celebrate senior citizens from throughout New Providence.
Participating senior citizen homes included the Demetrius Centre, the Naomi Christie Centre and the Mary Ingraham Intergenerational Centre. Members of the Bahamas National Council For Disability (BNCD) also took part in the celebrations.
"The atmosphere was delightful and seniors were given an opportunity to meet and greet one another, tell their life stories. It was a time of singing and even dancing. The whole initiative was inspired by Shelia Culmer, president of the BNCD," said Brigette McPhee, BNCD member.
A special moment, she said, is when Johnny Watkins, a senior citizen himself, sang "One in a Million". Soon after, Pat Jervis was given a prize for being the oldest person at the event. Meanwhile, police officer and member of the BNCD Nelson Rahming took to the mic to share with patrons information about his disability.
The police motorcyclist was pursuing two suspects when he was suddenly hit by another vehicle - an incident that changed his life forever. This accident in July of 2009 left him with severe nerve damage from which he is still recovering nearly a decade later.
"He told the audience how he was struck down while on duty and was in a coma for five weeks. He also shared how he had brain surgery and was not able to feed or bathe himself for weeks, but now he is a living testimony thanks to the help of therapy, doctors and God. That accident left him deaf in one ear," said Ms McPhee.
Another member of the organisation, Yolette Charles, shared with the senior citizens her story of how she lost a leg after she was accidentally shot outside of her home. She recalled lying in a pool of blood, praying to God to let her live so she could take care of her children.
"When everything was unfolded the doctors told her that she would have to lose her leg due to the severity of the wounds, but she said she is grateful for life," said Ms McPhee.
Throughout the afternoon, seniors enjoyed a raffle and giveaways. The food provided by Rev Lester Ferguson of Wesley Methodist Church was turned into three-course meal that included a variety of local Bahamian soups and souses.
"All seniors left with a bowl of soup and a gift bag of soft snacks and nutritious drinks. It was a delight to see the smiles on the faces of the senior citizens because many times we take a simple outing for granted or just a ride on the town and seeing the outside world. Seniors said they appreciated the outing and look forward to coming back next year," said Ms McPhee.
The BNCD team are now preparing to host several events from May 20 to June 23 to highlight people with disabilities. For all interested persons, the council's offices are open this and every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.30am to 3pm.
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