A growing and largely hidden pattern of elder abuse in Barbados, including the calculated targeting of isolated seniors for financial gain, has prompted an urgent national call to action from the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Monday.

While recent legislative strides have been made, BARP said laws alone are insufficient without robust enforcement and sustained community vigilance.

“Barbados has taken a significant step with the passage of new legislation in Parliament to protect our elders. But legislation alone does not save lives, commitment does,” said Marilyn Rice-Bowen, president of BARP. “The muscle, the manpower and the energy must now be placed firmly behind this law.”