Sophia A Field seniors expresses thanks

Several pensioners fr0m the Sophia community were in high praise for the work that is being
done by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security regarding the distribution of old age
pension. Speaking to this media house www.aroundtheregions.com recently, several pensioners
who live in the A Field community said that they are very impressed with the treatment and
service that was meted out to them.
First time pensioner Lydia Thornton said that she was blown away by the significant and very
impressive service that she was given by the officials who were distributing the pension books at
the A Field Community Centre. “I began receiving pension in September of this year and I must
say that they (Social Protection staff) were doing a remarkable job. So many times, persons
living in these communities are forced to battle with stigma and discrimination because of one’s
perception. However, to see the level and quality of service that was rendered to not only me but
several others is truly remarkable,” an evidently satisfied Lydia Thornton said.
The woman pointed out that her husband, Samiel has been a pensioner for some while now and
while it is the first time that the books are being distributed at the Community Centre, he has
admitted to her that he has never encountered such impressive service. She related that this level
of service coupled by great encouragement from the pension staff to members of the community
to help in bringing out those who may not have access to transportation and other means of
getting to the community centre was also noteworthy.
Several of the residents singled out Joy February, stating that she led from the front with her
charismatic and friendly approach to residents. “She was so sweet helping residents with
understanding things and even answering several questions and concerns that we raised. We just
want to let Ms. February and those at the Ministry that this is the kind of service needed in
bringing their ministry closer to the public,” some residents stressed.
The residents also expressed thanks and appreciation to the government for what they dubbed as
an excellent idea in bringing the pension books closer to their homes, considering the COVID
pandemic. Several pointed out that previously they were forced to go to Kitty and other
communities, and this contributed to increased challenges for them. However, they said that with
the new initiatives being explored by Government in bringing the pension books closer to
residents’ homes it is a testimony that Government continues to build a closer and a more
consultative approach with residents. “We are very thankful to this government as they have
recognized that residents in Sophia are burdened and challenged in some cases by having to
travel long distances to uplift their pension books. Therefore, by bringing it closer to their homes,
thus utilizing the A Field Community centre is certainly an excellent idea and we are very
grateful for it,” another resident, Phyllis said.

Meanwhile, Lydia Thornton who heaped praises on the impressive demonstration of the
government's abilities to strengthen their relationship with the public, said that in her mind the
actions of Ms. February are very commendable. She admitted that she never met Ms. February
before, said that she is confident that the impression created by Ms. February upon the residents
will certainly go a long way. She added that she hopes that the provision of pension books at the

Community Centre will continue, stating that the residents of Sophia deserve to be treated with
respect like any other community.
“We are very thankful and grateful for what is being done and express thanks to the government
for the arrangements that were put in place to accommodate seniors like us especially during
these difficult times,” she reiterated.