Retirees stage Christmas social

It was a festive affair for members of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), which staged its Christmas social at the University of the West Indies' Mona Visitors' Lodge on December 16.

The event, which was marked by poetry, music, Christmas cake and sorrel, received overwhelming support.

Launched in April, CCRP styles itself as the first organisation in the Caribbean for retirees aged 50 and over, or persons gearing up to retire.

The organisation's main goals include harnessing the vast expertise and experience which retired persons can contribute to national and regional development; providing services that enhance the lives of retirees and their families; and being a powerful lobby on retirement matters.

CCRP Chairman Lascelles Chin said the 351-member organisation hoped to register at least 1,000 persons by next year, with an ultimate target of 5,000.

"We would like for Jamaicans from all walks of life to join CCRP and reap the benefits afforded by the organisation," Chin told the group of merrymakers. "The more members we have, the better able we are to have more functions and get more support for our members."

CCRP membership enables persons to obtain discounts and special offers from partnering sponsors, in addition to seminars and workshops on wellness, retirement planning, and professional networking to provide learning opportunities.

In addition to the exchange of Christmas gifts, members were also presented with gift bags, courtesy of the LASCO group of companies.