The term "Golden Age Hero" is used to define older persons who have dedicated their lives to the service of others without compensation or recognition.
In Belize - though often overlooked - those older persons remain the pillars of our society.
Two years ago, the National Council on Ageing decided that the significant contributions made by older persons in the development of their respective communities deserved some form of acknowledgement.
And so, today at the Biltmore Hotel, the NCA held its second Golden Age Heroes Award ceremony where twenty of those unsung heroes were celebrated.
Timothy Bardalez - Golden Age Hero Awardee
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is a wonder wealth of wisdom to grow old. So, don't be afraid to get old."
Ix-chel Poot - Program Officer, NCA
"Latin America and the Caribbean, we have the highest rate of aging in the world, and our population of older persons at this time stands over 7%, but they are very rarely recognized or taken into consideration for a lot of things that they do as members of the community. So, this program today gives them the opportunity to be showcased within the community, because many of them have worked tirelessly year in, year out, never taking a break, and nobody ever knows the kind of service that they gave. And of course, it is always good that we are able to recognize what they have done while they are still alive."
Timothy Bardalez
"I want to express my profound gratitude to all the organizers of this event, which to me is symbolic of giving me my roses before I die."
Today's award ceremony which was originally scheduled for October 26th, was attended by the Governor General, the Minister of Human Services, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and families and friends of the honorees.
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