yesterday afternoon as Bermuda officially recognised 1999 as The Year of the Older Person.

Mayor of Hamilton William de V. Frith commented: "I do not think we have had as many important people as this in City Hall for a long time.'' Some 150 people were in attendance to hear Health and Family Services Minister Nelson Bascome read a proclamation on behalf of Premier Jennifer Smith -- who was unable to attend the event -- and Government.

Mr. Bascome said: "The United Nations has declared 1999 as the International Year of the Older Person in recognition that aging is a life-long process, and that preparation for old age must begin in childhood and continue throughout the life cycle.'' He noted that last year there were about 6,125 people over the age of 65 in Bermuda and added that this number was expected to reach 7,500 by the year 2011.

The UN made its decision mindful of the fact that life expectancy has been dramatically increased recently. This aging is of special social, economic and spiritual significance, it noted.

A committee chaired by Sir John Plowman has been formed and is organising celebrations which will be held throughout the year in order to recognise the many contributions seniors have made to the economic, social, political, spiritual and cultural development of Bermuda.

Mr. Bascome said: "Through this celebratory International Year of Older Persons we shall extol the virtues of senior citizens in Bermuda, at socials, churches and community organisations, and by creating opportunities for senior citizens and young people to get together for social and learning opportunities.'' And Development, Opportunity and Government Services Minister Terry Lister thanked them for their efforts while adding that he hoped they would continue taking an active part in the community. "There is much you can do. I do not want any of you put out to pasture involuntarily.'' Meanwhile, continued Mr. Bascome, the new Government had new initiatives it was working on which would help address seniors' housing concerns and improve some of the Island's rest homes which were in deplorable condition.

"Government is committed to making sure that the twilight of your years are the best of all.

"A community is measured by how it treats its aged population, good communities ensure that their elderly have adequate health care, day care, long-term care and that they are able to meet their basic financial needs.'' Opposition MP Gary Pitman, who stood in for United Bermuda Party leader Pamela Gordon who was also unable to attend the landmark event, stressed that the party would support any reasonable initiatives Government came up with which would support seniors.

He noted: "Everyone here today should know that the standard of living we enjoy is attributable to the hard work and dedication of Bermuda's senior citizens. They have worked long and hard to make Bermuda what it is today.'' Nelson Bascome