Age Concern is now a certified charity, the fifth in Bermuda certified by the Bermuda National Standards Committee (BNSC).

Chairman of Age Concern, Paget Wharton said the occasion was "momentous".

Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Wharton said: "We are so very grateful to be here today to be recognised by the Bermuda National Standards Committee. As a registered charity in Bermuda, we aim to continue to rise to the call to undergo rigorous inspection of our work.

"Likewise, as stewards of the funds that are donated to us on a daily basis, we see this level of accountability as our reasonable service for the trust that the public has placed in us to impact the lives of seniors in Bermuda.

"With the help of so many of you, including our valued sponsors, Age Concern continues to grow from strength to strength, working towards that day in Bermuda when age will no longer be a concern."

Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Neletha Butterfield spoke at the press conference and congratulated the charity.

"Age Concern is the fifth charity to become certified by BNSC. There are seven other non-profit organisation that have been accredited by BNSC for their work in human services. Age Concern joins a distinguished group of peers who have achieved certification and accreditation through BNSC by demonstrating the quality of their operations and activities at a high international recognised standard."

David Lang, Chairman of the BNSC said: "Welcome to what is an exclusive club. We hope it's no longer exclusive. It's a lot of hard work to become certified. We need a national plan to look after me and all the rest of us. We need to have a plan to take care of us."

Peter Carey, manager of the BNSC added: "We just wish to recognise that Age Concern is the twelfth organisation to engage in this process. We're very proud to present a plaque that recognises their achievement. This is more than an achievement. Congratulations and thank you for participating."