As Antigua and Barbuda prepares for its upcoming general election on April 30, Dr. Philmore Benjamin, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidate for the St Mary’s North constituency, has laid out a bold multi-part plan to transform elder care across the region, positioning improvements to senior support services as one of his top policy priorities if elected.
Drawing from decades of experience as a medical practitioner, Benjamin argues that the current system of elder care focuses too heavily on treating acute illness, and fails to address the full spectrum of needs that seniors have to thrive. In his view, holistic care must center on preserving dignity, encouraging social connection, and nurturing both physical and mental wellness, rather than just managing health conditions.
At the core of his proposal is the introduction of purpose-built adult day care facilities, spaces designed specifically to give older adults a dedicated community hub to gather, connect with peers, and engage in group activities. Benjamin explains that regular social interaction in these age-friendly spaces helps seniors maintain sharper cognitive function, reducing the risk of isolation that often contributes to mental health decline among older populations.
Beyond social spaces, Benjamin is pushing for expanded accessible recreational programming tailored to seniors’ varying ability levels. He notes that even low-impact, non-competitive physical activities can deliver meaningful improvements to seniors’ quality of life, and structured recreational opportunities deliver dual benefits by boosting both physical fitness and social connection. “There’s no real limit for you to be doing something recreational,” Benjamin emphasized, noting that consistent gentle activity can keep seniors engaged and active longer.
The candidate’s plan also addresses key structural barriers to senior participation: transportation and public space accessibility. He has pledged to upgrade infrastructure and transit services to ensure that seniors with limited mobility can easily access community programs and public spaces, allowing them to remain active participants in local life rather than being pushed to the margins of community activity. For Benjamin, this inclusion is a core goal of the reforms: these initiatives are designed to help seniors “feel a part of the livelihood” of the constituency, rather than being sidelined as they age.
Elder care reform is just one plank of Benjamin’s broader campaign platform, which also includes pledges for systemic healthcare reform across Antigua and Barbuda, expanded youth development programs, targeted infrastructure upgrades across St Mary’s North, and strengthened community-focused constituent representation. With voting day just weeks away, the candidate has made clear that improving outcomes for the country’s aging population is a personal as well as political priority, noting “I have a passion to improve elderly care in this country.”