Shastri Boodan
Freelance Correspondent
Elder abuse is a silent scourge affecting Trinidad and Tobago, says Minister of the People and Social Development Vandana Mohit.
The minister, issuing a firm warning during a national symposium yesterday to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day yesterday, said the Government will not tolerate any abuse against the elderly.
Speaking at the event hosted by the Geriatric Society of Trinidad and Tobago at the Church of St Phillip and St James in Chaguanas, Mohit called on citizens to break their silence and report suspected abuse within their communities. She assured that the ministry would respond swiftly to any reports received.
Mohit–who highlighted its various forms—physical, emotional, financial, and neglect—expressed frustration that it continues despite the existence of legal frameworks and social support systems.
“Our elders are too often the silent sufferers of an unspoken injustice. Elder abuse, in its many forms, whether physical, emotional, financial or through sheer neglect,” she said.
“Despite laws, institutions and decades of social progress, elder abuse continues, in homes, in communities, and sometimes even in places meant for healing and protection.”
Mohit said such abuse often remains hidden due to shame and societal taboos.
“But let us be clear: abuse of our elders is not a private matter; it is a public outrage. This is not just a call to action for government ministries or social workers; this is a call to all of us. To speak up when something feels wrong. To check in on our elderly neighbours. To advocate for stronger protections, better services, and above all, a culture where older persons are revered, not ignored. In this fight, awareness is our first weapon,” she added.
She commended the Geriatric Society of T&T for its continued efforts in advocating for elder rights and bringing the issue to national attention.
Also speaking at the event, Roman Catholic priest Father Martin Sirju outlined the many forms of abuse affecting the elderly, including the often-overlooked category of spiritual abuse.
He explained that spiritual abuse can involve the disrespect and manipulation of a person’s religious and spiritual beliefs, such as pressuring them to participate in religious activities or rituals against their will, pressuring them to convert, and refusing to bury them under particular rites.
Father Sirju criticised religious leaders who exploit their authority to intimidate or manipulate elderly followers, stating that some even suggest questioning doctrine or leadership is sinful while spreading erroneous teachings.
He further warned of financial exploitation disguised as religious duty, noting that the elderly are sometimes persuaded to donate large sums or leave their estates to churches or ministries under the guise of “God’s Will” or in the hope of “blessings to come in the afterlife as heavenly rewards”.
The priest also highlighted the problem of “spiritual shaming” and the practice of moving elderly people from one faith healer to another, compounding their vulnerability.
The symposium concluded with a renewed call for public awareness, institutional support, and cultural change to combat elder abuse in all its forms.