Are Caribbean COVID-19 Policies Ageist? An Analysis from Barbados, Jamaica and the Bahamas

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all spheres of life within the Caribbean. From the onset of the pandemic, older adults have been recognised as being among the most vulnerable who are at risk of being severely affected by COVID-19. Although policy responses from governments have varied, there is evidence of ageism and conversely enabling approaches in the development and implementation of COVID-19 policies in the Caribbean. In some jurisdictions, COVID-19 has highlighted how systemic ageism is ingrained within the society and underscores the invisibility of older adults. One school of thought about this approach is benevolent ageism, the belief that older persons are frail and vulnerable and thus require protection. This form of ageism is propagated by some governments and local media when discriminatory reports are circulated in relation to the impact of COVID-19 on older persons. Across some jurisdictions, the prioritisation of older persons for access to social assistance, vaccination and implementation of stay-at-home orders among other measures are viewed as enabling and contributing to the well-being and protection of older persons. This chapter reviews secondary data on COVID-19 policies and protocols across three Caribbean countries: Barbados, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Comparative analysis was undertaken to ascertain the extent to which the policy and programmatic approaches are ageist or enabling. The findings are discussed, and recommendations are provided for the improvement and or development of appropriate programmes, policies and protocols that are designed to reduce the potential risk of harm to older adults in pandemics and emergency situations.