Premier Craig Cannonier officially launched National Seniors Week this afternoon at the 27th Seniors Awards Ceremony at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.Making the official proclamation, the Premier said that the number of seniors is growing internationally and that it is expected more than 9,000 seniors will call the Island home by the end of the year. He thanked the seniors for their decades of contributions to the Island, encouraging them to continue to support the community.“I do not want you to allow yourself to believe that you cant, because you can continue to motivate the younger of us to do the right thing,” Mr Cannonier said.Opposition Leader Marc Bean meanwhile said the event was just a small token of appreciation from the community.“There's nothing the Premier or Government or us politicians can do to really repay you for your efforts over the years,” he said.He said that the younger generation need to learn the art of self discipline, and called on the seniors to impart the love of God and skill of self discipline in the younger people.“There are times when a children need be spoiled, when they do right by you, and there are times where they need the rod,” he said.“If you are an elder, I expect you to spoil your grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but when you see your children spoiling them, I need you to talk to them and say that is not the way. Leave the spoiling to granddad and grandmum.”He also called on the public to treat their elders with respect, telling the seniors: “I feel strongly that you have done your job, you have done your work and you have been a good and faithful servant.“Now it is our job to step up to the plate and be responsible like your parents were, and like we expect our children to be.”Minister of Culture and Community Affairs Wayne Scott said the theme for the week, 'Live Life to the Fullest' was fitting for the Island's seniors.“Their life experiences have taught them that living is being engaged and involved,” he said.He called the seniors the foundation of the Bermuda community, telling them: “Your knowledge and experiences and contribution should not be forgotten and must be preserved for future generations.“I'm quite sure you have all worked tirelessly and sacrificed immensely for your family and loved ones. Thank you for enriching our lives. Today, we honour you.”And Minister for Health and Seniors Patricia Gordon-Pamplin noted a number of famous seniors who have made their mark later in life, saying she believes seniors often have a better opportunity than young people to live life to the fullest.“There seems to be this false idea out there that this concept of living life to the fullest is intended only for the young, that seniors are bound by constraints or restraints, be they physical or otherwise, that prevent them from living their dreams or enjoying the same freedoms as their counterparts,” she said.“I would say that is based entirely how you look at things. In fact, in some ways seniors are more able to live life to the fullest than the young, who are limited by time restrictions.”She told seniors to continue to pursue their dreams, whatever they may be, and thanked them for their hard work for the Island. “It was members of your generation that laid the foundation for Bermuda that we all benefit from today,” she said.For more pictures click here