Cayman Islands minister visits community agencies
Issued by: Minister for Community Affairs, Youth and Sports
Minister for Community Affairs, Youth and Sports, Hon. Osbourne Bodden, recently visited agencies that provide services to youth, the elderly, as well as adults with drug rehabilitation needs.
Accompanied by Chief Officer Ms. Dorine Whittaker and other senior Ministry staff, Minister Bodden first called on the Youth Services Unit and the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps, which are both housed at the James M. Bodden Civic Centre in Bodden Town. There, they heard of ongoing activities to address youth needs, from monitoring the range of community services, to advocacy and the re-launch of the National Youth Commission.
At the East End Sunrise Cottage, a residential caring facility for seniors, Department of Children & Family Services Director Ms. Alicia Dixon and staff explained the operations and status of the facility. Elected representative for the district of East End Mr. Arden McLean also joined the group for that portion of the tour.
Continuing to Caribbean Haven, Director of Counselling Services, Ms. Judith Seymour outlined recent developments there. These include the reopening of a female residential block on 1 April 2015. Ms. Seymour also stressed her agency’s strong focus on positive activities, ranging from gardening to work-release to supplement clinical therapy.
The tour concluded at the Francis Bodden Girls Home, where Minister Bodden was able to view the future site of the expansion project which will cater to males who require care and protection residential placement. The residents offered visitors practical examples of their progress, as well as outlining the home’s daily routine and structure. Also present were senior staff of the Children and Youth Services (CAYS) Foundation.
As he has done on previous visits, Minister Bodden made a point of expressing his appreciation for the hard work of staff within the respective agencies, in spite of limited resources.
GIS Photos:
- Minister Bodden with DCFS Director Jen Dixon & staff – and East End MLA Mr. Arden McLean (right, back).
- Caribbean Haven Director Ms. Judy Seymour shows Minister Bodden the greenhouse.
- Minister Bodden (standing right) and his senior staff with officials from the Youth Services Unit and the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps.
