The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands (MEYSAL) announces the installation of the fourth mobi-mat (14 January). The mobi-mat was installed at the Coe Wood Beach in Bodden Town.

In his welcome remarks at the mobi-mat installation ceremony, Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin thanked all who made the day’s events a reality and underscored the mat’s significance. “In 2017 the Cayman Islands Government passed the Older Persons Act which ensures that older persons can freely access and participate in all aspects of society. The installation of this mat may seem a small matter to some, but for those who need it, it is indeed a God-send as it allows them easy access to the beach,” Premier Mclaughlin declared.

“This is the fourth mat that we have installed, having already installed others at the Seven Mile Public Beach, the Government’s House Public Beach and the South Side Public Beach in Cayman Brac in December. We have received very positive feedback since their installation, and I am humbled to be in a position to assist some of the most vulnerable members of our communities to gain access to our beaches, remarked Minister of Lands, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly.

Minister O’Connor-Connolly also, addressed some of the difficulties faced by the elderly and those with disabilities when trying to access the beach and invited them to come and see the difference that the mat makes.

During the occasion that also served as the groundbreaking ceremony for the Coe Wood Beach Dock, Minister Dwayne Seymour cited the new dock’s benefits. “The new dock will allow improved access to the water and to assist any persons in need. Increased access to the water around our beloved Islands is important to keep our people safe,” stated Minister Seymour.

He also thanked the Ministry of EYSAL for installing the mobi-mat that like the dock, will further increase accessibility to the water.

In his vote of thanks, MEYSAL Deputy Chief Officer Wilbur Welcome expressed appreciation to all those who were instrumental in the day’s success, particularly the Minister of Lands. “A special thank you to the Minister of Lands for spearheading the mobi-mat project which is supported by the Cabinet Office and its Policy Coordination Unit, the Disabilities Council and the Council for Older Persons. It shows the collaborative approach of our government in attacking this vital issue,” Mr. Welcome stated.

The event was chaired by Mr. Charles Brown, Senior Policy Advisor, Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure. Also on the agenda were Ms. Tahiti Seymour, who sang the national song and Pastor Winston Rose, who offered the opening prayer.

Others in attendance included Deputy Speaker of the House of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Youth, Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Barbara Conolly, Parliamentary Secretary for Sports and Transport Mr. David Wight, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Hon. Alva Suckoo, MEYSAL Acting Chief Officer Lyneth Monteith, other representatives from the Ministries of EYSAL, CPI, other departments and members of the Bodden Town community.