The Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI) is taking strides to be a good corporate citizen. In 2017 DCI developed its own community project following in the footstep of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson, and his annual DG5K Challenge which raises funds for various charitable organizations. In the first year of the programme the department worked with both the Cayman Islands Red Cross and Meals on Wheels in various voluntary capacities.

In 2018 DCI continued to work with Meals on Wheels, assisting with meal deliveries and raising funds. Through its working relationship with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, the DCI became aware of an elderly citizen the department could support through its community project.

Mrs. Sarah Williams, 92, has dementia and Alzheimer’s. While she does have a caretaker, the George Town resident’s home was in dire need of repairs. Upon learning of Mrs. Williams circumstance DCI reached out to the Community Officers of the RCIPS and the Department of Children and Family Services to work together in helping Mrs. Williams. With DCI staff members overseeing the project, the team visited Mrs. Williams home to identify areas of need. The tasks needed were:

• Replace 10 windows for security,
• Plastering & drawing of sewage,
• Gravel the yard to lessen the water when it rains,
• Prune trees,
• Replace front screen door,
• Remove & replace eave of the house,
• Paint interior and exterior of house,
• Install curtain rods & curtains,
• Provide medical chair to be used in bath,
• Spray the yard with pesticide,
• Install a wheel chair ramp,
• Remove and relocate AC unit.

Work on the home began on Saturday 7 July, and concluded the following week, when all the areas of concerns were resolved.

“We are so grateful to have had this opportunity to make such a positive impact for Ms. Sarah,” says DCI Director Ryan Rajkumarsingh. “This was truly a community coming together to make the life of a fellow citizen better. We want to express our thanks to the companies and individuals who donated to this cause or rolled up their sleeves to get the work done.”

“I commend DCI for what they’ve done for Mrs. Williams,” comments Hon. Joseph Hew, Minister for Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure. “Government’s role is to make the lives of Caymanians and Cayman’s residents better through the service we provide. The staff of DCI has taken that spirit to new heights. I hope other government departments and entities are inspired to do the same and work toward building up a strong community.”

The success of the project was made possible by the support of Minister for Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure the Hon. Joseph Hew; Police Constable Byron Morgan; Community Police Officers; Department of Children and Family Services; staff members of DCI; Marcus Cumber of Island Air; Mitchell Welcome; Bodden & Bodden Attorneys at Law; Bodden Corporate Services; Universal Church of God; L&B Construction; KP’s Heavy Equipment; Scott’s Industries; Professional Waste Management; Mitch Refrigeration; Mango Tree Restaurant; Di Kit Chin; Welly’s Cool Spot; National Concrete; T&T Enterprise; and Lions Club of Grand Cayman.

IMAGES:

Photo Captions:

1. Before and after of Mrs. William’s home.
2. (l-r) Police Auxiliary Constable Marvin Hinds, Police Sergeant Kevin Bogle, DCI Director Ryan Rajkumarsingh, DCI Compliance and Enforcement Officer Charmane Dalhouse, Police Constable Byron Morgan, Police Constable Christopher Donaldson.
3. Minister Hew and volunteers prepare to fill a wheelbarrow with gravel to cover the yard.
4. A volunteer gives the home a fresh coat of paint.