GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Older persons in the Cayman Islands now have a voice to represent them as Government continues to implement the Older Persons Law.
Cabinet has approved the appointment of members to the Council for Older Persons, naming six members from each district in the Cayman Islands, seven members from Government, along with an attorney and a medical doctor.
“Reaching this point has been a milestone and a major accomplishment for the Cayman Islands,” said Premier and Minister for Community Affairs Hon. Alden McLaughlin. “The appointment of this Council is a significant achievement.”
The council members will champion and monitor the promotion and development of programmes, projects and legislative measures as well as monitor and evaluate the implementation of the action plans for the Cayman Islands Older Persons’ Policy.
The government, under the previous Progressives-led Administration, approved the 2017 Older Persons Law in March this year. The law commenced in July.
Specifically the law seeks to promote access to services including their affordability, physical accessibility and acceptable maintenance; social inclusion so that our elderly feel valued, their opinions and differences are respected and their basic needs are met so they can live with dignity; anti-discriminatory practices; and improved care, including physical, psychological, social or material assistance and services aimed at promoting the quality of life and well-being of older persons.
“I commend all who had a part in helping develop the Older Persons Policy, getting it approved and enacting the Older Persons Law,” said Mr. McLaughlin. “And I deeply appreciate the members of the Council for agreeing to serve on this important board to protect and advance the well-being of our elders.”

The following members will serve for a term of not less than four years:

Mrs. Lucille Seymour Chair & Member for the district of George
Town
Mrs. Sarah Alice Mae Coe Deputy Chair & Member for the district of West
Bay
Mr. Reginald Nixon Member for the district of Bodden Town
Mrs. Barbara Gee Member for the district of East End
Ms. Esther Patricia Ebanks Member for the district of North Side
Ms. Lana Poldavaart Member for the Sister Islands
Mr. Mark Beckford Member, Attorney-at-law
Dr. Eryka Simmons Member, Medical Doctor
Chief Officer or designate Ex-officio Member (representing the Ministry
responsible for Community Affairs)
Chief Officer or designate Ex-officio Member (representing the Ministry responsible for Health)
Chief Officer or designate Ex-officio Member (representing the Ministry responsible for Education)
Chief Officer or designate Ex-officio Member (representing the Ministry
responsible for Employment)
Chief Officer or designate Ex-officio Member (representing the Ministry responsible for Gender Affairs)
Director of Policy Executive Secretary (representing the Cabinet
END

IMAGE: the United Nations