Older Persons month is celebrated annually during the month of October in the Cayman Islands and this year on 1 October the United Nations marked the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons. This year’s theme is “Pandemics: Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing?” focuses on promoting the assurance of healthy lives and well-being at all ages, a key area of focus during the global pandemic.

The Cayman Islands met the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic with a fast and responsive decision to close the country’s borders. The swift action and further precautionary measures were done in the interests of defense, of public safety, public order, public morality or public healthy; or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of other persons. These preventative endeavours resulted in the safety and well-being of our elderly being sustained in accordance with our system of cultural values to protect and care.

As we honour and celebrate our elderly this month, the Human Rights Commission reminds everyone that human rights are a shared responsibility and upholding another person’s rights is just as important as upholding our own. Specifically in the context of the global pandemic, and as the country transitions to the gradual re-opening of our borders, the needs of our elderly must not be forgotten. Special precautions in line with medical advice should still be practiced while caring and visiting the elderly to reduce the risk of the spread of infection of the Covid-19 virus.

In recognition of Older Persons Month the Department of Children and Family Services will be hosting a month of events. For more information about the events visit the Departments Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/departmentofchildrenandfamilyservices/