Ministry–Council Partnership Sets Stage for Ageing Forum

The Minister of Social Development & Innovation Hon. Isaac Rankine, and Chief Officer Nellie Pouchie recently attended the meeting of the Council of Older Persons, emphasising the Ministry’s active commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the Cayman Islands’ ageing population.

Minister Rankine emphasised the importance of prioritising the elderly in national policy and community engagement, and acknowledged the significance of this responsibility, including its deep personal connection to his own family.

“I am pleased to be the Minister to have the responsibility for Older Persons. My father will be 91 years old this year,” said Hon. Minister Isaac Rankine. “The Cayman Islands has an ageing population, and the Older Persons’ Council is a key resource for our society. Chief Officer Pouchie and myself are committed to learning, listening, and leading—with the guidance of those in the Ministry and from the Council itself. If we don’t protect our people, who else is going to do it?”

The Minister also highlighted the importance of inclusive representation across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, and highlighted the need for greater public awareness of the Council’s work. “Cayman Brac must be included in everything we do,” said Minister Rankine. “We plan to host public information sessions and district meetings to ensure that all residents understand the role and value of the Older Persons’ Council. Our goal is to be inclusive, transparent, and proactive in engaging the entire community.”

During the meeting, the Council outlined a range of community concerns, including the transition to digital billing systems, limited programmes promoting mobility and inclusion, challenges with heritage preservation, economic vulnerabilities post-retirement, and accessibility barriers in the private sector. The discussion also raised concerns about the shortage of suitable housing for older persons, which greatly affects their quality of life, along with the lack of progress in implementing the action plans set out in the Cayman Islands Older Persons Policy 2016 to meet the needs of seniors. While these issues reflect wider societal trends, both Minister Rankine and Chief Officer Pouchie expressed a firm commitment to advancing practical solutions through policy, collaboration, and targeted outreach.

Chief Officer Nellie Pouchie affirmed that the Ministry is positioned to move these concerns forward. “The placement of the Council under the Ministry of Social Development and Innovation presents great opportunities. While we have policy in place, we must now drive implementation. Through our Minister, we will bring these matters to Cabinet to secure appropriate government wide direction and resources.”

Chairperson of the Council and representative for George Town, Ms. Lucille Seymour, expressed concern that the Cayman Islands is still falling short when it comes to the well-being of its older population. “There is not enough being done to safeguard the well-being of our older persons,” she stated. “We must create more opportunities for older persons to feel engaged and appreciated in the community. Hosting events and outreach programmes would go a long way in strengthening those bonds. We must also remember that younger persons are the future older persons—and the future starts now. It is essential that young people do more to ensure a better life not only for themselves but for the elders who paved the way.”

Echoing these sentiments, Deputy Chair and West Bay representative, Ms. Sarah Alice Mae Coe, reinforced the call for stronger community integration. “There is more we can do to ensure our older persons are seen, respected, and prioritised in both the business sector and public spaces,” she said. “We are moving rapidly into a modern, digital world—but we must bring our seniors along with us. Outreach campaigns, education forums, and technology support initiatives can help bridge this gap. The world may be going paperless, but we must not leave our older persons behind.”

Both leaders highlighted the importance of empowering the Older Persons Council and building stronger public awareness around its role. Plans are already underway to expand district-level engagement and promote understanding of the Council’s mandate across all three Islands.

The Ministry reiterated its pledge to work hand in hand with the Council and the community to ensure that Cayman’s older persons are not only respected, but actively supported, engaged, and included.

“Our older persons have laid the foundation of this country,” Minister Rankine concluded. “It’s now our duty to make sure they are cared for with dignity, and that their contributions continue to shape the Cayman Islands we are building together.”

This visit also sets the stage for continued collaboration, as the Ministry and Council prepare to host the annual Ageing Forum on 20 September 2025 at The Westin Grand Cayman. This important event aimed at engaging the public, stakeholders, and policymakers in shaping the future of ageing in the Cayman Islands will focus on key issues such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, elder care, and social inclusion. Stay tuned for more details soon.

About the Council of Older Persons

 The Council of Older Persons is a statutory body that advocates for the rights and wellbeing of older persons in the Cayman Islands, providing guidance to policymakers and ensuring that the voices of older persons are represented in national decision-making. Learn more at: www.gov.ky/olderpersonscouncil.