The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) celebrated the achievements of 18 graduates of its Elderly Healthcare Aide programme on Thursday, 24 September 2026, recognising their commitment to developing the knowledge, practical skills and compassion required to support older persons across the Cayman Islands.
Hosted by UCCI’s Ruth Eleanor McLaughlin School of Nursing and Workforce Readiness Centre, the Fall 2026 Graduation Ceremony brought together graduates, their families, faculty, University leadership and members of the wider community at the Sir Vassell Johnson Hall to mark the completion of the programme and an important milestone in the graduates’ professional development.
The occasion represented more than the completion of a programme. It provided an opportunity to recognise the graduates’ development while reflecting on the increasingly important role of trained caregivers in supporting the dignity, wellbeing and quality of life of older persons within the Cayman Islands.
Preparing Caregivers to Serve with Skill and Compassion
Providing quality care for older persons requires more than practical capability. It calls for patience, empathy, professionalism and an understanding of the importance of preserving dignity, independence and quality of life throughout the ageing process.
At the heart of the programme is an understanding that caring for older persons extends beyond meeting physical needs. Compassion, dignity, fairness and competent care are equally important in supporting the overall wellbeing of those receiving care.
Quida Johnson-Shirley, Programme Director of the Ruth Eleanor McLaughlin School of Nursing, reflected on the importance of preparing caregivers who are equipped to respond to the broader needs of older persons.
“The Ruth Eleanor McLaughlin School of Nursing prepared these students to care with compassion while delivering care with dignity. As our society ages, particularly here in the Cayman Islands, we need caregivers who can meet the holistic needs of older persons, not only their physical needs, but also ensure that they are treated with dignity, equality and fairness and receive care from competent caregivers,” said Johnson-Shirley.
Her remarks underscored the importance of approaching elderly care in a way that recognises not only physical needs, but also the individuality, dignity and overall wellbeing of each person receiving care.
The ceremony also included greetings from Dr. Livingston Smith, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Education, as well as contributions from faculty and students of the programme.
Responding to the Needs of Our Community
The importance of developing skilled caregivers was also reinforced by Dr. Michael Gayle, Chief Executive Officer of the Cayman Islands National Insurance Company (CINICO), who delivered the guest address during the ceremony.
“At CINICO, we spend millions of dollars every year on home healthcare for people who rely on elder-care services. As our population ages, these services are becoming increasingly significant and important. I am delighted to have been invited to address the graduates and to share a charge with them as they step into this new chapter of their professional lives,” said Dr. Gayle.
His remarks highlighted the practical significance of elderly care within the Cayman Islands and the growing importance of having trained individuals equipped to support older persons as their healthcare and personal care needs evolve.
Healthcare Aides play an important role within this continuum of care, working alongside individuals, families and other healthcare professionals to provide support with everyday needs while helping older persons maintain their wellbeing, independence and dignity.
For the graduates, completing the programme therefore represents not only a personal and professional achievement, but also an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills within an area of care that has direct significance for families and communities across the Cayman Islands.
Education with Purpose
For UCCI, the graduation reflects a broader institutional commitment to creating accessible pathways through which members of the community can develop practical skills, pursue professional growth and prepare themselves to contribute meaningfully within areas of importance to the Cayman Islands.
As the Cayman Islands’ premier tertiary institution, UCCI recognises the role that education and workforce development can play in responding to the changing needs of the community. Through programmes that connect education with practical preparation, the University continues to create pathways through which individuals can develop their capabilities, pursue meaningful professional opportunities and contribute to the communities they serve.
For the graduates, the occasion marked both the culmination of their studies and the beginning of a new chapter in which the knowledge, skills and values developed through their training can be translated into meaningful service.
Their achievement also reflects the broader purpose of workforce education: creating opportunities for individuals to develop practical capabilities while preparing them to contribute to areas of importance within their communities.
As the graduates move forward, UCCI congratulates them on their achievement and encourages them to carry with them the compassion, professionalism and commitment to dignity that will guide the care they provide to older persons, their families and the communities they serve.