Seniors celebrated at Older Persons Month event
Franz Manderson presenting floral arrangements to Older Persons Month ambassadors Lindbergh Eden and Lurlie Scott
(CNS Local Life): A steel pan version of “Wind Beneath My Wings,” ushered in guests attending the launch of the International Month of Older Persons in the Cayman Islands on Tuesday, 3 October 2017. The luncheon reception comprised speeches, a recital and music acts. Attendees included Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, both of this year’s Older Persons Month ambassadors, and seniors from across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Director Felicia Robinson welcomed the group. She mentioned the private and public sector stakeholders who work in partnership with her department to promote and provide services to the islands’ 4,000 plus elderly residents, stated a government press release. Robinson gave a biography of the 2017 Older Persons Month ambassadors and commended them for their long and varied contributions to their communities.
Older Persons ambassador Lurlie Scott offered the opening prayer and pronounced a blessing on all the people of the Cayman Islands. Manderson presented her and fellow ambassador, Lindbergh Eden, with floral arrangements.
Between speeches, attendees were entertained by their peers in a series of short artistic interludes. These included Crosby Walton’s version of a Frank Sinatra standard, Olive Miller’s poetry recital and McDorm Frederick playing harmonica. Probably the most remarked on performance was a musical saw medley by Kenneth Melville, stated the release. This was later followed by a solo by Anita Wheaton, who gave a humorous twist to “My Favourite Things”, and a performance by Kate Allenger on violin.
Moderator DCFS Deputy Director Paulinda Mendoza-Williams interspersed introductions with commentary including Nelson Mandela’s quote: “A society that does not value its older people denies its roots and endangers its future.”
Acting Chief Officer of Community Affairs Teresa Echenique delivered the Older Persons Month message. She spoke of the outstanding efforts made by seniors who had shaped the Cayman Islands into a top financial centre and tourism centre. Echenique said that they were an invaluable resource and should be treated accordingly.
Guest speaker, Director of the Policy Co-ordination Unit, Deborah Webb-Sibblies, gave a comprehensive overview of the Older Persons Policy, the commencement of the Older Persons Law and the introduction of supportive action plans to advance equal opportunities for older persons to access and participate in all aspects of society.
Category: Community
