Cabinet Approves Funding for Pines Retirement Home Expansion
The Cabinet has approved a grant for expansion of the Pines Retirement Home through the Ministry of Social Development and Innovation (MSDI).
MSDI has an agreement with the Pines Retirement Home to provide ongoing residential nursing care to older persons who are eligible for care via the Department of Financial Assistance. This need has been evolving over the years with increasing demand for services, as well as changes in types of services needed in our community.
According to the World Health Organization, by 2030, 1 in 6 people will be aged 60 years or over. Additionally, the Cayman Islands 2021 Census indicates that the number of people aged 65 and over had almost doubled since the 2010 Census. The number has increased to 5,602 people compared to 2,832, a decade ago. In 2021, older persons in the Cayman Islands made up 7.9% of the population and are now the fastest growing demographic.
On Wednesday, 17 December 2025, the Honourable Premier André Ebanks and Honourable Minister Rolston Anglin visited the Pines Retirement Home (PRH) for the Residents’ Christmas Drop-In. The visit provided a meaningful opportunity to share festive cheer during the holiday season.
At the visit, the Chairperson of the Pines Retirement Home advised that the Board has agreed to expand the facility but are currently short on the necessary funding to complete the project. This seed funding will allow the Pines Retirement Home to begin development of their Silver Thatch Residence which will have twelve independent living apartments for older persons in our community.
Subsequently, the Honourable Premier André Ebanks, Honourable Minister Isaac Rankine, Honourable Minister Rolston Anglin and the Social Development Team visited the Pines Retirement Home on 31 December 2025 to deliver the news about the grant and wish staff and residents the very best for 2026.
QUOTES
Hon. André Ebanks, Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce
“We could not have done this without the entire NCFC Caucus who supported this proposal and it went through Cabinet. There is no doubt that there is going to be increased and already is increased need for assisted living in this community. What we have done out of prudent savings is to provide the Pines Retirement Home with seed funding so that they can now go to market with private sector to be able to get the full amount of funding for what is critically needed within the community. We know they need more but this is a start, we have to start somewhere.
Hon. Isaac Rankine, Minister for Social Development and Innovation
“This supplementary funding is intended to be seed funding towards the expansion of the Pines Retirement Home. We hope this funding will further incentivise private sector philanthropy to complete this project.”
Mrs. Lynda Mitchel, CEO for Pines Retirement Home
“The Pines Retirement Home’s Board of Directors and Management are most grateful to the Ministry of Social Development and Innovation and the Cabinet for providing The Pines with CI$600,000 towards the development of its New Silver Thatch Residences. The Residences will offer a nurturing environment for older persons who require minimal assisted living accommodation whilst combining care services in modern facilities.”
There is a growing need to support older persons in the Cayman Islands and the organisations that support them, including Pines Retirement Home. For updates on the expansion, more information about services, or to find out how you can support this initiative, contact Ms. Lynda Mitchell at lynda.mitchell@thepinescayman.com or at 926-5650.
