Council of Older Persons (OPC) | Cayman Islands Government - Older Persons Council

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Council of Older Persons Ageing Forum: Ageing Well, Together

The Council of Older Persons invites the public to its 3rd Annual Ageing Forum, held under the theme “Ageing Well, Together.” The free annual event brings together older persons, families, caregivers, professionals and the wider community for a day of meaningful discussion, practical information and resources to support ageing well

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Launch of Age Proud Campaign

Join us on our campaign of respect and celebration of the country’s colourful, productive and knowledgeable senior community. We also want all residents to encourage people who are 65+ to feel proud of their age,

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What We Do

The Council of Older Persons (‘the Council’) is established under section 3 of the Older Persons Act, 2017 and is an advisory body comprising of older persons, professionals and experts from the public and private sectors.

The general purpose of the Council is to champion the welfare of older persons, defined as persons 65 years old and above, by advocating for:

the promotion and development of programmes, projects and legislative measures focused on older persons; and
the Government’s implementation of the Cayman Islands Older Persons Policy 2016-2035 (“the CIOPP”).

In carrying out this role, the Council plays a critical part in enhancing the quality of life for all older persons.

Organisation & Functions

In accordance with the Schedule in the Older Persons Act, 2017, sections 1 and 2, the following members comprise of the Council and are serving for a term of not less than four (4) years:

Council Members

Dr. Glaister Bell, BSc. (Hon), MBBS, PGDip (Dist.) Geri. Med & Fam. Med; MA, DM (Fam Med) – Chairperson & Medical Doctor
Annette Vaughan, LLB (Hons), PPC, BSc, MA - Deputy Chairperson & Attorney-at-Law
Violet Dell - Member & Representative for George Town
Daphne Orrett - Member & Representative for West Bay
Halcy Lofters - Member & Representative for Bodden Town
Capt. Edgar Ashton Bodden - Member & Representative for the Sister Islands
Aliceann Kirchman- Member & Representative for East End
Vacant - Member & Representative for North Side

Ex-Officio Members

Ava Cassandra Fearon - Ex-officio Member & Social Worker, Department of Children & Family Services
Trevor Gibbs - Ex-officio Member, Ministry responsible for Social Development & Gender Affairs Representative
Natasha Powell - Ex-officio Member, Ministry responsible for Health
Karen Ferguson - Ex-officio Member, Ministry responsible for Education
Leticia Goring - Ex-officio Member, Ministry responsible for Employment

Designates

Melissa Goddard – Designate of the Ex-officio Member, Ministry responsible for Social Development
Denise Gardiner – Designate of the Ex-officio Member, Ministry responsible for Education

In accordance with the sections 6(1) and (2) of the Act, an Executive Secretary who is a public servant will be appointed by the Cabinet to provide administrative support to the Council. At present, Danielle Hemming is the Executive Secretary from the Ministry of Social Development & Innovation.