Council of Older Persons Public Forums - Older Persons Council
Council of Older Persons Forums
Council of Older Persons Ageing Forum 2025
Key Note Speaker
Fiona McDougall, Owner of Healthy Futures Ltd & Cabinet-appointed Chair of the Cayman Islands Mental Health Commission.
Fiona has over twenty years’ experience in strategic planning and operational improvement initiatives in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors in Canada, the US, and the Cayman Islands. After working in large consulting, boutique consulting, and the public sector over a ten-year period, Fiona started her own business consulting practice in 2010 which grew rapidly and was subsequently acquired by Optimus SBR in 2012. In 2014, Fiona co-founded Healthy Futures Ltd. in the Cayman Islands to provide evidence-informed strategy, operations, and workplace synergy services to organizations in the Cayman Islands, Canada, & the US.
Fiona is passionate about helping organizations who value healthy growth, positive cultures, and improving lives. The Healthy Futures team develops multi-year strategies, optimizes operations, and builds resilient teams who make a positive impact in the workplace and the world. Healthy Futures has assisted public and private health service organizations, government agencies, and pharmaceutical companies develop strategies to address funding pressures, streamline operations, improve access to care, and implement innovative models of care to deliver meaningful clinical results.
Ms. McDougall holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, an Honours BA from the University of Western Ontario, and has held senior executive positions in the public sector, healthcare consultancies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies in Canada and the Cayman Islands. In 2016, Ms. McDougall was engaged as the healthcare system subject matter expert for the Performance Audit of the Cayman Islands Healthcare System and was the primary author of the Public Interest Report on the Cayman Islands Healthcare System.
Presentation: Changing Lifestyles and Behaviours of Ageing
Dr. Sunku Guptha, Geriatrician, Health Services Authority, Cayman Islands
Dr Sunku Guptha has been working as a consulting physician for over 20yrs with expertise in internal medicine and medicine for older people. After completing his medical schooling in India in 1994 he took up postgraduate training in the UK and attained his postgraduate degree in Medicine in 1998 at the Royal College of Physicians in London.
He then trained as a specialist in general medicine and medicine for older people at Cambridge for 5 years and was appointed to a consultant post in Peterborough City Hospital in 2004. He worked at Peterborough hospital for over 15yrs establishing his practice in general medicine and medicine for older people. He had a busy schedule covering patients admitted to hospital with various acute medical illness, specialist clinics for patients with Parkinsons disease, training junior doctors and medical students and leading quality and governance initiatives to improve patient care. He has been awarded several clinical merit awards for his work. He had a keen interest in research particularly in Parkinsons disease and Dementia and has published several articles in leading medical journals such as the British Medical Journal and the Lancet. He was elected as a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 2012.
Dr Guptha moved to Cayman Islands in 2022 and has been working at Health City as an internist and specialist in medicine for older people providing services at East End and Camana Bay sites. He also provides home assessments for patients who are unable to travel to clinics. He has provided several caregiver training courses on behalf of Department of Children and Family services on issues relating to older people. He has worked with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands in increasing awareness of needs of people with dementia and provided training sessions on Dementia in Cayman Brac.
He has been keen to provide comprehensive assessments for older people and successfully launched a health check for seniors. His future plans include expanding health checks for seniors so they can be conducted at their homes, and to introduce advanced diagnostics and treatment for people with neurodegenerative disorders.
Presentation: Financial Wellness and Preventing Financial Abuse
Speaker: John Lemuel Hurlston, Cayman Islands Civil Service Association (CICSA) - Credit Union
John Lemuel Hurlston is a nationally honoured civil servant, statesman, and author. He served as Chief Secretary and Deputy Governor of the Cayman Islands, retiring in 1995 after 26 years of public service. In recognition of his exemplary leadership, he was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1989 and a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 1994 by Her Majesty the Queen.
Mr. Hurlston currently serves as Chairman of the Constitutional Commission as well as BAF Insurance Company. He is a founding member of the Cayman Islands Civil Service Cooperative Credit Union and was recognised as s National Heroes Day Legacy Builder in 2025. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University College of the Cayman Islands and is the author of A Life That Counts, published in 2016
Speaker: Ryan Walrond, Cayman Islands Civil Service Association (CICSA) – Credit Union
With over three decades of expertise in information technology, Ryan is a seasoned professional who has built a distinguished career spanning the banking and audit sectors. His journey began with foundational roles that evolved into senior leadership, culminating in positions such as Director of IT at a Big 4 accounting firm and VP of Regional Infrastructure at a prominent local bank. Currently serving as the Head of IT at the CICSA Co-operative Credit Union, Ryan oversees digital transformation, cyber-security, and infrastructure strategy, driving innovation and operational excellence.
Speaker: Marius Jackson, Cayman Islands Civil Service Association (CICSA) – Credit Union
Marius Jackson is a seasoned IT leader with over 15 years of experience designing, managing, and optimising complex enterprise network and infrastructure systems across the Caribbean and the United States. Currently serving as the Information Technology Operations Manager at CICSA Co-operative Credit Union. Marius brings a hands-on, results-driven approach to IT operations, cyber-security, and infrastructure modernisation. Throughout his career, Marius has developed a reputation as a technical escalation point, a proactive problem solver, and a trusted advisor in networks and infrastructure. He holds a strong belief in continual learning and innovation, using his broad technical foundation to align IT with business goals.
Simulation Activity: Daily Challenges of Persons living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Presenter: Noviann McLean-Gregory, BSc, MSc, MRSB; Alzheimer's & Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands (ADACI)
Noviann McLean-Gregory is a final-year PhD researcher in the South Coast Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SoCoBio DTP), working in Dr Jennifer Tullet’s lab at the University of Kent. Her research focuses on ageing, appetite regulation, and metabolic health, using the model organism C. elegans to uncover biological pathways that influence longevity and disease. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and neuroscience, and has developed strong expertise in laboratory research, data analysis, and science communication.
Beyond academia, Noviann is a board member of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands (ADACI), where she contributes to community outreach and public health education on longevity and healthy ageing. She recently joined the Cayman Islands Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability as a Policy Support Officer, where she applies her scientific background to support initiatives addressing obesity and other lifestyle- related diseases. An active member of the Cayman Islands Senior National Netball Team, Noviann combines her passion for science with a commitment to health, fitness, and community engagement.
Presenter: Dorothy Louise Davis; Alzheimer's & Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands (ADACI)
John Lemuel Hurlston is a nationally honoured civil servant, statesman, and author. He served as Chief Secretary and Deputy Governor of the Cayman Islands, retiring in 1995 after 26 years of public service. In recognition of his exemplary leadership, he was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1989 and a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 1994 by Her Majesty the Queen.
Mr. Hurlston currently serves as Chairman of the Constitutional Commission as well as BAF Insurance Company. He is a founding member of the Cayman Islands Civil Service Cooperative Credit Union and was recognised as s National Heroes Day Legacy Builder in 2025. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University College of the Cayman Islands and is the author of A Life That Counts, published in 2016
Presentation: Financial Wellness and Preventing Financial Abuse
Presenter: Dr. Caolan Teasdale; Chiropractor, HSA
Dr. Caolan Teasdale earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Ontario, following his undergraduate studies in Kinesiology and Health Science at Simon Fraser University. Before beginning his chiropractic career, Dr. Teasdale was a PGA of Canada Golf Professional, serving at golf clubs across the country and gaining valuable insight into athletic performance and injury prevention. In 2024, Dr. Teasdale was honoured to be named Best Chiropractor in Burnaby, BC—a recognition that reflects his commitment to exceptional patient care and community involvement.
With extensive experience treating individuals of all ages, Dr. Teasdale specializes in managing sports-related injuries, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal conditions. He believes that clear communication, patient education, and empowering individuals are key to helping people live their healthiest lives.
Dr. Teasdale is dedicated to serving his community as both a trusted advisor and a supportive teammate, with the goal of enhancing the overall quality of life for those he treats.
"Ageing In the Cayman Islands" Forum 2024
Council District Reps: Annie Rose Scott-Sister Islands, Alice Mae Coe - West Bay,Herbert Crawford - Bodden Town, Alex Johnson-North Side, Aliceann Kirchman-East End, Lucille Dell Seymour-George Town
"Ageing in the Cayman Islands" was the Council Of Older Persons' first-ever public Forum.
The Council’s goal with hosting this event for the community and vital stakeholders was to ensure no one is left behind in an ageing world.
The forum was free to the public and was held on Saturday, 3 August 2024 at the Sir Vassel Johnson Hall at UCCI.
The forum is important in working towards the delivery of several of the government’s strategic goals including:
- Broad Outcome 1: Improve Quality of Life for Caymanians
- Broad Outcome 3: Future Proof to Increase Resiliency
- Broad Outcome 5: Protect and Promote Caymanian Culture, Heritage and Identity.
The number of people aged 65 years or older worldwide is projected to more than double, rising from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion in 2050. The number of people aged 80 years or older is growing even faster.As we know, population ageing is an irreversible global trend. It is the inevitable result of the demographic transition – the trend towards longer lives and smaller families – that is taking place even in countries with relatively youthful populations.
Attendees of the Forum had the opportunity to discuss topic areas and important themes such as Changing lifestyles and behaviours of ageing, Preparing Your Home for Ageing, and Ageing Well in the Community.Other topics covered included advanced care planning, mental health, financial wellness, dementia and other health conditions, as well as staying active as we age.
Other specialized assistance at the forum included writing a Will and Estate Planning.
These discussions improved the lives of the ageing community and ensure that younger generations can also age with dignity and knowledge of their resources in the Cayman Islands.The Council hopes the ideas presented for discussion helped to be a catalyst for community-wide progression. The Council recognises that engagement is not an area where “one size fits all” and where sharing of good practice would be helpful- where we can all draw on the work and ideas emerging from the forum to ensure everyone in the Cayman Islands can age confidently.
The forum welcomed persons of all ages and The Council of Older Persons encouraged care-takers, older persons, families as well as the business community and relevant stakeholders to attend for a very insightful day.
Key Note Speaker
Fiona McDougall, Owner of Healthy Futures Ltd & Cabinet-appointed Chair of the Cayman Islands Mental Health Commission.
Fiona has over twenty years’ experience in strategic planning and operational improvement initiatives in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors in Canada, the US, and the Cayman Islands. After working in large consulting, boutique consulting, and the public sector over a ten-year period, Fiona started her own business consulting practice in 2010 which grew rapidly and was subsequently acquired by Optimus SBR in 2012. In 2014, Fiona co-founded Healthy Futures Ltd. in the Cayman Islands to provide evidence-informed strategy, operations, and workplace synergy services to organizations in the Cayman Islands, Canada, & the US.
Fiona is passionate about helping organizations who value healthy growth, positive cultures, and improving lives. The Healthy Futures team develops multi-year strategies, optimizes operations, and builds resilient teams who make a positive impact in the workplace and the world. Healthy Futures has assisted public and private health service organizations, government agencies, and pharmaceutical companies develop strategies to address funding pressures, streamline operations, improve access to care, and implement innovative models of care to deliver meaningful clinical results.
Ms. McDougall holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, an Honours BA from the University of Western Ontario, and has held senior executive positions in the public sector, healthcare consultancies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies in Canada and the Cayman Islands. In 2016, Ms. McDougall was engaged as the healthcare system subject matter expert for the Performance Audit of the Cayman Islands Healthcare System and was the primary author of the Public Interest Report on the Cayman Islands Healthcare System.
Presentation: Changing Lifestyles and Behaviours of Ageing
Dr. Sunku Guptha, General and Geriatric Medicine Specialist, Health City Cayman Islands
Dr Sunku Guptha has been working as a consulting physician for over 20yrs with expertise in internal medicine and medicine for older people. After completing his medical schooling in India in 1994 he took up postgraduate training in the UK and attained his postgraduate degree in Medicine in 1998 at the Royal College of Physicians in London.
He then trained as a specialist in general medicine and medicine for older people at Cambridge for 5 years and was appointed to a consultant post in Peterborough City Hospital in 2004. He worked at Peterborough hospital for over 15yrs establishing his practice in general medicine and medicine for older people. He had a busy schedule covering patients admitted to hospital with various acute medical illness, specialist clinics for patients with Parkinsons disease, training junior doctors and medical students and leading quality and governance initiatives to improve patient care. He has been awarded several clinical merit awards for his work. He had a keen interest in research particularly in Parkinsons disease and Dementia and has published several articles in leading medical journals such as the British Medical Journal and the Lancet. He was elected as a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 2012.
Dr Guptha moved to Cayman Islands in 2022 and has been working at Health City as an internist and specialist in medicine for older people providing services at East End and Camana Bay sites. He also provides home assessments for patients who are unable to travel to clinics. He has provided several caregiver training courses on behalf of Department of Children and Family services on issues relating to older people. He has worked with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands in increasing awareness of needs of people with dementia and provided training sessions on Dementia in Cayman Brac.
He has been keen to provide comprehensive assessments for older people and successfully launched a health check for seniors. His future plans include expanding health checks for seniors so they can be conducted at their homes, and to introduce advanced diagnostics and treatment for people with neurodegenerative disorders.
Presentation: Preparing Your Home for Ageing
Andrenne Gordon, Occupational Therapist, Health Services Authority
Andrenne Gordon is a dedicated occupational therapist employed with the Therapy Services at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority. Andrenne holds an MSc in Occupational Therapy from Brunel University, London as well as a Bachelor degree in health care administration from California Coast University. During her academic journey, she gained hands-on experience through placements at various healthcare facilities in the UK, including acute care and community. Her passion for occupational therapy stems from the desire to help individuals improve their quality of life and regain independence. She is particularly interested in working with adults, helping them develop and/or regain the skills they need for daily living and learning. Her patient-centred approach emphasizes personalized care plans that address each client's unique needs and goals. Andrenne Gordon strives for excellence in her practice, always seeking new ways to help her patients achieve their goals and live more independently.
Alliana Bagtas, Occupational Therapist, Health Services Authority
Alliana Bagtas is an empathetic occupational therapist employed with the Therapy Services at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority. Alliana holds an MSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto, as well as Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Community Rehabilitation from the University of Calgary. She has experience working with individuals across the lifespan, from working with neurodiverse children to supporting adults and seniors maintain their independence within their valued communities. Originally born in the Philippines and raised in Canada, Alliana values the cultural nuances that influences decision making across all aspects of healthcare. She recognizes the importance of involving various stakeholders as needed to deliver meaningful patient care in the most culturally sensitive and practical way. By acknowledging and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of clients, she seamlessly integrates this awareness into the therapeutic process.
Panel Discussion: Ageing Well in the Community
Ms.Cathy Gomez, JP, MSc, MA, Pastoral Counsellor
Cathy Gomez was committed to full-time work for 46 years, prior to her retirement in December 2020. She served in the healthcare sector for more than thirty-one years (1974 – 2006) with extensive experience in medical laboratory technology and hospital administration.
Following her work in healthcare, Ms. Gomez served as a Pastoral Counselor at Cayman Prep & High School and HM Prison Services, and qualified as a Canadian Certified Pastoral Counselor in 2008. Her listing of qualifications includes advanced studies in Health Services Administration, a Master of Science in Public Policy & Management and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Psychology and Counseling. She is a published author of the book ‘Coping with sudden job loss…experiences in the Cayman Islands’ (2010) and was a Columnist for Cayman Net News (2011-2013), writing 150 articles on job loss and the various spin-off effects.
Ms. Gomez served as adjunct faculty at UCCI, teaching Marriage and the Family (2010-2016). Other teaching experiences include leading Bible study groups and delivering programs while serving as Prison Chaplain for 8.5 years. Ms. Gomez has served as an Elder in her church and has been committed to the music ministry since childhood. She currently serves as Board Chairman for Bethesda Counseling Center, a Justice of the Peace, and a member of the Human Rights Commission. Her most recent appointment was in December 2023 as Pastoral Assistant at the Robert Young Memorial Church. Ms. Gomez has two adult children and three grandchildren.
Mr Armando Ebanks, Managing Director of AIF Corporate Services
Armando Ebanks holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Economics with dual Minors in Spanish and Philosophy from a leading college in South Carolina, U.S.A. Mr. Ebanks is also STEP qualified. With over 36 years of experience in the financial industry which has been gained from employment at senior levels with top international firms with significant presence in the Cayman Islands, he is currently the Managing Director and owner of AIF Corporate Services Ltd. He is a specialist in the field of the establishment, administration and management of complex trust and corporate structures for High Net Worth clients and provides advice, expertise and guidance to meet his client’s wealth planning needs. Having worked in senior positions with international fortune 500 companies with a local presence, he applies his strong management and administrative skills to achieve the best results for his clients. As an entrepreneur, Mr. Ebanks is also a real estate developer with current projects under construction. Mr. Ebanks is also fluent in Spanish.
Dr. Natalie Sharpe, Palliative Care Physician, Jasmine
Dr Natalie Sharpe is a specialist physician in the area of palliative care. She completed undergraduate training in Biochemistry at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY then worked as a research assistant at Columbia University for several years. She returned home to Jamaica in 2006 and started medical school at University of the West Indies then went on to do a residency In Haematology and Medical Oncology. During her residency she developed an interest in palliative care and did a certification course with Harvard Medical School and a clinical stint at the University of Colorado in Denver. One of Dr Sharpe’s goals is the integration of quality palliative care into the management of advanced illnesses and providing access throughout all areas of the country. When she’s not working she spends most of her time at the beach chasing two energetic young boys.
Dr Lorna Jackson, General Practitioner, Health Services Authority
Dr. Jackson is originally from Jamaica but she has been living in the Cayman Islands for over 40 years. She has been working in the Health Services since 1986 when she started out as a Radiographer at the Georgetown hospital. Dr Jackson did not stop there in her pursuit. She went on to be qualified as a sonographer. She also completed a MBA and a Diploma in Practical Theology, while working in Radiology. In her adult years she obtained a degree of Doctorr of Medicine through Saint Mathews University in the Cayman Islands. Following that achievement, she obtained a degree of Doctor of Family Medicine through the university of the West Indies Jamaica. Out of her deep respect and concern for the elderly, she went on to complete a Masters in the Care of the Elderly through Saint Davis University in Wales. She is presently pursuing a Bachelor of science in Christian Leadership through Patten University. She has been married to Mr. Clive Jackson for the past 33 years and the union has produced two beautiful children. Dr Jackson believes that all her accomplishments are due to God’s guidance and she will forever be grateful to God.
