Public Forums - Older Persons Council
Council of Older Persons Forums
Ageing Forum 2026: Ageing Well, Together
Saturday, 26 September, 12:00p.m - 7:00p.m. - Hotel Indigo - Azure Ballroom
Speakers
Welcome Remarks:
Honourable André M. Ebanks
Premier and Minister for Financial Services & Commerce
Honourable André Ebanks was sworn-in as Premier of the Cayman Islands in May 2025 following his election as a second term Member of Parliament for West Bay South in the April 2025 general election.
Passionate about strengthening the Caymanian community,
Premier Ebanks, who is the leader of The Caymanian Community Party (TCCP), entered politics to create meaningful change and advance the needs of Caymanians.
Prior to becoming a Member of Parliament, Premier Ebanks had a distinguished career both in government and the private sector. He is an attorney-at-law who has practised for more than a decade at two of the largest law firms in the Cayman Islands.
He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2005 and to the Cayman Islands Bar in 2006.
The Premier holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Liverpool, a degree in sociology from Morgan State University and a master’s degree in legal practice from Manchester Metropolitan University.
Among his professional and civic activities is his membership to the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, England.
Honourable Isaac Rankine
Minister for Social Development & Innovation and Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage
Honourable Isaac Douglas Rankine, in his second term as the elected Member of Parliament for the constituency of East End, was sworn in on 6 May 2025 as Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage and Minister for Social Development & Innovation, in the Cayman Islands. In addition, he is a member of the Parliamentary Management Commission Council.
Mr. Rankine recognises the importance of policies that preserve our heritage, ensure that the youngest to the most senior persons in our community are supported and served, and that social strategies are developed to meet the needs of our community. His vision for a country that represents the Caymanian values of our forefathers - built to thrive in a robust global environment - is embedded in his efforts to serve the Cayman Islands.
Opening Remarks:
Dr. Glaister Bell , BSc. (Hon), MBBS, PGDip (Dist.) Geri. Med & Fam. Med; MA, DM (Fam Med) – Chairperson & Medical Doctor
Chair, Council of Older Persons
Keynote Address:
Roy Bodden
Author and President Emeritus of the University College of the Cayman Islands
J.A Roy Bodden is President Emeritus of the University College of the Cayman Islands. A public intellectual and published author of nine books spanning both fact, fiction and poetry about Caymanian society. Bodden is a knowledgeable and frank speaking commentator on Caymanian society.
His published works have begun to attract international attention and one of his major works, The Cayman Islands In Transition, Politics, History, and Sociology of a Changing Society, was chosen by the San Francisco Public Library Book Club this past August as its feature presentation. The work received over thirty 5-star reviews and the author received an invitation to submit other works for consideration. A born again christian, Bodden is Chairman of the Triple C School Board.
He and his wife Nancy live in the Bodden Town area. Roy Bodden has a special interest in uplifting and dignifying the dispossessed and disenfranchised in Caymanian society and is passionate about elevating such persons.
Presentation | Mental Health and Wellbeing:
Understanding Mental Health in Older Persons; Supporting Emotional Wellbeing
Dr. Paulette Gayle
Clinical Psychologist, Health Services Authority
Dr. Paulette Gayle is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience in mental health, psychological assessment, and neuropsychology. She provides clinical services within the Department of Behavioural Health and Psychiatry at the Health Services Authority (HSA) and serves as Director of Selah Therapeutic Services Limited. Her work focuses on adults across the lifespan, including older adults facing psychological, cognitive, and adjustment-related concerns.
She conducts psychological and neuropsychological assessments — including cognitive functioning and decision-making capacity — and provides trauma-informed interventions to support emotional well-being, resilience, and adjustment to major life and health changes.
Dr. Gayle is also active in community education, including mental health presentations through the Elmslie Memorial United Church Pantry Programme for elderly community members. A wife, mother, and grandmother, Dr. Gayle brings a deep personal commitment to promoting dignity, resilience, and quality of life throughout the ageing process.
Presentation | Healthy Ageing, Healthy Eating
Andrea Hill
Dietician,
Andrea is a Holistic Nutrition Educator and has been working in the health & wellness field since 1999 when she moved to Grand Cayman from her native Toronto, Canada. She holds a master's degree in health and nutrition education and is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® with the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.
Her area of expertise is women's hormonal health with a special interest in perimenopause – work that has given her a deep understanding of how nutrition needs shift as we age, and why it's never too late to eat in a way that supports strength, energy, and independence.
Andrea believes that learning to eat healthy and live well should not stress you out. It's about enjoying the journey and recognizing the vital role that nutrition plays in your overall wellbeing. Her approach with clients is simple and sensible: eat real food, listen to your body, prioritize self-care, and just breathe.
Presentation | Caring for Ageing Parents
Yasmin Smith
Nurse, Health Services Authority
Bio Pending
Presentation | Tech-Savvy & Scam-Smart: Staying Safe and Connected
Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS)
National Police Service
The RCIPS as an organization is dedicated to a vision of making the Cayman Islands safer. For the RCIPS this means that each and every person who lives, visits or works on these islands can go about their lives and the contributions that they are making to our society while feeling secure from physical, mental or financial harm or the threat of such harm. It means increasing the safety of our communities in all aspects, while also reducing both the incidence and the fear of crime. It is a vision of safety for the islands that is both resilient and enduring.
Making such a vision reality requires a modern and progressive 21st century police service working in a close and sustained partnership with the community. The mission of our organization, therefore, or the way we plan to achieve our vision of making the Cayman Islands safer, is by working with our communities and working for our communities.
Panel Discussion | Ageing Well, Together
Panellists:
- Dr. Ryan Punambolam: Doctors Hospital
- Daphne Orett
- Joy Basdeo
- Dr. Sonia Martin
Ben Meade
Master of Ceremonies & Panel Moderator
Ben Meade is the Senior Manager of Brand and Communications at Dart. He works closely with the organisation’s senior leaders across a diverse portfolio spanning multiple industries, including real estate development, hospitality, finance, retail, media and entertainment. He has served as a board member of the Cayman Islands Film Commission since 2021 .
A former journalist, his career included stints at the BBC World Service, the Caribbean Media Corporation and news director at local TV station Cayman 27.
Dr. Ryan Punambolam
Clinical Director of Neurology, Doctors Hospital
Dr. Ryan Punambolam, MD, MSc, FRCPC, is a Canadian-trained neurologist and Clinical Director of Neurology at Doctors Hospital Cayman. With more than 15 years of consultant-level experience, his clinical and academic interests include cognitive disorders and dementia, vascular neurology and stroke prevention, brain health, neurophysiology, and neuromodulation.
He completed his medical and specialist training in Canada, followed by additional postgraduate training and subspecialty experience in Los Angeles and at the Neuromodulation Unit of Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. His clinical practice emphasizes early diagnosis, disease prevention, and personalized treatment, incorporating advanced imaging, emerging biomarkers, and neuromodulation where appropriate.
Dr. Punambolam previously served as Chief Quality Officer and completed training through the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, with a focus on healthcare quality, patient safety, and system improvement. He is committed to translating neuroscience into practical strategies that promote healthy brain ageing, cognitive resilience, and improved neurological care in the Cayman Islands.
Daphane Orrett
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Ms. Daphne Louise Orrett is a fifth-generation Caymanian, born in 1941, from the district of West Bay. She is a lifelong educator, former civil servant with 21 years of service, community advocate, and church leader. Beginning her career as a teacher at the age of 14, she went on to serve in several key government roles, including Secretary to the Judge of the Grand Court. She later worked in both the legal and banking sectors. A dedicated Christian, Ms. Orrett has spent more than five decades teaching Sunday School and serving in various church ministries, including as a first soprano in her church choir. Ms. Orrett also served four years as an elected Member of Parliament, where she championed significant reforms related to child protection, domestic violence, and women's safety. She was a strong advocate for the establishment of the Crisis Centre and other initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals and families. Deeply committed to preserving Caymanian culture, Ms. Orrett has been involved in the performing arts for more than 50 years, most notably through the comedy productions Aunt Sookie and Zeekiel. Throughout her life, she has been a passionate advocate for vulnerable young men and women in the West Bay community, while also promoting the care, dignity, and protection of older persons.
Joy Basdeo
Grief Educator and Coach
Joy Basdeo is a Certified Grief Educator and Certified Grief Coach based in Grand Cayman. She trained as a Grief Educator and Coach under David Kessler, one of the world’s leading authorities on grief and loss.
Her work supports individuals and families through bereavement, and she volunteers with Jasmine Hospice, an organization that cared for both of her parents. Joy also serves as a Funeral Officiant, offering spiritual ceremonies that honour the life and beliefs of the person being remembered.
A Civil Registrar of Marriages and Civil Partnerships and Justice of the Peace, she is also the founder of Simply Weddings and the author of the book Slice of Home. She was appointed MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 for distinguished public service.
Dr. Sonia Martin
Minister of Religion
Dr. Sonia Virginia Martin (née Foster) is a Minister of Religion who has served in ministry in Grand Cayman, throughout the Caribbean, and beyond. Born in Jamaica, she began her Christian journey at age twelve and later met her husband, Clayton Norris Martin, while studying at the Mico Teachers' College.
The couple married in 1981 and have one daughter. In 1987, they were sent to pastor the Church of God of Prophecy in George Town, Grand Cayman, where Dr. Martin also taught for several years at primary schools in George Town and West Bay. She holds a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education from the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, and a Master of Arts in Religion and Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in the United States.
Through years of personal observation, study, and engagement with individuals and families navigating grief and loss, Dr. Martin has developed a deep commitment to addressing death and dying with biblical truth, compassionate care, and practical support. She is the author of Death and Dying: Impact on Clergy Widows in the Church of God of Prophecy, Jamaica, a work that opens essential dialogue on bereavement within faith communities and offers holistic support for those navigating loss and mortality.
Her life's work is centered on helping others discover and fulfill their God-given purpose, guided by a belief that shared experience, compassion, and community engagement equip us to face life's most difficult transitions.
Remarks | Vote of Thanks
Annette Vaughan, LLB (Hons), PPC, BSc, MA - Deputy Chairperson & Attorney-at-Law
Deputy Chair, Council of Older Persons
Annette Vaughan spent thirty-eight years as an educator, seventeen in Barbados and twenty-one in the Cayman Islands at the Sir John A. Cumber Primary School in West Bay. She holds a BSc in Education (Behavioural Science), an MA in Language Arts Education (Merit) from Middlesex University, and teaching credentials from Erdiston Teachers College and UWI Cave Hill.
After retiring in 2018, she completed an LLB (Hons) and a Professional Practice Diploma at the Truman Bodden Law School through the University of Liverpool and Oxford Brookes University. She now practices Civil Law as Sole Practitioner at ABVaughan Legal Services, bringing patience, insight and cultural sensitivity from her teaching career. She enjoys reading, writing, and traveling.
Ageing Forum 2026 News
Council Announces Full Programme for 3rd Annual Ageing Forum
The Council of Older Persons Invites the Public to its Annual Ageing Forum
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Council of Older Persons Ageing Forum 2025
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.
Council of Older Persons Ageing Forum 2024
"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.
