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Cayman Islands Parliament convened Friday, 13 December for the Fourth Sitting of the Second Meeting of the 2024-2025 Session. The Sitting commenced with the tabling of the report from the Standing Business Committee by Premier, Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, who expressed gratitude for members' collaborative efforts.

The Minister for Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport and Development, Hon. Jay Ebanks answered several parliamentary questions. Most notably regarding the road safety measures being implemented by the National Road Safety Committee. The Minister provided updates on proposed measures to enhance the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and electric scooter users. Initiatives include implementing licensing requirements, mandating protective gear, improving infrastructure with bike lanes and physical barriers, and incorporating safety features into new road projects.

The Premier and Minister for District Administration and Lands, and Financial and Economic Development, Mrs O’Connor-Connolly presented two statements regarding supplemental appropriations for the two ministries respectively. The Premier emphasised that the supplemental funds will have no financial impact on the 2024 fiscal year.

The Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, Hon. Isaac Rankine outlined the Ministry's achievements in 2024, including over $600,000 in grants for sports and heritage initiatives, the first Emancipation Day celebrations, and significant upgrades to sports and cultural facilities. Upcoming projects include several key renovations to parks and playing fields and the reopening of a senior citizen home repurposed as an intergenerational cottage in East End, scheduled to open Saturday, 14 December at 3:30pm.

Parliamentary debate resumed on the Older Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The debate highlighted the moral and practical imperative of ensuring dignity and care for the aging population through robust legislative frameworks.

Parliamentary Secretary, Hon. McKeeva Bush emphasised the importance of providing enhanced care and support for seniors. Elected Member for Savannah, Heather Bodden voiced her support for the amendments, particularly the establishment of an Older Persons Tribunal. Expressions of support continued from the Member for West Bay South, Andre Ebanks and the Member from Bodden Town West, Chris Saunders. Mr Ebanks said he hopes the Older Persons Tribunal will be active and emphasised prioritising social development in the next budget. Mr Saunders voiced his support for the legislation and highlighted Cayman's shifting demographics.

In responding, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Ports and Social Development and Innovation, Honourable Kenneth Bryan said all the contributions thus far are all in alignment and thanked the contributors. Deputy Premier Bryan added that having been given the opportunity to work with older persons, he can understand why the fabric of the legislation has been furnished with so much focus on protection and support for them.

Speaking on the feedback from the community, Deputy Premier Bryan outlined the want for more hands-on approach from both the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Department of Financial Assistance. This he said was necessary because of the complexities of how the society has been developed, and the fact that some persons do not have the ability for technology or the capabilities to understand complex documents or to get from one place to the next.

Deputy Premier Bryan further noted that the hands-on approach is needed to make sure assistance can be offered to the people who have created the amazing economy and society that exists today. The Deputy Premier explained that it was on their backs and their sweat, blood and tears that produced Cayman's amazing social amenities.

In responding to comments made by the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Joey Hew, Deputy Premier Bryan said he agreed that there needs to be reform and modernisation of DCFS, and more community officers are needed to be more available in the community. The Deputy Premier added that he was embarrassed to say there is only one manager and four social workers in the elderly services unit in DCFS, to serve the whole country, noting those persons cannot possibly deliver the need and the quality of services needed.

Deputy Premier Bryan further outlined that the true realities of the needs of Caymanians have not been accepted and shared that more senior care facilities will be needed – whether privately or government owned.

The Deputy Premier pledged his support for the various departments and social development in the Cayman Islands. He also thanked the former Minister, the Ministry team, legislative drafting department and all support staff for their work in advancing the legislation.

The Bill was set down for second reading.

The House then adjourned until Monday, 16 December at 10:00 am.