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Seniors who are role models in their districts and were selected by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) as Older Persons Month Ambassadors in October 2021 were celebrated at a special luncheon recently.

James “Dale” Ramoon (George Town), Mr. George Walton and Mrs. Lynne Walton (Cayman Brac), Mr. Denniston Tibbetts (Bodden Town) and Ms Alice Mae Coe (West Best) enjoyed a three-course meal with speeches and special presentations at Morgan’s Restaurant, West Bay.

The event, on Friday, 29 October, was marked by celebratory remarks from the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Development Ms Heather Bodden, and introductory speeches by DCFS Director Mrs. Paulinda Mendoza-Williams, and Social Work Manager Mrs. Lois Kellyman.

PS Bodden said: “These individuals are being honoured because they stand out and shine in their distinct activities, their wisdom and their purposefulness – all of which collectively create so much value for all residents of the Cayman Islands.”

She amplified this message by enumerating the qualities of each Ambassador in turn inviting them to stand up and enjoy the applause.

Mr. Denniston Tibbetts

Denniston Tibbetts serves as voluntary president of the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association and acknowledges it as a full-time job. He recently led a high-profile renaming of a street in George Town to become “Seafarers Way” preserving -- for posterity the role that seafaring has played in the Cayman Islands.

Mr. James “Dale” Ramoon

Dale Ramoon served as a seafarer from the young age of 16 years old. Following that, he worked in the Civil Service Customs Department for nearly 34 years. His abilities and interest in athletics created many opportunities for leadership in the community.

Mrs. Lynne Walton

Lynne Walton has extensive medical training and experience, which has benefitted the people of Cayman Brac, particularly through her work with Faith Hospital. While now retired, she continues to serve the community in a wide range of volunteer activities.

Mr. George Walton

George Walton is a veteran of the US Air Force – a Major who served for two decades. With his Master’s Degree in Psychology, he served the people of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman as a Counsellor. He honours his Jewish heritage globally by representing the Cayman Islands in the Commonwealth Jewish Council – and locally through a variety of educational activities with his wife.

Ms Alice Mae Coe

Alice Mae Coe shies away from recognition, but is an energetic and passionate advocate for those who are disadvantaged. She serves as Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Older Persons and is a keen volunteer. Her latest voluntary stint was appearing in a Cyber-safety video for older persons airing shortly on CIGTV.

PS Bodden thanked DCFS staff for the planning and execution of Older Persons Month 2021. She noted that the department had developed several activities for seniors using the United Nations theme of “Digital Equity for All Ages” while adding their own sub-theme: “Connect, Create, Contribute.”

Ambassadors were each presented with a gift bag and a plaque as a thank you for their meritorious and ongoing service.

(GIS)