The Adventist Community Services Department of the Cayman Islands Conference of Seventh-day Adventists hosted its annual Senior Get-Together on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the George Town Seventh-day Adventist Church. More than eighty (80) senior citizens, aged 65 and over, gathered from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to participate in various activities, including games, knitting, a health presentation on the importance of proper footcare, and container gardening.
Although the Cayman Islands traditionally celebrate senior citizens in October, the organizer and director of the Community Services Department emphasized that their goal this year is to honor them not only in October but throughout the entire year. As a result, this event marked the first of four seasonal gatherings planned for 2025. These celebrations have now evolved into quarterly events, ensuring that seniors are recognized in every season. This particular event was named “Winter Season with a Caribbean Twist.”
The purpose of the event was to remind seniors that they are loved, appreciated, and valued for their contributions to many of the amenities younger generations enjoy today. At the end of the gathering, each senior received a plant as a symbolic gesture of their health and daily life. They were encouraged to nurture their plant regularly, drawing a parallel to their own well-being—just as a plant requires watering, mental health must be cared for, and just as a plant needs pruning, so too must physical and spiritual well-being be maintained.
By the end of the event, the seniors’ faces beamed with broad smiles and their spirits uplifted as they were reassured of their importance. Many shared their appreciation:
“It was good… it was friendly and welcoming.” – Helen
“Good presentations. I had a good time. I enjoyed myself.” – Marline
“It was beautiful. I am glad to be here.” – Vernice Myles
Mrs. Angela Hall, the director and organizer, expressed her heartfelt sentiments:
“As Seventh-day Adventists, we appreciate the pioneers of this island for laying the foundation for us to enjoy the fruit of their labor. So, it is paramount that we allow them to know that they are loved and cared for.”
As an educator at Cayman Academy, the Conference’s school, Mrs. Hall has actively involved students in various aspects of the program each year: Unspeakable Praise (Sign Language), Home Management Students, Posters created to showcase Sustainable Gardening, etc.). She has also received strong support from the Cayman Islands Conference, Vigoro Nursery (for the plants), Community Farm, and Foster’s Food Fair.
Looking ahead, she plans to make the next event even more remarkable. Individuals and organizations interested in giving back to the pioneers of the Cayman Islands are encouraged to participate in the upcoming gathering, “Spring Season with Love,” scheduled for the last Wednesday in April.
Cayman Islands | Written by: Petellee Jones, Editor: Devarro Whittaker | Photo Credit: Devarro Whittaker
