Mobi mats to be installed at beaches across Cayman to assist elderly and disabled

(CMR) A total of six mobi-mats are to be installed on public beaches throughout the Cayman Islands.

The installation of the mats are part of a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands (MEYSAL), the Cabinet Office, the Older Persons Council and the Persons with Disabilities Council.

Mobi mats were recently installed at the Seven Mile Public Beach and Government's House Public Beach.

Speaking at the installation ceremony, Parliamentary Speaker, Mckeeva Bush, underscored the timeliness of the mat laying activity, which took place on the eve of The International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

“I deeply appreciate what the Ministries and departments involved have done to make this a reality. Once the mats are properly affixed, that will result in their extended longevity, allowing users to benefit and have access to our amazing beaches and the sea for many years to come,” Bush said.

He further thanked the involved Ministries & departments for their role in the undertaking.

Lucille Seymour, Chairperson for the Council for Older Persons, who was in attendance at the ceremony, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Lands.

Seymour explained that the ministry was instrumental in providing older persons with a method through which they can “participate in swimming and providing a pathway to keep them more healthy and social”.

“As an older person who loves the sea and enjoys the therapeutic benefits, I urge all older persons to take up this excellent and beneficial opportunity of going to the beach, “she added.

Cathy Fraizer, Council for Persons with Disabilities echoed similar sentiments, on behalf of the Older Persons and Disability Councils.

Minister for (EYSAL) Juliana O'Connor-Connolly expressed her delight at the opportunity to contribute towards the nations' development.

“I am elated that through social engineering, we have been able to move one step further towards the development of our country. Although we will not be able to install mats at every beach access area, we will nonetheless do all we can to ensure that our senior citizens and the most vulnerable in our communities can access our beaches and enjoy their tranquillity,” said Minister O'Connor-Connolly.

Others in attendance at the ceremony included Tara Rivers, Minister for Financial Services & Home Affairs, Magda Embury, Chairperson for the Council for Persons with Disabilities, a group of students from the Sir John A Cumber Primary School and representatives from the Ministry of Lands, the Cabinet Secretary’s Office and other participating Ministries and departments.