Council of Older Persons mourns loss of McFarlane Conolly

(CMR)  The Council of Older Persons has expressed profound sadness at the loss of one of its stalwart Members, McFarlane (“Mac”) Conolly, who passed away last week.

Conolly was appointed to the Council in November 2020 and served as its representative for the district of East End until his unexpected passing. As a Member of the Council, he played a critical role in enhancing the quality of life for all older persons in the community.

“The Council is deeply saddened and shocked to learn about the sudden and untimely passing of Mr. Conolly on Monday, 17 July 2023. It is an immense loss for his family, the Council, and the community as a whole,” said Lucille Seymou, Council Chairperson.

“Mac, as he was affectionately known, was an integral part of the Council and helped to advocate for and raise awareness to better the lives of our elderly community,” she continued.

Conolly will also be remembered for his time as Chair of the Cayman Islands National Conservation Council (NCC) and the Cayman Islands Mission Council of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. He also served as Officer in the General Elections in 2013, 2017, and 2021.

Premier and Minister for Sustainability & Climate Resiliency, Hon. Wayne Panton, said he was one of the first members appointed to the NCC in 2014 and served continuously as a member until he was appointed Chairman in 2018, a role he held until February 2023.

“Mac represented his beloved district of East End with a deep sense of pride, wisdom, and unwavering faith. He was a calm and consistent voice of common sense, intent on doing his part to ensure the Cayman Islands could advance thoughtfully and in harmony with nature, harkening back to the way earlier generations of Caymanians interacted with, depended on, and respected their natural environment. On behalf of the Cayman Islands Government, I would like to extend prayers for God’s presence to comfort and strengthen his beloved wife and family during this difficult time,” Premier Panton stated.