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Governor calls for bigger security budget at veterans’ event
Extra cash should be pumped into Cayman’s security services, said Governor Jane Owen at the annual Cayman Islands Veterans Association gala held on 11 Oct.
As politicians and the uniformed services joined together to celebrate the Islands’ veterans, Owen said the event helped underline the importance of maintaining the country’s reputation as a safe jurisdiction.
Owen added, “It’s very nice to see our politicians here tonight and I’m very hopeful in the budget we will have proper funding for our security because it’s essential for Cayman’s stability and economic attractiveness.”
The governor, who also launched the annual Poppy Appeal with Premier André Ebanks at the gala, added that global instability and conflict around the world had increased in recent years.
Owen said, “Security has become much more important over the past five years.
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Launched in October 2020 in partnership with the Department of Children and Family Services, the initiative was originally created to protect seniors from the twin threats of COVID-19 and social isolation.
In 2025, it continues to ensure that elderly residents can access medical appointments, prescriptions and daily essentials while also tackling one of the most overlooked public-health issues – loneliness.
“COVID exacerbated the isolation of our elderly communities and as our society loses some of its emphasis on family traditions, our older persons are likely to experience more loneliness,” said clinical psychologist Shannon Seymour.
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