ELDER TREASURES: A commentary

A quietly emerging trend in the Cayman Islands is slowly but certainly making its presence felt…and seen…and heard.

It might now be emerging, but it has always been trending in the background. That issue is the place and power of pensioners in society.

Elsewhere in the world, pensioner power is both an economic and political force that governments and political parties have no alternative but to take seriously.

It’s no different in Cayman.

Pensioner power comes not only from accumulated earnings from a lifetime of service, especially in the civil service. Equally important is the lifetime of work experience, where skills that built, managed, and ran offices, businesses, professions, and even sectors of the economy remain a resource still available to be tapped. Regrettably, in many instances, despite their availability, this treasure trove of experience, skills and professionalism is being overlooked.

The issue, as it has been explained to Caymanian Times, is not about competing in the job market, especially with graduates and other Caymanians. Who wants to compete with their children and grandchildren for a job anyway?

However, rather than feeling that ‘they have been put out to pasture’ - even with the heaps of awards and other recognitions bestowed on them - the plea of many pensioners is to ‘stay involved’.

And there are practicalities to that which benefit both the concerned pensioners, the wider society - and the economy.

Whether it’s a few days of paid or volunteered availability, training in a new skillset, or even setting up a small business providing administrative or other support remotely or on-location, the pensioner power is a resource to be tapped into…for those who wish to.

Proud Caymanians pay their own way. Reliance on welfare is not the Cayman way. Leisure has its limitations, and in many instances many pensioners wish to stay involved.

For example, consider the cost of healthcare and health insurance. Despite the welcome government initiatives to broaden the scope of coverage, some pensioners would still fall just outside the safety net.

Then, consider the cost of living. Personal finances already under stress can only be cut back so far back, and relying on relatives - reluctantly - often results in not just easing the burden in one way but spreading and intensifying in another direction. However, many of our ‘elder treasures’ are ready, willing, able and available to fill gaps in the workforce…within reason. They ask for a hand up, not just a handout.

It’s something to be looked at.

Our elders are our treasures, and treasures have value.