CAYMAN ISLANDS (GIS) – Seniors in the
Bodden Town area are receiving regular cooked breakfasts thanks to an
initiative from Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service
(HMCIPS).

A team of prisoners and staff from HMP Northward
began preparing and delivering the meals on weekdays to support older
persons from Tuesday, 7 April 2020.

It was clear to HMCIPS that
some vulnerable people in the community were in need of greater
assistance in light of the evolving coronavirus situation.

As Prison Director, Steven Barrett explains, “The
prison service very quickly began to look at ways in which we could
help the wider community. It was obvious to us that there would be
some elderly people in our community who would be in need.”

HMCIPS worked collaboratively with the Department
of Children and Family Services to identify opportunities for inmates
to assist in the broader effort.

“DCFS is overjoyed that during this time of
uncertainty, the HMCIPS has offered to provide reassurance in the
form of breakfast for seniors in need of this service,” said Nicole
Quinland, Acting Director for the department.

Through talks with DCFS, it was determined that
offering breakfast would be most welcomed as many seniors are already
provided with lunch and dinner through Meals on Wheels.

“The staff who provide the delivery service
feedback back to us with a great sense of pride and feel really
connected to the local community. Those in custody are always keen to
support local community initiatives. This is a tremendous initiative
that they are very pleased to be part of,” continued Prison
Director Barrett.

According to Mr Barrett, the programme will
continue indefinitely as long as there is a need for it to do so.