The opening of a new nursery marks a step in the right direction for increasing childcare options on Grand Cayman, according to Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly. While much more remains to be done in addressing the high demand, she said she is glad to see progress being made.
“This is another example that you can actually touch — another promise that has been delivered,” she said while gesturing to the light blue building located just off the coast. “It’s always exciting to be able to provide a project that has a generational legacy for our people.”
Families marked the occasion with musical performances by the primary school students, a group sing-along and remarks from the premier and Youth, Sports and Heritage Minister Isaac Rankine during the opening on Wednesday, 7 Feb. on the school grounds. Afterward, attendees took a tour of the new facility, which included indoor play areas, a reading corner, sensory stations and an outdoor playground.
Department of Education Services Director Mark Ray, who emceed the opening, said the new service should prove beneficial to East End residents.
“When I think about what we’re able to do, what we’re able to provide, for the northeast districts with the provision of this nursery, it warms my heart,” Ray said. “We are seeking to give our young people the best possible opportunity for a start on their educational journey.”
The new facility is an “exceptional space” for young people to grow, according to Lyneth Monteith, Ministry of Education acting chief officer.
“This is a project that has finally come to fruition after years of planning,” Monteith said.
The original primary school building opened in 1968, seeing significant upgrades in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2010s. Enrolment includes 90 students ages four to 11.
Monteith said the nursery is much more than just a new building — it represents a commitment by the department to provide early learning opportunities.
“We believe every child deserves a strong foundation for success,” she said.
Demand remains high
Rankine highlighted that the nursery will offer extended hours, allowing guardians to drop off their children at 5am and more easily get to work on time.
“This marks a significant milestone for East End, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact this nursery will have on the lives of our young residents,” he said, adding that he hopes similar facilities will soon open in North Side.
He said it is meaningful for residents to have access to high-quality early educational opportunities in their own district.
Demand for places remains high throughout the territory.
East End Primary School Principal O’Neil Duncan later said that 17 spaces had already been filled of the approximately 20-child capacity.
The premier said that, provided there is enough time and room in the budget, plans will move forward for a new North Side school.
“Until then, we’re going to make it work here in East End,” she said.
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