Topic: seamen

MPs are to look at ways to support Caymanian ex-wives of seafarers and veterans who might miss out on financial support due to divorce.

Monthly stipends for elderly and disabled people, retired seamen and veterans will be increased dramatically over the next two years. The Cayman Islands government will also create a new “ex-gratia” payment to top up the pensions of long-serving retired civil servants who currently receive less each month than people on poor relief.

The government is now paying between $2.5 million to $3.5 million each month to fund retired seamen, servicemen and uninsured Caymanians’ healthcare costs. Premier Alden McLaughlin revealed the amounts Wednesday during statements to the Assembly.

The Cayman Islands government took 114 people out of the healthcare coverage plan for retired veterans and seamen during the last budget year. Finance Minister Marco Archer told the Legislative Assembly on Monday that 22 of those beneficiaries had died.

Following a highly critical report from the Office of the Auditor General last year and more criticism this year from some members of the Legislative Assembly, government plans to overhaul the system of benefits and healthcare for seamen and veterans and medical care for indigents.