A special ceremony was held at the Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman to recognise 14 of the organisation’s longest-serving staff members, each with 30 or more years of service.
Employees recognised at the event, included:
30 Years
- Lisa McLaughlin-Edwards
- Michael Leon
- Daireen Powery
- Derek McLaughlin
- Brenda Riley
35 Years
- Hervel Pusey
- Charmin King-Fennell
- Zelta Gayle
40 Years
- Dr. Gerald Smith
- Dr. Kadiyala Sekhar
- Elena (Rosa) Echenique-Harley
45 Years
- Veronica Jackson-Seales
School Dental Therapist Veronica Jackson-Seales has played a vital role in shaping dental care in the Cayman Islands for over 45 years. Reflecting on her career, she highlighted key milestones, including the donation of a mobile dental unit by the Rotary Club, which allowed her to provide care to children in five districts, and organising the island’s first-ever dental fair in George Town.
She also witnessed the establishment of the preschool dental programme with Mrs Marjorie Beckles, a partnership between the education department and the Dental Unit that remains in place today.
For me, the greatest reward has been seeing children’s smiles restored and teaching them how to care for their teeth.
“There are many memories over the years that have been very special for me,” she noted, recalling other events, including the establishment of the School’s Dental Programme in the 1980s—now a cornerstone of public dental care.
Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Kadiyala Sekhar joined the HSA in 1984 for what was intended to be a four-week locum position.
I landed in Cayman on Friday the 13th of April, and whoever thought that date and day combination is bad luck is wrong in my case.
He was directed to go to Cayman Brac the following day. Encouraged by a warm welcome from patients and colleagues, he decided to stay—eventually accepting a full-time post after confirming with his family in India. He worked as a medical officer in Cayman Brac, then after two years, moved to Grand Cayman in 1986 to take up orthopaedic responsibilities.
He has served in various capacities since, including as the first Medical Director at the George Town Hospital. “I remain grateful to all those—patients and colleagues alike—who have contributed to my journey here. Their encouragement has played a key part in why I chose to stay and serve in the Cayman Islands for over four decades.”
Also among this year’s honorees is Maternity Unit Nurse Manager, Charmin Fennell, who has dedicated 35 years to nursing and midwifery. She attributes her longevity in the field to “the grace and strength of God” and describes midwifery as her true calling.
I love caring for mothers in their most vulnerable state and witnessing their transformation when a baby is born. The bonds I have built with both patients and colleagues over the years have made my career incredibly fulfilling. The Maternity Unit is like a second family to me—so much so that my colleagues joke about 'adopting' me as their mother, even playfully debating who the firstborn is!
One of the greatest joys of her career has been seeing the generations she helped bring into the world return to the unit. “Mothers I delivered for 35 years ago now introduce me to their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren,” she shared. “It’s been an incredible blessing to contribute to maternal and child health in the Cayman Islands.”
Human Resources Manager Brenda Riley, with over 30 years of service, has witnessed the evolution of the HSA’s HR department firsthand. She began her career in 1994 in an administrative role to the nursing service and steadily rose through the ranks—serving in roles supporting the CEO, the Board, and then progressing through multiple HR leadership positions.
“When I started in HR, we were a small team of eight supporting around 800 staff, handling all aspects of HR without the resources we have today,” she recalled. “Since 2018, the department has grown significantly and evolved into a more strategic, world-class operation.”
Her advice to young professionals is grounded in experience.
Be patient, be committed, and loyal—especially if you’re in an organisation that values and invests in you, as HSA does for me. I started from the bottom and worked my way up. You can’t expect success overnight. You have to put in the work, stay open-minded, and be willing to grow through the feedback you receive.
Speaking to the awardees at the long-service ceremony, CEO Lizzette Yearwood expressed her gratitude. “Healthcare is not just a career—it is a calling. It demands resilience, compassion, and a commitment that often stretches beyond the expected. Every milestone we have reached as an organisation is a reflection of your steadfast dedication. Over the years, you have cared for countless patients, supported each other as colleagues, and shaped the culture of excellence that defines us today.”
We know that in today’s world, long service is becoming increasingly rare. Loyalty and dedication like yours are invaluable, and we do not take them for granted. The HSA is not just a workplace—it is a family, and you are an integral part of that. We thank each and every one of you.
The HSA congratulates all awardees and thanks them for their invaluable contributions to healthcare in the Cayman Islands.
