She has an office, but hardly spends time in there; her phone constantly rings but there is rarely a day with sufficient hours to respond to everything, for there is always someone needing a helping hand, a listening ear or a soothing touch.
These are the trademarks of Children and Family Services’ Community Development Coordinator
Zemrie Estella Thompson, whose services to the community and especially to the Islands’ seniors, have brought her the Cayman Islands Certificate and Badge of Honour in the latest New Year’s listing.
Ms. Thompson credits her capacity for selfless service, first to the Lord Jesus Christ and then to her mother, Mary Ann Frances Ramoon of Central George Town:
“I grew up in a house that was forever open to all. I don’t know how she managed it, but in addition to everything else, my mother always had something to send over to neighbours. Today, she is my best friend – and she is my constant inspiration to do good things for others.”
Having launched her civil service career as a Department of Education secretary, Ms. Thompson later transferred to the Department of Immigration where she was an immigration officer for close to a decade.
A second transfer followed, to the Department of Children and Family Services where she has since been helping her community.
But even after 26 years of social service, Ms. Thompson shows no signs of slowing down. She speaks enthusiastically about the next 12 months that she plans to fill with home visits, shopping trips and computer classes for the elderly as well as events such as the seniors’ wellness fair and the now famous annual seniors’ retreat and October Celebration Bash.
“I always tell people you haven’t partied until you have partied with the elderly!” she remarks.
So what keeps Ms. Thompson going? “I don’t ever want any senior to feel neglected, unloved or lost and so by the grace of God I will continue to pray, guide and take care of everyone who comes my way,” she says.
