Pines boss sacked over missing cash

(CNS): The manager of the Pines retirement home in George Town has left under a cloud of suspicion following the discovery of financial irregularities in the home's accounts. In a short statement from the board on Thursday it was confirmed that KPMG are undertaking a forensic audit and a report is being prepared for the authorities following the departure of Sue Nicholson. Maples and Calder are assisting in the recovery of the missing funds, officials said. Meanwhile, Nicholson’s husband also released a statement to Rotarians stating that his wife had resigned from the service club in the wake of her dismissal and he was working with the Pines board to ensure any missing money would be returned.

John Nicolson said he was shocked over the accusations. “It is obviously a very difficult time for my family, but I intend to stand by my wife and if any funds have gone astray I will ensure that every cent is returned to The Pines,” he told the service club at a lunch on Thursday.

The Pines board did not detail how much was missing or under what circumstances but said that the sums involved do not affect the operation of the home and the directors were confident that the losses that have been identified will be recovered.

Lynda Mitchell has assumed the role of interim manager at the home, which provides residential care for over 35 elderly members of the local community.

“Lynda has a wealth of experience inmanaging residential programs and holds an MBA in global management. Lynda has worked in the Cayman Islands for over 12 years and is well known within the community and Government,” the board said. “The Pines remain committed to providing the best possible care for the elderly and look forwardto the continued support of the local community."

The home is a privately run non-profit facility dependent on charitable donations. Although it also receives funding from government, two thirds of its costs are covered by donations from the private sector. As well as caring for the 35 residents, the home provides a programme for senior citizens who live independently or with their families but require daytime support, as well as temporary respite care for several more.