The owner of a Pembroke rest home has been in talks with government officials about opening another one.

Andre Thomas, owner of Cynthia’s Rest Home in Orchard Grove, said the island needed more capacity to provide for its ageing population.

“I currently am full and have a waiting list — that’s my reason to expand,” Mr Thomas said.

“I have always known that I wanted to do something for the community and give back. I have a large family and decided to start this rest home because I looked at the price of healthcare and the issue with space for the ageing community.”

Mr Thomas believes that there is a problem with the infrastructure locally in not having enough rest homes to put seniors in.

“This is a huge issue, the hospitals are running out of beds and there’s not enough space for the ageing population. It is only going to get worse as the years go on,” he added.

Cynthia’s Rest Home has three bedrooms, with 7 beds and three bathrooms. Mr Thomas is in the process of looking to open another.

On July 14th, he held an event for locals to come out and enjoy a tour of the rest home. It was a community event, there was entertainment, food, and the Junior Town Choir performed.

“I chose this day of celebration because not only is it my mother’s birthday but I wanted to have something for the community.”

Mr Thomas said he named his business after his mother Cynthia. He said his desire to give back stemmed from growing up in the Brangman’s Home, right next door to his rest home.

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