Government to name new national hero
Police march at last year’s National Heroes Day celebration
(CNS): A new national hero is expected to be named as part of National Heroes Day celebrations honouring pioneers of agriculture, set for Monday, 25 January. In all, more than 320 awards will be presented in the categories of early pioneer, pioneer, emerging pioneer, memorial scroll and long service.
In an official statement, the government announced it anticipated naming a new national hero at the event. There are currently eight national heroes, including the only living recipient, Sybil McLaughlin.
The Cayman Islands’ other national heroes – James (Jim) Manoah Bodden, Thomas William Farrington, Sybil Joyce Hylton, Ormond L. Panton, Desmond V. Watler, Mary Evelyn Wood and William Warren Connolly – will also be honoured by youth parliamentarians on Monday.
A minute’s silence will be observed and wreaths will be laid in tribute to the Cayman Islands’ nation builders.
Minister for Agriculture Kurt Tibbetts spoke of recognising the contributions of those in the agricultural sector. “The farmers of this country, on all three islands, have played a very important role in our history, and continue to sustain us,” he said. “From the early days of our development, until present times, farming has been the backbone of our society and it is only fitting that we recognise those who have played their part in helping to feed our people.
“From the small-time farmer to those who farm on a larger scale, we honour them all and thank them for their efforts. Farming in the Cayman Islands’ climate can often prove challenging and we pay special tribute to their hard work and perseverance.”
Of the awards being presented, 142 will be for long service, 109 placed on the memorial scroll and then about 20 each in the other categories.
The event, at Heroes Square in George Town, starts at 9am, with everyone needed to be seated by 8:30am. Dress code is strictly business attire and attendees are asked to remain in their designated areas.
Pastor Robert James Arch, from Church of God Universal, will say the prayer while Rudy Myles and Lisa Scott, the great-granddaughter of Leila Ross-Shier, who wrote “Beloved Isle Cayman”, will perform the national song.
The Cayman Arts Festival Primary String Players, which comprises children from George Town and Savannah Primary Schools, will also perform.
Following the ceremony there will be food by local cooks, and music by the J.R. Douglas Band and Blake Hurlston Band in the George Town Public Library car park.
Award recipients will also have the opportunity to have their photos taken with Premier Alden McLaughlin and Tibbetts at George Town Town Hall.
For more information on National Heroes Day, contact the Protocol Office on 244-3612 or by email
Category: Agriculture
