Special headstones to honour cultural icons
Alden McLaughlin and Marcia Muttoo (centre) with family members of Gladwyn Bush and Julia Hydes (L-R) Edroy Hydes, Juniour Hydes, Edith Yates and Reina Jefferson
(CNS Local Life): Two of Cayman’s cultural icons will be posthumously honoured with specially crafted headstones to mark their graves. Culture Minister and Premier Alden McLaughlin presented a cheque for $24,000 to the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) for the project to honour world renowned, intuitive painter Gladwyn “Miss Lassie” Bush, and beloved local folk musician and drummer, “Aunt” Julia Hydes. Family members of the two women took part in the handover ceremony held at Government Administration Building on 3 May 2017.
McLaughlin reiterated the high regard and esteem that the Cayman Islands community continues to have for these two cultural stalwarts for their impact on the Cayman Islands, stated a government press release. He added that he looked forward to the placement of the headstones, which will take about six months to fabricate and install.
Bush, who is interred at the South Sound Community Cemetery, passed away 24 November 2003 at the age of 84. She was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire and also received a number of awards for her contributions to art, music and culture.
Hydes was 104 when she passed away 15 November 2015 and is interred at the West Bay Cemetery. She received the Certificate and Badge of Honour as well as several awards, including one from the CNCF for pioneering work in cultural heritage.
McLaughlin presented the cheque to CNCF Managing Director Marcia Muttoo in the presence of Edith Yates, grandniece of Miss Lassie; and members of Aunt Julia’s family – Edroy Hydes, son; Rolando Hydes and Juniour Hydes, grandsons, Kayra Hydes, great-granddaughter; and Reina Jefferson, grandniece.
Category: Culture
