Educational development was the focus of this year’s Heroes Day, as many hundreds of people flocked to Heroes Square to join in honouring those who have worked so tirelessly for the betterment of the Cayman Islands.

The late William Warren Conolly O.B.E, was officially installed as a new Cayman Islands National Hero. OBE, JP. Mr. Conolly, who passed away in 2008, had a distinguished career both as a politician and as an attorney.

Seven people received the Cayman Islands Certificate and Badge of Honour for services to education: Sally Ann Balderamos Tammy Mona-Lisa Banks-DaCosta, Gerald Harper, Edgar Allan Jones, Bernice Elizabeth Levy, Lorna Pamela Lumsden and Anita Wheaton.

It was the second year that attendees saw the new Order of the Cayman Islands being presented to a total of 23 people who had been recognised for outstanding service in many different areas of endeavour, including shipping medicine, music and sports.

Government workers were also honoured with Long Service awards.

In his address, Premier the Hon. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP said

“Today our hearts brim with pride at the collective accomplishments of this eminent group of award recipients. They are some of the finest members of the community, dedicated to their work for the community, exemplifying sterling qualities that distinguish them among their peers and above all for showing a passion for making a difference in the community.

“Their exceptional accomplishments have earned them the honours they receive here today. Every one of them is an inspiration and an example to us all.” On Saturday, educators were guests of honour during Education Pioneers Awards Luncheon at the Marriott hotel.

With more than 75 names, the list of honourees was almost equally divided between those who were present and those who had passed on but who were represented by family members.

All branches of education were acknowledged, with pioneers being recognised from preschool, primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Special education pioneers were also among the honourees, and teachers at both government and private school were included.

Saturday evening at Casanova by the sea Restaurant was the scene of an informal reception and cocktail party for several other Heroes Day honourees.

Thanking them for contributions in a diverse range of fields – from teaching and tourism to seafaring and teaching Sunday School – Premier the Hon. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP, said,”The people who have built this country deserve to be honoured for their hard work, …let’s hold the old flag high.”

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