Attendees at the 17^th annual National Heroes Day celebrations today (Monday, 27 January 2020) in George Town, Grand Cayman enjoyed a special surprise as five new memorial busts were unveiled at the celebration.

The focus of this year’s event was to honour those who pioneered the development of the Cayman Islands’ first written Constitution. The ceremony also celebrated the first four women who bravely stood in the 1959 general election and reflected on the journey to the modern-day Cayman Islands.

The busts of five national heroes were unveiled by the Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP, MLA and included: the late Dr. Hon. Roy Edison McTaggart, Hon. Desmond Vere Watler, Hon. Sybil Joyce Hylton and Hon. Thomas William Farrington, and the only living recipient, Hon. Sybil McLaughlin. The busts of the remaining national heroes will be unveiled at a future date.

A vibrant parade and awards ceremony, attended by His Excellency the Governor, Mr Martyn Roper and the Premier Alden McLaughlin, included contingents from various uniformed services and community organisations.

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service/Band, the Cayman Islands Fire Service, the Prison Service, Cadet Corps, Girls’ Brigade, Scouts and Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders marched through the streets to Heroes Square where the event was held.

Hundreds of residents and visitors joined in the celebration.

“Today’s unveiling is very special to me and I am honoured to share in it with everyone here. These busts of our national heroes memorialise great labours of love, courage, achievement and heritage – all things great of Caymanians and Caymanian culture” said Hon. Alden McLaughlin.

Hon Dwayne Seymour, JP – Minister of Culture added: “While we are here today to pay tribute to the heroes of the past I also want to pay homage to the countless heroes amongst us who continue to contribute to the development of this country.”

“I hope this special unveiling serves to inspire new brave, heroes to follow in these footsteps. Such service and courage is a powerful demonstration of the best of our Caymankind spirit.”

Announced by Cabinet Secretary Mr Samuel Rose, wreaths were also laid in tribute to all of the Cayman Islands’ national heroes and nation builders, followed by a moment of silence.

Brother Robert Ebanks said the prayer, high-schooler, young Miss Jamie Ebanks sang a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem, while Mr Arek Nicholson performed the national song Beloved Isle Cayman by to everyone’s delight.

The Edna Moyle Primary School Quadrille Dancers also provided colourful traditional entertainment at the event.

After the ceremony, attendees and guests sampled fare from local cooks at food stalls in the George Town Public Library car park, while being entertained by live local music.

Awardees also had the chance to have their photos taken along with the Hon. Premier and the Hon. Mr Seymour in Constitutional Hall (formerly the George Town Town Hall).

The George Town Library also showcased several exhibits. These included those from: the National Museum (highlighting the first written constitution), the Bodden Town Heritage Committee (Constitution historical artefacts and women in Caymanian history) and the Business and Professional Women’s Club and Gender Equality Cayman (showcasing their organisations).

National Heroes Day is organised by the Protocol Office, for more information contact 244-2612 or email [email protected].

(GIS)

Photos captions: (Photos: GIS)

National Heroes Day1: The National Heroes Day parade marched through George Town to Heroes Square on Monday, 27 January 2020. It was made up of contingents from: the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service/Band, the Cayman Islands Fire Service, the Prison Service, Cadet Corps, Girls’ Brigade, Scouts and Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders.

National Heroes Day2: The Platform Party, including H.E. the Governor Martyn Roper and the Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin, observed the parade arriving at Heroes Square.

National Heroes Day3: Representatives for the first four women who bravely stood in the 1959 general election joined Hon. Tara Rivers, Minister for Financial Services and Home Affairs) and Ms. Barbara Conolly (Councillor for Education and Youth, Finance and Economic Development).

National Heroes Day4: Arley James “AJ” Miller, the last living 1959 Vestryman, received his award, joined by family and the platform party.

National Heroes Day5: Busts of five national heroes were unveiled, including (shown here) Hon. Desmond Vere Watler, observed by family, the Hon. Premier and Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson.

National Heroes Day6: Wreaths were laid in tribute to all of the Cayman Islands’ national heroes and nation builders, including by Members of the Legislative Assembly.

National Heroes Day7: The Edna Moyle Primary School Quadrille dancers provided colourful, traditional entertainment.

National Heroes Day : Joan Wilson accepting framed scroll on behalf of her late father Mj. Rodriguez (Roddy) Watler, Vestryman