By Premier Hon. G. Wayne Panton, JP, MP

Tuesday, 29 March, 2022

t is with sadness that the Government of the Cayman Islands recognises the passing of Mr. Benson O. Ebanks, OBE a distinguished former member of the Legislative Assembly. 

While many will remember Mr. Ebanks for his many years of dedicated public service as a representative for the district of West Bay and a Member of Executive Council, his contributions to our country’s development can be seen across public, private and civic life. 

Mr. Benson was the proud father of the Cayman Protection Law as it was originally enacted in March 1972. He was stalwart champion of education and higher learning, and in 1986 he was instrumental in helping to establish the Sunrise Adult Learning Centre in his role as Minister of Health, Education and Social Services at the time. 

He was an astute business man, serving as founding shareholder of Cayman National Bank and as chairman of the board from its inception in 1974 and then for the next 36 years. His role in the bank’s development was duly recognized in November 2016, when the Cayman Brac branch of the bank was dedicated to him. He had several retail businesses and encouraged others to consider entrepreneurship. 

Mr. Benson was also put much of his time and talents into the building of the Cayman Islands socially.  In 1966 he and other service-minded individuals helped charter the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, which over its 56-year history has been responsible for many major projects, including the Bonaventure Boys Home and Frances Bodden Home for Girls, the early organization of the Batabano Carnival, the annual Christmas tree lighting and seniors citizens’ Christmas Party, the Meals on Wheels programme, gun amnesty programme and many other projects and fund raisers throughout the community.

Mr. Benson was the first chairman of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations, which was formed to help meet the social needs of the community.

He was committed to political stability, good governance and the careful, managed development of our beloved Cayman Islands. 

As a sign of respect the Cayman Islands Government will fly flags at half-staff on Wednesday, March 29, 2022, at all Government sites and then again for two days before Mr. Ebanks’ funeral, which has not yet been announced. 

On behalf of all us in Government, we extend our deepest sympathies to his children, grandchildren and extended family. He embodied the truest essence of being Caymanian and will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace.