Premier of the Cayman Islands, Hon. McKeeva Bush, says his country has benefitted greatly from the contributions made by Jamaicans to that nation’s development.

Speaking at last weekend’s 60^th staging of Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show, in May Pen, Clarendon, Mr. Bush noted that Jamaicans have influenced “many areas of life” in the Cayman Islands.

“You have contributed to our growth, as a nation and as a people. I am thankful…that Jamaican teachers, Jamaican tradesmen, Jamaican educators of all kinds, legal brains of all kinds, right down to those who take care of our children, have done Cayman well. For this, I will always be thankful,” he said.

Mr. Bush pointed out that Jamaica and the Cayman Islands have had a long association, spanning over 350 years, which is expected to continue into the future, while pointing out that Jamaica’s 50 years of political independence “has taught many of us much.”

“Our (association) is an enduring legacy for both our nations. Our relationship, as neigbours, has not been circumscribed by the individual political paths that we chose. Our bonds are deep and robust. Our shared past experiences have allowed us to remain close, despite diverging paths, and as such, it is on an important  occasion, such as this (Jubilee anniversary), that we acknowledge the contribution of Jamaica, and the Jamaican people to our Cayman Islands,” the Premier said.

Mr. Bush pointed out that, as a nation, Jamaica has made “tremendous strides” since gaining political independence in 1962 and, in the process, “made its name known” globally. In this regard, he argued that the resulting achievements are “well deserved.”

“The accomplishments of your many citizens are models to the world. In sports, in music, in culture, in education, you name it. Your triumphs…need to be congratulated and we do so. You are blessed with spectacular natural beauty and physical resources…and add to that, some of the nicest people in the world. Jamaica is truly a jewel of the Caribbean,” he said.

While acknowledging that Jamaica, like any other country, would continue to experience its share of challenges, Mr. Bush urged that in no way should the nation resile from its path towards attaining achievements and accomplishments.

The Cayman Islands Premier headed a visiting government and agricultural sector delegation from that country.  Other special guests attending included: officials and delegates from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands.

The Denbigh Show was jointly staged by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), in collaboration with several private and public sector stakeholders, between August 4 and 6, under the theme: ‘Eat What We Grow; Grow What We Eat’.

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