It was an emotional evening on Monday (26) when St. George’s Anglican Church said “Goodbye” to their faithful servant of fourteen years, Jamaica National, Reginald Griffiths.

Known to nearly everyone at the church as “MR GRIFFITHS” to show the high respect everyone had for him, was the caretaker, groundsman, bus driver, plus many other titles due to the many duties he performed.

Even though he has been resident in the Cayman Islands for FOURTEEN years, his application for status and residency was turned down by the Cayman Islands Immigration Board, despite many appeals. Their reasons being “he doesn’t qualify”.

Mr. Griffiths may not be rich in wealth but he is powerfully rich in his physical talent and the time he gave to others, especially the children and the elderly. It is US THE CAYMAN ISLANDS who is poorer for his being sent home. He gave and expected nothing in return but he didn’t expect he would be “kicked out”!!

In his emotional speech he gave at the end of the evening he said he had nothing to go back to Jamaica for. Cayman was his home and he loved the country and the people here. He had been working “at the top” he said at Port Royal, Jamaica on boat engines but had been made redundant.

Finding life difficult now in Jamaica to make a living, he came to Cayman to work for a Scottish lady as her gardener, something he enjoyed doing. That lasted a year and then he had to find another job as he had done too good a job on the lady’s garden and she could now take care of it herself!

He happened to see the St. George’s Anglican Church sign at the entrance to Courts Road off Eastern Avenue and he was “drawn” to it. He walked down to the church, asked if there was anything he could do and the rest is history.

What amazed him was that he found four persons he knew well back in Jamaica actually were not only living here on Grand Cayman but actually attended St. George’s Church! He knew this was to be HIS church and his home. He joined the classes there, was baptized and confirmed as an Anglican. The present acting pastor, whilst St. George’s finds a new rector, Rev. Mary Graham, was his tutor at the Confirmation classes he attended and it was she who presented him to the late Bishop, Rt. Rev. Herman Spence.

In her tribute to Mr. Griffiths, she said:

“Today we say farewell to our brother Reginald Griffiths “I had rather be a door keeper in the house of the Lord …” aptly describes Mr. Griffiths dedication to the service of his Lord and Master here at St. George’s Anglican Church.

“Throughout his thirteen and half years, in whatever role he is cast Mr. Griffiths brings an enthusiasm that emanates from his simple child like faith.

“There is no job too great or small for him to do. Whether reading the psalm or caring for the plants, he always gives his best. Adults and children alike can attest to the love, genuine care and encouragement they have received from the hand of this humble child of God. Is it no wonder, that a sister on hearing of the planned function for Bro. Griffiths said, “I have to be there. That’s my boy”. We will miss him. Those persons who benefit from the “bus ministry” truly experience what Jesus meant, when he said, “When you do it to them, you do it to me.” We love you and may God continue to bless you abundantly.”

Other tributes came from all the church organisations, including the Young Adult Fellowship. He was handed a trophy bearing the words “Award of Recognition” from the Church’s People’s Warden, Andria Dilbert. Lemuel Hurlston, the Rector’s Warden and Church Trustee, was the Master of Ceremonies and he also gave his own personal tribute. He said he hoped the Immigration Board would change their rules soon and we could have Mr. Griffiths back in our midst once again.

Whilst St. George slew the dragon, he would have welcomed this quiet dragon. He carried out his duties at St George’s Church like a dragon but his fire was a heavenly one.