The January 2013 National Heroes Day theme is ‘Youth Services’, and each person honoured in the Pioneer and Early Pioneer categories will be awarded a unique pin specially designed for the award ceremony.

With input from the Cayman Islands National Archive (CINA), the pin was designed by Government Information Services’ summer intern Amy Welcome, working under the creative direction of Charles Gilman, Head of GIS’ Graphics Unit.

For its original concept, CINA provided historical input, which then led to a strong symbolic idea featuring the supportive and responsible nature of those who served and developed our nation’s youth.

The National Heroes Day Committee for Youth services was also instrumental in the refinement process, ensuring that the pin reflected the significance of youth services and adequately gave kudos to those who have epitomized being pioneers for youth in the Cayman Islands.

The piece consists of several symbolic shapes. The hands refer to the logo developed for the National Youth Policy in 2000.

Seen as the hand of a mature person and the other of a youth, both hands are strategically positioned to reflect the supporting relationship of the two groups (adult and youth).

Three adapted stars form youthful figures, poised in a celebratory position. The stars come from the Coat of Arms as a representation of the three Islands.

The road along with the sunrise and/or sunset, simultaneously represent the past and future of Youth Services in the Islands.

The exterior decagon shape references 10 years of Heroes Day celebrations — each side representing one year.

To ensure that all worthy individuals are honoured and recognised, residents are asked to put names forward and nominate those individuals who helped in the development, growth and empowerment of young people. Nominations close 10 October.

With categories ranging from Early Pioneers, Pioneers, Emerging Pioneers, Long Service and Memorial Scroll, the organising committee aims to recognise recipients who have made a significant contribution to the growth and delivery of youth services throughout the Cayman Islands. Only persons awarded for Early Pioneers and Pioneers will receive a pin.

The initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture in partnership with the Office of the Premier.

Minister responsible for Youth, Hon. Mark Scotland, JP said, “The Ministry recognises the importance of the hard work of such individuals and organizations — and this pin clearly depicts the invaluable developmental contribution that Youth Services has made to these Islands. A special thanks to the National Archives and the designers at GIS for using their creative minds in producing such a remarkable design.”

Heroes Day is scheduled to be held on Monday, 28 January 2013. Copies of the nomination form for the Heroes Day Awards for Youth Services are available online at www.ministryofhealth.gov.kyand www.gov.ky. For more information, or to submit your nominations, contact the NHD Committee for Youth Services at email [email protected].