To the reverberating booms of 21 guns in salute and hats and voices raised in three cheers, the Cayman Islands celebrated Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 86^th birthday this morning (Saturday, 16 June).

The centre of George Town rejoiced to a ceremonial parade, smartly performed by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Band and detachments from the RCIPS, Fire Service, HM Prison Service, Cadet Corps, Girls Brigade, Scouts, Cub Scouts, Guides, Brownies and Veterans.

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Duncan Taylor, CBE, inspected the guard of honour presented by the parade and led the gathering in saluting Her Majesty.

Mr. Taylor presented the Colonial Police Medal to Detective Inspector Adeniyi Collins Oremule, and Certificates and Badges of Honour to Mrs. Ella Kaye Lockwood and Mrs. Anita Florence Wheaton.

He also presented Duke of Edinburgh gold awards to Mr. Christopher Clarke, Mr. David Mitchell, Mr. Paul Palmer, Mr. Ryan Whittaker, Miss Adeline Sully and Miss Jossannah Smith.

Deputy Governor, the Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert.Hon, JP, announced Queen’s Birthday honours going to Mr. Martyn Charles William Bould and Dr. Sook Lee Yin-Eccles, both receiving MBEs, and Senior Police Officer, Mr. Davis Harrison Scott, who receives the Overseas Territories (Police) Medal.

Mr. Manderson also announced that the new Certificate and Badge of Honour recipients are Crown Prosecutor, Ms Nicole Tyson-Petit and Government Architect/Project Manager, Mr. James Young Scott.

Dignitaries gathered to celebrate included the Premier, the Hon. W. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP; the Chief Justice, the Hon. Anthony Smellie; the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Hon. Mary Lawrence, MBE, JP; Cabinet Minister the Hon. Mike Adam, MBE, JP; Opposition Leader the Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP; MLA Mr. Arden McLean, JP; National Hero, Mrs. Sybil McLaughlin, MBE, JP; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Stephen Brougham and senior government officers.

Photos by Bina Mani Click on each photo for full view