The final countdown has begun as there are only 10 days left to recognise pioneering tourism leaders for National Heroes Day 2017. The nomination period will conclude at the end of this month. (30 September 2016).

Leaders from the Ministries of Culture and Tourism continue to encourage all community members to put forward names for consideration before next Friday’s deadline. This year’s tourism theme will encompass the development and/or delivery of tourism pioneers throughout the history of the Cayman Islands, up to present time.

“There are many people who are extremely accomplished in the field of tourism, and who have dedicated their time and lives to this important industry,” said Premier and Minister for Culture Hon. Alden McLaughlin. “Those are people who deserve to be recognised, so I strongly encourage everyone to continue to submit nomination forms to ensure our tourism pioneers get the recognition they deserve.”

Chief Officer for the Ministry of Culture and Chairperson for the National Heroes Day Committee, Jennifer Ahearn, said they have received many nomination forms for outstanding nominees thus far.

“We greatly appreciate the community’s help and would like to thank everyone who has gotten involved with the process,” she explained. “We look forward to receiving even more nominations before the end of this month.”

There are five nomination categories for outstanding contributions to the tourism industry in the Cayman Islands:

Early Pioneer: An individual, alive or deceased, who has made significant contributions to the early development and/or delivery of tourism throughout the Cayman Islands prior to 1960. A commemorative insignia and certificate will be awarded.

Pioneer: An individual, alive or deceased, who has made significant contributions to the development and/or delivery of tourism from 1961 to 2006. A commemorative insignia and certificate will be awarded.

Emerging Pioneer: An individual who has made significant contributions to the development and/or delivery of tourism from 2007 to present. A commemorative insignia and certificate will be awarded.

Memorial Scroll: A deceased person who was a leader or notable contributor to the development and/or delivery of tourism. This individual will be recognised with a certificate but will not receive a commemorative insignia.

Long Service Award: A living individual who may not necessarily have been a leader, but is a long-standing contributor to the development and/or delivery of tourism for 10 years or more. This individual will be recognised with a certificate but will not receive a commemorative insignia.

The National Heroes Day 2017 tourism theme is defined as:

“Tourism is travel for holiday, leisure and recreation, business, health, education, sports and other purposes. Tourism services and products include the business of attracting, accommodating, transporting, entertaining and operating tours for visitors with the support of allied services. Tourism may be international or domestic.”

To submit the names of tourism pioneers and long service individuals for recognition before the deadline on 30 September 2016, complete the forms which are available at the reception desk of the Government Administration Building, or online at www.ministryofhealth.gov.ky. Completed nomination forms or inquires can be sent to [email protected].

The annual National Heroes Day celebration is set to take place at Heroes Square, in the centre of George Town on Monday, 23 January 2017.

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IMAGE: www.youtube.com National Heroes Day 2013, Cayman Islands