The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman’s 53rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration took place last Monday (3) in Heroes Square, George Town.

It was one of the biggest crowds I have ever witnessed at this event and I have been to the last 36!

I well remember the ‘bent’ Christmas tree that stood majestically before Heroes Square came to be, although the tree was located within  the same area. I also remember our Publisher, Joan Wilson’s, anger at it not being used one year because its top was bent, and was replaced by a metal wire one! I have to admit it looked ridiculous as it was placed next to the ‘live’ bent one. She even wrote a poem about it.

However, back to this year.

The entertainment that was provided with the tree lighting was excellent and whoever put it together must be congratulated.

Featured was:

UCCI PANDEMIX ~

ERIKA ASSAI

CHRISTOPHER SCOTT

LINDA MITCHELL

MONTESSORI BY THE SEA

CAYMAN PREP INFANT CHOIR (2)

CAYMAN YOUTH CHOIR

UCCI CHOIR

and young Opera Singer –

DANIELA SHIBLI

There was a Christmas Message from Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson, whom I have never seen looking so cheerful as he delivered it.

The Lighting of the tree was executed with precision by his wife, Mrs. Nuvia Manderson. The tree lit immediately she pressed the button to great applause.

The only slight hitch was when Miss Shibli went to sing her first carol, “O Holy Night” the backing music track was not ready and there was a long pause and the Montessori Choir sang during the wait.

And the wait was well worth it. She also sang “What Child Is This”.

If you haven’t heard this young lady sing you MUST!

I must also mention Erika Assai’s singing of our National Song was one of the best renderings I have heard.

In fact all the performances form the little ones to the seniors were outstanding.

And we all got to sing EIGHT of the carols listed in the programme, too!

David Kirkaldy, the Rotary Past President, did an excellent job as Master of Ceremonies.

It was a very beautiful evening of two hour plus FREE entertainment and a surprise visit from Santa Clause to round the delightful evening off.

Well done the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman.

NOTE: More photographs from this event are in the top slider under title “GT Tree lighting”

IMAGES: Georgina Wilcox