The Ministry of Border Control, Labour and Culture is pleased to announce the return of the highly anticipated Pirates Week Festival, themed ‘Setting Sail Through Time’. The 2024 festival, a national event that spans three weeks beginning on November 8, will honour the milestones achieved since the first Pirates Week Festival, which was held 47 years in 1977.

The Hon. Dwayne Seymour, Minister for Culture, emphasized the strategic importance of Pirates Week as a government-run national festival. “Pirates Week is more than just a celebration; it is an embodiment of our local culture, bringing together the people of our islands. This year, we are taking a united and strategic approach to ensure the festival aligns with the broader goals of the government, including our commitment to protect and promote Caymanian culture, heritage and identity as outlined in Government’s Broad Outcome 5. We are also thrilled to announce the return of District Days, where each district will have the opportunity to showcase its unique cultural identity within the overall tapestry of Caymanian society.”

In support of the festival’s vision, the Ministry of Border Control, Labour and Culture has appointed an eight-member steering committee, comprised of representatives from key government agencies and departments. This united approach will ensure cross-governmental collaboration to bring the festival to life. 

Leading the steering committee as Chairperson and Festival Director is Patrice Beersingh, Senior Policy Officer for Culture. The Department of Communications’ Director, Oneisha

Richards serves as Vice Chairperson, with additional support from the Deputy Chief Officer for the Ministry of Border, Control, Labour and Culture, Danielle Roberts who serves as Secretary.

The committee also comprises the following members representing key government and public entities: 

• Cayman National Cultural Foundation – Natalie Urquhart, CEO (Natalie Urquhart also serves as Director of The National Gallery)

•  Department of Education Services – Kimberly Kirkconnell, Senior Customer Service Manager
•  Department of Public Works – Niasha Ross, Deputy Director 
•  Department of Tourism – Sebastian Bodden, Manager of Tourism Product Development
• Royal Cayman Islands Police Service – Superintendent Roje Williams
• The Protocol Office serves as an advisory consultant to the steering committee. Chairperson Ms. Beersingh added, “Pirates Week is more than just a festival; it is meant to be a celebration of our unique contributions to the world as Caymanians. Our goal is to foster a spirit of unity, pride, and belonging in every person who calls these islands home. By working hand-in-hand across Government, and collaboratively with our private sector partners, we are demonstrating our commitment to not only preserving but elevating this cultural legacy. The theme ‘Setting Sail Through Time’ speaks to the rich tapestry of history, heritage and identity that has shaped us. It invites our community to embark on a journey, honouring our past while charting a bold course for the future. Together, we can ensure that Pirates Week Festival remains a cultural legacy that strengthens our bonds as a community.”

Members of the Steering Committee Back Row:
Niasha Ross, Sebastian Bodden, Kimberly Kirkconnell, Roje Williams,  Natalie Urquhart
Front Row:
Danielle Roberts, Patrice Beersingh, Oneisha Richards   

The Hon. Minister Seymour further highlighted the importance of a united government effort: “A festival of this magnitude and importance requires significant collaboration across relevant government departments. I would like to personally thank my fellow government leaders for their demonstrated support and for making key staff from their respective entities available to serve on this historic steering committee. Their commitment to collaboration and unification underscores our shared dedication to celebrating and preserving Caymanian culture. The collective expertise and deep community ties of this steering committee will ensure that Pirates Week resonates with every corner of Cayman’s diverse culture, fostering a sense of national pride and unity.”