Crowds gathered today (Saturday, 15 June 2013) in front of the Legislative Assembly to witness a colourful public ceremony that marked the Cayman Islands official observance of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The ceremony began with Acting Governor Franz Manderson inspecting a parade made up of contingents from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), the Fire Service, Her Majesty’s Prison Service, the Girls Brigade, the Scouts and Cub Scouts, the Veterans Association and the Cadet Corps.

A highlight of the ceremony was presentations made to past recipients of Queen’s Honours: Leonard Ebanks, Cora Grant-James, Harold Banks and Nicole Tyson-Petit. Missing was Francis Zelmalee Ebanks who will receive her award on a later date. There were no new awardees this year.

Coordinated by the Cayman Islands Protocol Office, this year marks the 87th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

Photo Caption: Photos by Information Officer Yvette Cacho

1.         Acting Governor Hon Franz Manderson inspects uniformed services members.

2.         RCIPS give gun salute.

3.         Lisa Scott (great-granddaughter of National Song composer, Leila Ross-Sheir) performs National Song.

4.         Officers of RCIPS stand at attention.

5.         Arrival of Speaker of the House Hon Julianna O’Connor-Connolly.

6.         Royal salute to Acting Governor Hon Franz Manderson.

7.         Fire Service attachment looks to crowd.

8.         Girls Brigade gives salute to Acting Governor.

9.         Former Speaker of the House Mary Lawrence.

10.       Officers of the Her Majesty’s Prison.

11.       Leonard Ebanks receives Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for playing a major role in Economic Development in the Cayman Islands.

12.       Acting Governor presents certificate and Badge of Honour award to Harold Banks for services to seamanship in the Cayman Islands.

13.       Cora Grant James accepts certificate and Badge of Honour award for services to the community.

14.       Nicole Tyson-Petit receives certificate and Queen’s Honours award for services to the Government and public.