GRAND CAYMAN, (GIS) – “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and a host of other well-loved Christmas standards were the focal point of a Christmas Carol party held at Government House on Tuesday (18 December).

His Excellency, Governor Martyn Roper and wife Lissie, welcomed guests to the event, which was their last official function of 2018.

Invitees passed by the residence’s 8-foot Norway Spruce Christmas tree and a tiny hand-knitted Nativity scene (a Roper family favourite), on their way to the beachside patio.

 Introducing the Cayman National Choir, the Governor said that the evening had been arranged to invite many people who had never been to Government House before. Mr Roper added that he is eager to extend similar invitations to people from all walks of life who have not previously visited the residence, and urged guests to suggest ways in which he could achieve this objective.

He thanked the people of the Cayman Islands for making him and wife feel so welcome in his first few months in office saying, they were now looking forward to a family Christmas with his in-laws and children on island.

Among the carols sung by choir and guests – song sheets in hand – were “Once in Royal David’s City”, “Ding Dong Merrily on High” and “Silent Night”. The singing under the stars they were accompanied by the choir’s Naomi Allnut. Guests mingled before and after the caroling. The Roper’s children, Matthew and Jessica, who are spending their first Christmas in Grand Cayman, helped serve drinks and food.

The reception was also attended by the Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin, the Speaker of the House, Hon. McKeeva Bush, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ezzard Miller, and other dignitaries.