Kara Coe, Designer & Deborah Ebanks, Head – Currency Division

The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) has presented Kara Coe, the Caymanian graphic designer who designed the 10th Anniversary Heroes Day coin issued by the Authority, with a complimentary coin.

CIMA is the organisation responsible for the issue and redemption of Cayman Islands currency. The Authority also offers uncirculated proof coins designed to commemorate significant local and international events.

National Heroes Day is the premier national celebration of the heritage and culture of the Cayman Islands. Over the past ten years, the events and activities surrounding the day have been used to celebrate a number of core themes. It was celebrated on 28 January, 2013, under the theme ‘Youth Services’. Individuals were honoured for their work in services which cater to the development, growth and empowerment of young people.

Ms. Coe, a graphic designer with the Government Information Service, says her inspiration for the design “derives from Heroes Square in George Town. The sailors represent Youth, Culture and Sports, and the woman represents Gender Equality. I have also embraced the historical use of catboats and positioned them to represent the three Islands. And the three fishing boats are Man-o-wars. Finally, I have wrapped the whole piece in thatch rope another significant historical piece of our cultural heritage.” The coat of arms is depicted in gold on the obverse side.

Deborah Ebanks, Head of CIMA’s Currency Division, made the presentation to Ms. Coe. Miss Ebanks said that “The Currency staff worked rather closely with Kara. CIMA is pleased to be able to make this presentation as a token of our appreciation for all her efforts with this project. Given the Heroes Day theme, it is fitting that Kara is a creative young person, and even better that she is a former employee of CIMA.”

The cost of this limited edition silver coin is CI$93.72 or US$110. The coins come in an elegant presentation case, and a certificate of authenticity is included.

There are still some of the Heroes Day coins available for collectors, or for those persons who want to present an object which captures aspects of Cayman heritage and culture as gifts to loved ones or business contacts.

They can be purchased from the CIMA Currency Division at the ground floor lobby of the Government Administration Building at 133 Elgin Avenue, George Town. The Division can also be contacted by e-mail at [email protected], or by calling telephone number 345-244-1596, or 345-949-7089.