The rooftop of Grand Cayman Beach Suites provided the perfect setting for the Cayman National Cultural Foundation Gala Awards evening.

Prestigious awards, the National Arts and Culture Medals were presented to a total of 14 individuals and organisations that have shown excellence, consistency, and dedication in their endeavours to contribute to Cayman arts and culture.

There was a Heritage Cross Medal, in Gold, Silver or Bronze division presented to those who, “have a consistent and active, quality engagement in the preservation and/or celebration of Caymanian cultural heritage.”

The Star for Creativity in the Arts Awards, also in Gold, Silver or Bronze divisions went to those who have produced creative work of a consistently high standard.
For both sets of awards, the Gold, Silver and Bronze divisions were designated according to length of time: Gold signified a ‘lifetime’ of work (a minimum of 20 years), whereas Silver and Bronze signified a minimum of ten and five years respectively.

Carmen Conolly received the Gold Heritage Cross Medal for a lifetime of dedication to not only producing, but also teaching traditional crafts. As a young girl growing up in the 1940’s and 1950’s, Ms. Conolly made her share of ropes and baskets out of silver thatch leaves.

In the 1970’s She attended craft classes, and later worked as an assistant teacher at Cayman Islands High School, where she taught crafts for eight years before moving to East End Primary School for 12 years.

Today she continues to teach and encourage local craft in her community through various activities and runs the Gifted Hands craft group in East End.

Gold Heritage Cross Medal awardee Alvin McLaughlin is a former CNCF board member and is a community liaison supporting CNCF programmes such as Gimistory, Rundown, and Music Unplugged. He is also a committed participant in Pirates Week. Has also impressive collection of old Caymanian artifacts that are on display during annual Heritage Days.

The Gold Star for Creativity in the Arts Award was presented to Virginia Foster for her consistency and dedication preservation of culture. Ms Foster is an educator and storyteller who has entertained children particularly with her traditional stories from the Cayman Islands or across the region

Silver Creativity in the Arts Stars went to Rosalind Ebanks and her daughter and Rose May Ebanks. Recipients of Bronze Stars for Creativity in the Arts were Quincy Brown, Leathan L. Martin, Michael McLaughlin, Simone Scott, and Mona Lisa Tatum -Watler

The Silver Heritage Cross Medal was awarded to William Banker. Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Winston Salmon.

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