School children were presented with newly-printed Cayman Islands National Symbols posters this week, as the first copies were unveiled by Deputy Governor the Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon., whose office commissioned the project.

During a visit to George Town Primary School, Mr. Manderson presented the new colour documents to Principal Marie Martin and student representatives. The posters feature depictions of the National Flag, the National Song (Beloved Isle Cayman) and the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms – as well as information on these three icons.

While many of the 5,000 copies are designated for schools, libraries and government offices, limited copies are also available to the public, at no cost, from the security section in the Government Administration Building. The first printing of posters was done some years ago, and the new version was redesigned by Government Information Services.

“It is imperative that we continue to inculcate a love-of-country amongst our own citizens as well as those who decide to make these Islands their home,” said Mr. Manderson.

Knowledge and appreciation of ‘Things Cayman’ is especially important to officials in the Deputy Governor’s Office — which administers the conferral of citizenship on deserving persons.

“With a diverse range of nationals who live and work here, they, as well as visitors and citizens, should enjoy this view into our colourful culture and heritage,” noted Corporate Manager in the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mrs. Christine Wright.

It is anticipated that the posters will be appropriately framed and proudly displayed in businesses, ports, hotels, condominiums and homes.

There are plans to produce a follow-up poster highlighting the other local symbols, including the National Flower (Wild Banana Orchid), the National Bird (the Parrot) and the National Tree (Silver Thatch Palm); as well as the eight National Heroes:

Hon. James (Jim) Manoah Bodden; Hon. Mrs. Sybil Ione McLaughlin MBE, JP; Mrs. Sybil Joyce Hylton, MBE; Ms Mary Evelyn Wood, Cert. Hon.; Mr. Ormond L. Panton, OBE; Hon. Thomas William Farrington, CBE, JP; Hon. Desmond Vere Watler, CBE; Hon. William Warren Conolly, OBE, JP.

Article and photo by Information Officer Lennon Christian.