National Heroes Day 2015 will mark the contributions of historical, established and emerging pioneers in the field of health services over the last 200 years.

Being held on Monday, 26 January 2015 at Heroes Square George Town, the programme for this year’s celebration includes a parade by contingents of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Band, the Cayman Islands Fire Service, HM Prison Service, Cadet Corps, Girl’s Brigade, Scouts, Cub Scouts and Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders as well as the presentation of various awards to health services heroes and others.

Over 75 persons – ranging from doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, pharmacists, lab technicians, emergency response service workers, medical assistants, counsellors, environmental health workers, therapists – are among those being honoured this year.

Following a month-long public nomination period in September 2014, a total of 263 nomination forms were received recognizing persons in 5 categories: Early Pioneer, Pioneer, Emerging Pioneer, Memorial Scroll and Long Service.

The pioneers will receive a unique insignia (pin) designed for the ceremony in honour of their contributions to health and wellness in the Cayman Islands.

Some participants on the programme include Mr. Rudy Myles, two recipients of the Proud of Them initiative Julian Jervis & Lauren Hew, students from various primary schools will wave flags as well as a performance by local young musician Nayil Arana.

The ceremony will conclude with a family-friendly social, featuring live entertainment as well as samples of traditional Caymanian food.

There will also be a display of various photos and artifacts from the history of health services in the Cayman Islands at the old George Town Library.

Meanwhile, over at the George Town Town Hall, staff from various health organisations and local practices will also be on hand to promote their products and services.

Urging the public support for the event, the Premier and Minister of Health, Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP said: “There are few Caymanians and residents of any age whose life has not at some point been strongly impacted by the care and empathy of a health services worker. It is only fitting that Government and the country shows them in turn how very much their services have meant to us over the years”.

Mr McLaughlin also thanked those citizens and residents who in late 2014 nominated a former or current health services worker to be recognised during the ceremony.

For more information on Heroes Day, contact the Protocol Office at 244-3612 or email [email protected]

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