I am delighted to announce that four members of our community have been awarded honours by His Majesty the King in the New Year Honours list for outstanding services to the Cayman Islands. The four recipients are: 

Rosie WHITTAKER-MYLES, Attorney-at-Law, RWM Chambers, Cayman Islands and former Chairwoman of the Commission for Standards in Public Life is made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) ‘for services to the community in the Cayman Islands’.

Susan Elizabeth HORROCKS, Director and Conductor, the Cayman National Choir; Founder and Director, the Cayman National Orchestra, Cayman Islands is awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) ‘for services to the arts in the Cayman Islands.’

Reina JEFFERSON, Public Relations Officer, Founding Member and former President, the Cayman Islands Early Childhood Association, Cayman Islands is awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) ‘for services to literacy and education in the Cayman Islands.’

Claira RANGE, Deputy Director, Fairbanks Women’s Prison, H.M. Cayman Island Prison Service; Director, Eagle House Rehabilitation Centre, Cayman Islands is awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) ‘for services to the Prison Service and to the wider community in the Cayman Islands’.

I am also delighted to announce four King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour awardees including two from Cayman Brac. These are awarded locally by Governors in some Overseas Territories to those who have made outstanding contributions to our Islands. A much deserved late addition to this list is Jordan Crooks who has warmed the hearts of our entire community with his outstanding achievement in becoming world champion in the 50m freestyle swimming. Jordan is an extraordinary role model for our youth. With the support of a wonderful family and his coaches, he has demonstrated remarkable dedication, persistence, skill and hard work to make history in the Cayman Islands. 

Christopher MURRAY ‘for services to at risk youth in the Cayman Islands’.

Edgar BODDEN ‘for public service in the Cayman Islands’.

Chevala LaWanda BURKE ‘for services to the government and wider community in the Cayman Islands.’

Jordan CROOKS ‘for world class achievement in swimming.’

I send my warmest congratulations to all those receiving awards.