One-hundred civil servants enjoyed a morning of musical delights at a breakfast concert at the Harquail Theatre, on Monday 18 July 2016. 

Hosted by the Deputy Governor and the Portfolio of the Civil Service, and organised by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, the event honoured top civil servants, including current and former Winners of the Employee of the Year, Winners of the Employee of the Month and Chief Officers’ Choices (covering 2012 to 2016) for the Deputy Governor’s Award Programme, and high performing Civil Service College students. 

The morning began with Gidget Powell, the Deputy Governor’s Employee of the Year 2015-2016, offering a prayer to bless the food. Attendees then helped themselves to a buffet selection that featured American style breakfast, traditional Caribbean breakfast, sweet pastries, fruit, coffee, tea, and water. 

After everyone had their fill, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson took to the stage to officially begin the programme. He thanked those in attendance for their hard work and dedication and for setting such positive examples within the civil service. 

First sounds of traditional Caymanian folk music entertained the crowds as the Cayman Islands National Folk Singers took the stage. The ensemble, made up of 30 members, was formed in 2009 with the purpose of preserving and celebrating Cayman’s musical traditions. They performed a selection of the best of their repertoire, including upbeat songs that they danced to and slow ballads.  

Following the Folk Singers came a special guest performance by the Bahamas National Youth Choir. 

This highly acclaimed choir, made up of students and young professionals ages 15 — 25, has performed in the presence of notable world figures including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, actor Sir Sidney Poitier, South Africa’s former president Dr. Nelson Mandela, and many other distinguished persons. The choir was on Island for one day only, coming off a cruise ship for the special performance. 

The talent of the choir was on full display, with the skillful blending of soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices. Their high energy performance was colourful, dynamic and a true display of musical precision. Part of the programme included a tribute to Earth, Wind, and Fire as well a selection of Caribbean and Bahamian folk music and dance. 

“It was a thrill to watch the Bahamas National Youth Choir perform, every moment was absolutely captivating. The Cayman Islands Folk Singers were also tremendous. I am honoured that both groups were able to share their gifts with our outstanding civil servants. I hope it continues to inspire them” commented Deputy Governor Franz Manderson.

The performances also drew praise from the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF). 

“We are happy to support and recognise the work of all the civil servants, specially recognised by the Deputy Governor, with the presentation of a dynamic display of cultural heritage and artistic expression. The performances by the Cayman Islands National Folk Singers and The Bahamas National Youth Choir is our creative thank you and token of appreciation” said Patrice Beersingh the Programmes Manager for CNCF. 

At the conclusion of the performance the Bahamas National Youth Choir presented the Deputy Governor with a special gift. Meanwhile the director of the youth choir, Cleophas R.E. Adderley, received a local gift that included a CD featuring the music of “Aunt” Julia Hydes and Radley Gourzong. 

Portfolio of the Civil Service Chief Officer Gloria McField-Nixon bid final farewells with a special thanks to all individuals who helped to put the event together and high praise for those civil servants who were honoured.