Denniston Tibbetts, longtime president of the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association, has died after a period of illness, shortly after being appointed an Officer of the Order of the Cayman Islands. Tibbetts was recognised for his service to the Cayman Islands seafarers' community and public life in Cayman. He was unable to attend his investiture ceremony because of ill health. Premier André Ebanks later presented the insignia, warrant and citation to his daughters during a private ceremony in the Cayman Islands on June 6, 2026. Tibbetts had been recognised for his service to the seafaring community and his commitment to preserving Caymanian heritage.

A lifetime tied to Cayman's seafaring story

Tibbetts was known as a leading voice in the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association and a champion of Caymanian maritime heritage. For many years, he served as the association’s president and worked to preserve the history of Caymanian men and women who went to sea and helped develop the Islands.

Before he turned much of his attention to community work in retirement, Tibbetts had been part of the generation of Caymanian seafarers whose labour helped shape the Islands during the twentieth century. Through his later advocacy, he helped ensure that the experiences and sacrifices of those mariners were remembered, especially as Cayman moved further into tourism and financial services.

The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association played a role in preserving that national memory. Under Tibbetts' leadership, it continued to offer retired seafarers and their families a place of recognition and support.

National honour came shortly before his death

Tibbetts’ appointment as an Officer of the Order of the Cayman Islands came in recognition of his service to the country and to its maritime heritage. The announcement coincided with the local observance of the International Day of the Seafarer on June 25, 2026, adding a further note of significance to the honour.

Premier André Ebanks said Tibbetts had spent more than five decades with the Lions Club of Grand Cayman, including leadership roles, and had helped establish Big Brothers Big Sisters, now known as One2One, in Grand Cayman. He said Tibbetts' work with the Seafarers Association was an important part of his contribution to public life.

Because Tibbetts could not attend the investiture in person, the honour was received on his behalf by his daughters, Denise Tibbetts and Christa Tibbetts-Burgos. The private ceremony on 6 June 2026 formally marked the presentation of the insignia, warrant and citation.

Tributes from family and public figures

Family members remembered Tibbetts as a devoted relative and a man whose warmth and service left a deep mark on those around him, according to the tribute. His grandniece, Tenisha, said: "I will always cherish my memories of Uncle Bobo and his kindness and laughter. He will forever be in my heart. Heaven has gained an angel."

His niece, Felisiana, also paid tribute. She said: "My Uncle Denniston was a devoted father, uncle, and seaman whose life was defined by dedication, kindness, and service to others."

She added that in later years he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association, where he served as president for many years.

Felisiana said his commitment to preserving seafaring traditions, along with his warm smile and friendly nature, made him widely known and respected. She said he touched countless lives through his years at sea, his leadership and the way he treated people.

Isaac Rankine, MP, said he was deeply saddened to learn of Tibbetts’ death. Rankine described him as "an inspiring champion of Cayman’s proud seafaring heritage" and said he had devoted much of his life to ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of Cayman’s seafarers were not forgotten.

Rankine also said it was fitting that Tibbetts had been appointed to the Order of the Cayman Islands just last month, given his long service to the maritime community and the country.