Attendees at the 17th
annual National Heroes Day celebrations today (Monday, 27 January
2020) in George Town, Grand Cayman enjoyed a special surprise as five
new memorial busts were unveiled at the celebration.

The focus of this year’s event
was to honour those who pioneered the development of the Cayman
Islands’ first written Constitution. The ceremony also celebrated
the first four women who bravely stood in the 1959 general election
and reflected on the journey to the modern-day Cayman Islands.

The busts of five national heroes were unveiled by the Premier, Hon.
Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP, MLA and included: the late Dr. Hon. Roy
Edison McTaggart, Hon. Desmond Vere Watler, Hon. Sybil Joyce Hylton
and Hon. Thomas William Farrington, and the only living recipient,
Hon. Sybil McLaughlin. The busts of the remaining national heroes
will be unveiled at a future date.

A vibrant parade and awards
ceremony, attended by His Excellency the Governor, Mr Martyn Roper
and the Premier Alden McLaughlin, included contingents from various
uniformed services and community organisations.

The Royal
Cayman Islands Police Service/Band, the Cayman Islands Fire Service,
the Prison Service, Cadet Corps, Girls’ Brigade, Scouts and Seventh
Day Adventist Pathfinders marched through the streets to Heroes
Square where the event was held.

Hundreds of residents and visitors
joined in the celebration.

“Today’s
unveiling is very special to me and I am honoured to share in it with
everyone here. These busts of our national heroes memorialise great
labours of love, courage, achievement and heritage – all things
great of Caymanians and Caymanian culture” said
Hon.
Alden McLaughlin.

Hon
Dwayne Seymour, JP – Minister of Culture added: “While we are
here today to pay tribute to the heroes of the past I also want to
pay homage to the countless heroes amongst us who continue to
contribute to the development of this country.”

“I
hope this special unveiling serves to inspire new brave, heroes to
follow in these footsteps. Such service and courage is a powerful
demonstration of the best of our Caymankind spirit.”

Announced
by Cabinet Secretary Mr Samuel Rose, wreaths were also laid in
tribute to all of the Cayman Islands’ national heroes and nation
builders, followed by a moment of silence.

Brother
Robert Ebanks said the prayer, high-schooler, young Miss Jamie Ebanks
sang a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem, while Mr Arek
Nicholson performed the national song Beloved Isle Cayman by to
everyone’s delight.

The
Edna Moyle Primary School Quadrille Dancers also provided colourful
traditional entertainment at the event.

After
the ceremony, attendees and guests sampled fare from local cooks at
food stalls in the George Town Public Library car park, while being
entertained by live local music.

Awardees
also had the chance to have their photos taken along with the Hon.
Premier and the Hon. Mr Seymour in Constitutional Hall (formerly the
George Town Town Hall).

The
George Town Library also showcased several exhibits. These included
those from: the National Museum (highlighting the first written
constitution), the Bodden Town Heritage Committee (Constitution
historical artefacts and women in Caymanian history) and the Business
and Professional Women’s Club and Gender Equality Cayman
(showcasing their organisations).

National
Heroes Day is organised by the Protocol Office, for more information
contact 244-2612 or email nationalevents@gov.ky.

(GIS)

Photos captions: (Photos: GIS)

National Heroes Day1: The National Heroes
Day parade marched through George Town to Heroes Square on Monday, 27
January 2020. It was made up of contingents from: the Royal Cayman
Islands Police Service/Band, the Cayman Islands Fire Service, the
Prison Service, Cadet Corps, Girls’ Brigade, Scouts and Seventh Day
Adventist Pathfinders.

National Heroes Day2: The Platform Party,
including H.E. the Governor Martyn Roper and the Premier, Hon. Alden
McLaughlin, observed the parade arriving at Heroes Square.

National Heroes Day3: Representatives for
the first four women who bravely stood in the 1959 general election
joined Hon. Tara Rivers, Minister for Financial Services and Home
Affairs) and Ms. Barbara Conolly (Councillor for Education and Youth,
Finance and Economic Development).

National Heroes Day4: Arley James “AJ”
Miller, the last living 1959 Vestryman, received his award, joined by
family and the platform party.

National Heroes Day5: Busts of five
national heroes were unveiled, including (shown here) Hon. Desmond
Vere Watler, observed by family, the Hon. Premier and Deputy
Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson.

National Heroes Day6: Wreaths were laid in
tribute to all of the Cayman Islands’ national heroes and nation
builders, including by Members of the Legislative Assembly.

National Heroes Day7: The Edna Moyle Primary School Quadrille dancers provided colourful, traditional entertainment.

National Heroes Day : Joan Wilson accepting framed scroll on behalf of her late father Mj. Rodriguez (Roddy) Watler, Vestryman