2019 National Heroes Day Celebrations Set

• This year’s ceremony will honour those who contributed to the creation of the Coat of Arms
• Over 60 founding organisations serving the community for 50+ years will also be recognised
• A Coat of Arms exhibit will be opened to the public following the ceremony

Pioneers who contributed to the creation of the Cayman Islands’ Coat of Arms will be honoured at the 2019 National Heroes Day celebrations on Monday, 28 January 2019. “On this day, we will come together to pay tribute to the Vestrymen and Justices of the Peace who understood the importance of the Cayman’s Islands having a visual identity,” Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin remarks. “The creation of the Coat of Arms was the catalyst to other key events and milestones that shaped the nation we know and love today. I look forward to this opportunity to honour and celebrate the people who had a vision of success for our country,” adds Mr. McLaughlin.

In addition to celebrating these visionary leaders, some organisations that have been serving the Cayman Islands community for 50+ years will also be recognised. These ‘founding’ organisations, representing a wide cross-section of industries, include Cayman Airways Ltd., the Cayman Islands Agricultural Society, and the Hungry Horse Restaurant.

The Cayman Islands’ National Heroes will be recognised, reminding the public about the multi-faceted contributions of the nine stalwarts: Hon. James (Jim) Manoah Bodden; Hon. Sybil Ione McLaughlin, MBE, JP; Hon. Thomas William Farrington, CBE, JP; Hon. Sybil Joyce Hylton, MBE; Hon. Ormond L. Panton, OBE, Hon. Desmond V. Watler, CBE; Hon. Mary Evelyn Wood, Cert. Hon., Hon. William Warren Connolly, OBE, JP and Dr. the Hon. Roy Edison McTaggart. Laying of wreaths and a moment of silence will also be observed to commemorate our country’s deceased nation builders.

Other highlights of the celebration will include a walk-past by primary and secondary school children in a flag procession, as well as the traditional parade which will include contingents of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, the Cayman Islands Fire Service, Her Majesty’s Prison Service, Cadet Corps, Girls Brigade, Scouts and the Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders. The event will be hosted by the Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin, Minister for Culture Hon. Dwayne Seymour, and Celebrate Cayman. 

All are invited to attend. The patriotic event set to start promptly at 9 a.m. and attendees should be seated by 8:30 a.m. The dress code is business attire and hats are optional. Following the ceremony the public is encouraged to visit a special exhibit focused on the Coat of Arms, housed in the George Town Library. There will also be live music and local food.