Remembrance Sunday Commemorated in Grand Cayman and Brac

On Sunday, 9 November ceremonies were held before the Cenotaphs at Elmslie Memorial United Church in Grand Cayman and on the District Administration Lawn in Cayman Brac to commemorate Remembrance Sunday, honouring the service, sacrifice and courage of those who served in the armed forces. 

Government officials, parliamentarians, veterans and members of the public gathered on Seafarer’s Way in George Town before contingents of the uniformed services from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Cayman Islands Regiment, Fire Service, His Majesty’s Prison Service, Coast Guard and other local uniformed groups including the Girls’ Brigade, Scout and Cub Scouts and the Cadet Corps.  

In Grand Cayman, a royal salute was given by the parade to Her Excellency Governor Jane Owen, in tribute to the honour, discipline, and selflessness of Cayman's veterans. The ceremony was led by Bishop Clovis Wilks of the West Bay New Testament Church of God and Rt Rev. L. Christopher Mason from Elmslie Memorial United Church.  

In Cayman Brac, detachments from the Police Service, Fire Service, Cadet Corps, and the Pathfinders assembled before the Cenotaph on the District Administration Lawn. Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs, Honourable Nickolas DaCosta, was accompanied by Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Member of Parliament for Cayman Brac East, and District Commissioner Mark Tibbetts Jr., in inspecting the Guard of Honour. Prayer was offered by Pastor Bentley Robinson of the Ebenezer Baptist Church.  

“It was an honour to represent the Cayman Islands Government here on Cayman Brac for this year’s Remembrance Day service. The names on our cenotaph remind us that remembrance is not just a ceremony; it’s a promise to carry forward the values of courage, faith, and service that define our people. Today, as wreaths were laid by the descendants of those who served, we were reminded that their legacy still lives among us and our commitment to remembering them was renewed,” said Minister DaCosta.  

At both ceremonies, wreaths of red poppies were laid at the Cenotaphs. Many attendees wore poppies at the ceremony, the enduring emblem of remembrance.  

In Grand Cayman, a special tribute was paid in honour of the late Charles Adams, a veteran lawyer and former member of the Cayman Islands Veterans Association, who passed away in 2013.  

Veterans Association President Andrew McLaughlin stated, “It is important to remember those who contribute, and have contributed, to the mission of the Cayman Islands Veterans Association. Mr. Adams was one of our founding members and served as our honourary secretary for over two decades. We are eternally grateful for his contributions to both the Association and the wider community.” 

Premier Honourable André Ebanks, reflected on the importance of remembering why we pay tribute to our veterans and why we wear the poppy in their honour, “Remembrance provides us with the opportunity to take a moment to reflect upon the immense sacrifices made in defending the values we still cherish today. It is important that we share this heritage and pass on their legacy to younger generations to ensure we always remember why we salute them.” 

For further information or to support veteran initiatives, persons can visit the Cayman Islands Veterans’ Association's website, caymanislandsveterans.org. To rewatch the Grand Cayman parade and ceremony, visit the CIG YouTube channel: http://ow.ly/cS2O50Xp0Ax

Featured Photo Caption: Deputy Commandant Leo Anglin laid a wreath on behalf of the Cayman Islands Coast Guard.