Remembrance Sunday Commemorations Honour Legacy and Service
Mr. Loxley E. M. Banks reads a special tribute in honour of the late veteran Mr. Graham Walker during the Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremony on 8 November.
On Sunday, 8 November 2026, Remembrance Sunday parades and ceremonies were held at the Cenotaph at Elmslie Memorial Church in Grand Cayman and the Cenotaph on the District Administration Lawn in Cayman Brac, honouring the legacy, courage and sacrifice of those who served in the armed forces.
Government officials, veterans, members of the uniformed services and members of the public gathered in solemn reflection to pay tribute to those who fought to defend freedom and democracy.
Both ceremonies featured religious services and the laying of red poppy wreaths, an enduring symbol of remembrance and sacrifice.
In Grand Cayman, the ceremony was led by Reverend Donovan Myers, who offered prayers and reflections in honour of those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice during times of conflict.
A special tribute was also paid to the late veteran Mr. Graham Walker, recognising his service and longstanding commitment to preserving the legacy of Caymanian veterans. A former Royal Air Force radio engineer who served during the 1956 Suez Canal Crisis, Mr. Walker also served for many years as Secretary of the Cayman Islands Veterans Association (CIVA) and was a dedicated advocate for ensuring that the contributions of Caymanian veterans were remembered.
Reflecting on the tribute, CIVA President Mr. Andrew McLaughlin, highlighted Mr. Walker’s lasting impact on the veterans' community and the importance of preserving the stories of those who served.
"We pay a special tribute to Mr. Graham Walker, whose steadfast dedication to Veterans in the Cayman Islands helped ensure that the stories of their service and the sacrifices they made were never forgotten. His commitment to remembrance continues to inspire us, and we honour his memory by continuing the work he cared so deeply about," he said.
In Cayman Brac, the Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs, Hon. Nickolas DaCosta, was accompanied by District Commissioner BL. (Mark) Tibbetts Jr, and Superintendent Wendy Parchment in inspecting the Guard of Honour. Prayers were offered by Pastor Thomas French of the Church of God Cotton Tree Bay and Pastor Cody Pancamo of Stake Bay Baptist Church.
In his remarks, Minister DaCosta reflected on the significance of Remembrance Sunday and the importance of ensuring that the sacrifices of veterans are recognised beyond the annual commemorations.
"Remembrance Sunday is more than a ceremony. It is a moment to honour the men and women who answered the call to serve, to remember those who never returned, and to recognise the sacrifices borne by their families. We owe them more than our gratitude for one day. We owe them a commitment to ensure that their stories, their courage, and their service are never forgotten by the generations that follow," he said.
The Premier, Hon. André Ebanks, also encouraged Caymanians to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served and the collective responsibility to uphold the values for which they stood.
"Remembrance Sunday gives us an opportunity to pause and consider the profound sacrifices made in service of others. As we honour our veterans, we are reminded of the importance of preserving peace, strengthening our unity as a country, and ensuring that the lessons of history continue to guide future generations," he said.
As the nation paused in collective remembrance, attendees were reminded of the courage and selflessness demonstrated by Caymanians and all those who served during times of war and conflict. The commemorations reaffirmed the Cayman Islands' continued commitment to honouring veterans and preserving their legacy for future generations.
For further information about the work of the CIVA or to support veteran initiatives, members of the public may visit caymanislandsveterans.org.
The Grand Cayman Remembrance Sunday ceremony is available to watch on the Cayman Islands Government's YouTube channel.
Photos:
Photo 2
Members of the Cayman Islands Veterans Association pay tribute to fallen members of the armed forces at the Cenotaph at Elmslie Memorial Church, George Town, Grand Cayman.
Photo 3
The Premier, Hon. André Ebanks, participates in the laying of red poppy wreaths.
Photo 4
Her Excellency the Governor, Mrs. Jane Owen, arrives for the ceremony, signalling the commencement of the Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
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Members of the Cayman Brac Veteran’s and Seafarer’s Society at the March past with all members of the platform party.
Photo 6
Mark Tibbetts, District Commissioner; Julie Hunter, Parliamentary Secretary; Hon. Nickolas DaCosta, Minister for District Administration & Home Affairs and MP for Cayman Brac West & Little Cayman; The Right Lord Marland, Member of the House of Lords; Chelsea K. Whittaker, Deputy District Commissioner.
