Veterans Gala Launches 2026 Poppy Appeal, Honouring a Legacy of Service
The Cayman Islands Veterans Association (CIVA) officially launched the 2026 Poppy Appeal at its Annual Veterans Gala on Saturday, 10 October. The event brought together veterans, uniformed personnel, government officials, first responders and community supporters to honour military service and support veterans and widows in need.
The event featured a ceremonial pinning of the first poppies on Her Excellency the Acting Governor, Gloria McField-Nixon and Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, symbolising the start of the annual remembrance awareness campaign.
Retired Brigadier Clare Phillips CBE, who recently concluded a distinguished 31-year career in the British Army’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, delivered the keynote address. Reflecting on her military service, Ms Phillips spoke of the enduring values instilled through military life and the lasting impact they have on veterans long after they leave the uniformed service. She said, “Determination, readiness, integrity, loyalty and discipline. These values are not handed in with an ID card. They come home with the veteran.”
As a tribute to the Cayman Islands’ proud military heritage, Ms Phillips noted the extraordinary contributions made by Caymanians during the Second World War and recognised the Cayman Islands Regiment for continuing the tradition of service today.
In closing, she encouraged attendees to recognise the continued contributions veterans make to their communities through leadership, resilience, adaptability, and lifelong commitment to service.
The evening also featured a tribute to Vietnam War veteran Randolph Dounce, recognising his military service and contributions to the veteran community. Traditional Mess Night proceedings honoured past and present veterans while celebrating the camaraderie that remains a hallmark of military service.
CIVA President Andrew McLaughlin shared: “We are honoured to recognise Randolph Dounce and his service during the Vietnam War. His story reflects the dedication and sacrifice of those who served, and opportunities like this help ensure that the experiences of our veterans remain an important part of our collective history.”
The Annual Veterans Gala celebrates Caymanian veterans and is a key fundraising event, helping former service members facing financial hardship through assistance with essential living expenses and other welfare needs. The 2026 Poppy Appeal will continue through October and culminate with the Remembrance Parade and Ceremony on Sunday, 8 November.
For more information about the Poppy Appeal or to support the work of CIVA, visit caymanislandsveterans.org.
About the Poppy Appeal
The annual Poppy Appeal raises awareness of the service and sacrifice of veterans and serves as a key fundraising initiative supporting the Cayman Islands Veterans Association's programmes for veterans, widows, and their families. The appeal runs throughout the Remembrance season and culminates with Remembrance Sunday commemorations in November.
Her Excellency Acting Governor Gloria McField-Nixon and Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks (centre) with their newly pinned poppies during the 13th Annual Veterans Gala on 10 October 2026.
Her Excellency Acting Governor McField-Nixon during the ceremonial pinning of the poppy, marking the official launch of the 2026 Poppy Appeal.
Minister Ebanks-Wilks receives a poppy pin from veteran Shadden McLaughlin during the ceremonial pinning.
From left, Cayman Islands Veterans Association President Andrew McLaughlin, keynote speaker Ret. Brigadier Clare Phillips, Lieutenant Colonel Graham Muir, Her Excellency Acting Governor McField-Nixon, Commissioner of Police Kurt Walton, Minister Ebanks-Wilks, Chief Fire Officer Randy Rankin, and veteran Shadden McLaughlin.
Veterans Shadden McLaughlin and Lester Purvis led the lighting of a candle and observed a moment of silence at the empty table, symbolising the sacrifice of fallen soldiers and serving as a reminder of those who never returned from war.
Retired Brigadier Clare Phillips CBE, keynote speaker, concluded her speech with a toast paying tribute to veterans and recognising those who continue to honour their legacy through meaningful service within their communities.
