Mr. Dunstan Dalmain Ebanks, affectionately known as DD, has died. He was 83.
Mr. Ebanks was a man of the people, a singer and enthusiastic campaigner, and will be missed throughout the islands.
Born in Grand Cayman, Mr. Ebanks served with the Royal Navy during World War II and later spent several years as a seaman.
The West Bayer later worked as a contractor in the construction industry.
In 1960, Mr. Ebanks served a term in the Legislative Assembly and was re-elected from 1976-84, He was also a member of the Unity Team.
In the 1970s, Mr. Ebanks also gained some fame as a singer. His singing career saw him release one album and 12 singles which contained some of his favourite songs Cayman Moon, Cottage by the Sea and Heaven Bound Train. He also wrote the theme song Fly Cayman for a Cayman Airways advertising campaign.
On the musical side, Mr. Ebanks played the clarinet and the saxophone. He also formed a local band called ‘DD and Boys’, with himself as lead vocalist.
Married to his wife Esther Ebanks, who was also a member of the Legislative Assembly, the couple made history by being the first serving members of the LA to be united in marriage while serving their country.
Mr. Ebanks made history again when his son Thron was born. Thron would be recorded in the history of the Cayman Islands born to two serving elected member of the Legislative.
In 1983 he was awarded the British Ex-Service League Award (Veterans) at Windsor Castle in London, England, by Prince Philip, who was the President General.
In 1986, he was awarded the Certificate and Badge of Honour for his commitment and promotion of boxing in the Cayman Islands by Governor John Owen.
In 1997 he was named Sportsman of the Year for his contribution to sports in the Cayman Islands and in 1999 the West Bay Seventh Day Adventist Church honoured him for his services to the community.
During the visit of his Royal Highness Prince Andrew in 1999, Mr. Ebanks was awarded Member of The British Empire in recognition of his long service as a parliamentarian and his commitment to the development of boxing in the Cayman Islands.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Esther Liola Ebanks; sons Thron, Travis, Gary, Mitchell and Craig; daughter Gayle Ebanks; stepdaughters Pansy Fitzgerald, Tania Ramgeet and Tessa Solomon; stepsons Tommy, Todd and Timmy Ebanks; brother Ken Hurlston; sons-in-law Peter Fritzgerald, Vincent Ramgeet and Carlos Solomon; Daughters-in-law Joyce Ebanks, Sarah Exctain, Stephany Ebanks, Michel Durbin-Ebanks, Mercedes Ebanks and Andrea Ebanks; grandsons Tyrone and Ian Wood, Rohann Exctain, Craig Ebanks Jr., Stryker and Hunter Ebanks, Thaddius Ebanks, Vance and Vanjae Ramgeet, Ethan and Aidan Ebanks, and Tishon Ebanks; five great-grandchildren; father-in-law Anthony D. Tomlinson; sisters-in-law Tamara Hurlston, Carmela McLean, Ivalee Scott, Vernice Hawkins, Shirlyann Wright, Karen Goddard, Jacqui Smith, Reina Reid and Grace Tomlinson; brothers-in-law Arlin Reid, Gervin Tomlinson, Dr. Steven Tomlinson, Artley Scott, Antonio Hawkins, Steven Wright, and Ishmeal Goodard; caregiver of seven years Michelle Samuels-McPherson and staff of D&S Custom Cabinets.
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