A dignitary day trip to the Sister Islands left Governor Duncan Taylor with washed feet and a vow from Deputy Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly that the sisters want to remain part of an Overseas Territory.
“No matter what you hear on the talk shows about independence and people here wanting it, I am here to tell you that no one in Little Cayman or Cayman Brac have any desire to walk down independence road,” she said.
The Friday trip began from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac to pick up the deputy premier and District Commissioner Ernie Scott and then on to Little Cayman.
There, dignitaries were then taken for a drive through Little Cayman, which culminated in a shoeless walk along Point of Sand Beach by the governor, his wife Marie-Beatrice, their son Max and the deputy premier, who washed the governor’s feet following the trek.
Mrs. O’Connor-Connolly later remarked that this was akin to the symbolism of Mary Magdalene washing Christ’s feet in the Bible and explained that humility and service are the greatest of gestures to mankind and one another.
From Point of Sand Beach, the governor was whizzed to the Little Cayman Museum, which is owned and run by Linton Tibbetts, who took the governor and guests on a tour.
After a short visit to the National Trust and a stop at the home of senior citizen Mrs. Rillie, the delegation re-boarded Cayman Airways and headed back to the Brac.
There, a new Mosquito Research and Control Unit building on the bluff was officially opened.
The new building was named the Floyd E. Banks Building. The building’s title was kept a secret until its unveiling at the ribbon cutting ceremony in appreciation of 40 years of service by Mr. Banks, who was on hand to witness the honour.
A blistering schedule followed lunch, as the caravan of cars traced the police escort to the Doctor’s Residence Rest Home and Hospital for a tour through the facilities. A slew of other visits followed, including ones to the new Cayman Brac Police Station; the Heritage
House and Seaman’s building.
The day climaxed in a rally at the Aston Rutty Centre where residents gathered to celebrate the governor and premier’s visit.
Premier McKeeva Bush told the governor that the Caymanian people were looking forward to working with the British Government in a spirit of togetherness.
Mr. Taylor thanked all for his welcome and said he had wanted to visit the Brac as soon as possible as he was not just the governor of Grand Cayman.
“I am overwhelmed by the welcome I have received and look forward to a constructive and positive partnership,” said Mr. Taylor.
He said he was encouraged by the show of unity with Britain and determined to the very best on behalf of the Cayman Islands.
Deputy Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly washes the feet of Governor Duncan Taylor at Point of Sand Beach on Little Cayman Friday. – Photo: Stuart Wilson
