The efforts of Cayman’s greatest supporters of local art, culture and heritage will be recognised
at the 2011 Gala Awards Dinner at 7pm on Saturday, 18 February at the Rooftop Terrace, Grand Cayman Beach Suites.
There are two types of National Arts and Culture Medals: The CNCF Heritage Cross Medal, which is awarded to Caymanians who have shown consistent support for the preservation and celebration of Caymanian cultural heritage and the Star for Creativity in the Arts, which recognises those who have consistently produced a high quality body of work.
Both awards have three divisions: Gold (for a lifetime, or minimum of 20 years involvement), silver (for a minimum of 10 years) and bronze (minimum five years) divisions.
Nominations for each award were submitted early in 2011 and sent to the Grants and Awards Committee for consideration. The winners were notified toward the end of last year and they will receive their awards at the gala dinner.
This is the first year the awards ceremony is not taking place within the same calendar year; the change was necessary to facilitate a more efficient event.
Those who are being honoured for their contributions in 2011 are:
Volunteer of the Year: Winston Salmon – who never says No.
Corporate Sponsor of the Year:
The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, for their continued support (financial and otherwise) of CNCF programmes, particularly that of Mind’s Eye (Miss Lassie’s House) and Cayfest.
Chairman’s Award:
Radio Cayman for broadcasting CNCF events and plays at no charge.
Heritage Cross Gold:
Carmen Connolly, in recognition of a lifetime of teaching the arts and crafts of the Cayman Islands in schools and in the community.
Alvin McLaughlin, for his service not only as a board member, but also as a community liaison who supports numerous CNCF programmes.
Heritage Cross Silver:
William Banker, for his long involvement with the West Bay Heritage Committee and his demonstrations of thatch rope making during Heritage Days.
Star for Creativity in the Arts, Gold:
Virginia Foster, for her dedication to the preservation of culture, storytelling and arts and crafts classes.
Star for Creativity in the Arts, Silver:
Rosalind Ebanks, who is renowned for her basket and hat making skills. She is still actively involved in the industry and participated in the recent Art@Governors event.
Rose Mae Ebanks, who has devoted her life to keeping the tradition of thatching live in the Cayman Islands. She gives live demonstrations at numerous functions and in schools.
Star for Creativity in the Arts, Bronze:
Quincy Brown, a talented performer who shows bursts of genius in singing, writing, acting and more.
Leathan L. Martin, who over the years has performed in hundreds of drama skits and plays, earning several accolades, including the Heritage Award from the CNCF in 1991.
Michael McLaughlin, who has performed in CNCF productions Rundown, Two Can Play and Gimistory.
Simone Scott, The Sister Islands Officer for the National Gallery, who promotes the arts through workshops, programmes and children’s camps.
Mona Lisa Watler, who has contributed to the artistic community in numerous ways, including singing, radio broadcasting, working on the Artist and Rhythms section of the Daybreak show, and many volunteering commitments.
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