Tourism pioneer Torchinsky receives Medal of Honour

The tourism industry turned out in force to honour Benjamin Torchinsky, former owner and developer of the Hyatt Britannia Village. 

Mr. Torchinsky was instrumental in creating the first five-star resort in the Cayman Islands and received the Cayman Islands Medal of Honour, Commander Class, from Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush in recognition of his contributions to 25 years of tourism development. 

The ceremony was held on Saturday, 25 August, at Blue Cilantro Restaurant on West Bay Road in Grand Cayman and attended by public and private sector representatives. 

Mr. Bush made a speech in which he praised the foresight of Mr. Torchinsky for his work during the 1980s and beyond, which he said had created jobs for many in the Cayman Islands. 

“Hyatt did so much good; the people it hired, the revenue it offered government, the jobs it created – it was just the ideal project for these islands. He took a chance with us. Ivan took it away and we hope that we can replace it,” Mr. Bush said. 

“Tonight is about Ben Torchinsky. It is only appropriate that these islands recognise people who have done their part in helping this country grow.  

We did not grow by ourselves; we had help in bringing us this far. Perhaps the younger ones think that this all just happened, but it did not just happen.  

Thank God for those who didn’t just invest in building, but invested in people,” Mr. Bush added. 

The premier said that in those days he was a small contractor, but Mr. Torchinsky made him feel that he was part of Hyatt. He said he wanted to thank him for contributing to the development of the islands with the highest honour the Cayman Islands could give. 

Proud and humbled 

The ceremony – which was paid for by Mr. Torchinsky – took place as the owner and developer could not attend a special ceremony earlier in 2012 for National Heroes Day. 

The crowd included the former Minister for Tourism Norman Bodden, Suresh Prasad, Franz Manderson and Shomari Scott, director of tourism, all of whom made speeches in honour of Mr. Torchinsky. Mr. Torchinsky said the one regret he had was selling the property rather than keeping it. 

Nonetheless, the developer was proud of the honour, thanking all and noting his connections with the Cayman Islands. 

“It was really the contribution of all the people around me that were basically right in there and understood my philosophy. The truth is, we did everything we could to make a successful business.  

The most important thing that it requires in any country is the people. All it takes is a few individuals who are up to meeting all the challenges, to overcome who can make the country move ahead. 

“The important thing for the politicians is to make sure those people are given the opportunity to move the country ahead as it is the only way it can happen. I am very proud of what I accomplished initially.  

My policy always has been to work hard. You win a little, you lose a little but as long as you win more than you lose everything will be alright. Luckily for me I was able to win a few more than I lost,” said Mr. Torchinsky. 

Also honoured at the ceremony were Ellen Peguero and Norman Bodden, both of whom received Jubilee Medals.