Next week’s National Heroes Day ceremony will be a pared-down affair compared to previous years, in light of the current COVID situation, and this year’s 500 honourees will have to wait for a later date to receive their awards, the government Protocol Office announced on Tuesday.
This year’s event, which will be held in Heroes Square with attendance by invitation only, honours members of Cayman’s uniform services.
A smaller version of the event will be held from 9-11am on Monday, 24 Jan., which is a public holiday. It will involve the unveiling of a bust of Cayman’s newest national hero, Leila Elberta Ross-Shier, who composed ‘Beloved Isle Cayman’, the islands’ national song, in 1930, and wreath-laying to recognise the contributions of the 10 national heroes and other nation builders, organisers said.
Unlike in previous years, the honourees and their families will not be able to attend the ceremony because, under current COVID-19 regulations, outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 250 people.
In a statement, Chief of Protocol Meloney Syms said, “Even though this year’s theme for National Heroes Day recognises our uniformed services, it is not possible for the approx. 500 honourees and their loved ones to be present on the day – as is the long-established tradition.
“The planned award ceremonies in Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman have been postponed. We will hold ceremonies that remain within public gathering limits at a later date to acknowledge all awardees’ contributions to the development of this nation.”
The Protocol Office stated that the presentations to the honourees will be made at a date to be determined.
Monday’s event will be live-streamed on CIGTV, and government’s Facebook and YouTube pages, as well as broadcast live on Radio Cayman, beginning at 9am.
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