Cayman Brac celebrated the Sister Islands’ National Heroes Day awards at the Aston Rutty Centre on Saturday, 19 March.
The presentation recognised 55 uniformed services recipients from Cayman Brac and Little Cayman with National Heroes Day certificates and insignia.
The awards ceremony, held under the theme of honouring uniformed services, was an invitation-only event because of current COVID-19 mandates.
Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, minister for Education, District Administration & Lands, spoke in her opening remarks about everyday heroes close to home, saying they are ”ordinary people daring to go sometimes where angels dare not tread, to do extraordinary things”.
“So as you sit or are an active participant here today, whether you are family member or a recipient, consider it a colossal blessing, that we here for such a time as this, and ask yourself, what if those circumstances presented themselves to myself, what would l do?,“ she said.
Bernie Bush, minister for Home Affairs, Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage, paid tribute to the awardees.
“Those of you in active service have especially been tested by the events of the past two years. From providing cohesive COVID support, severe storm relief, and maintaining the many vital functions that underpin the very fabric of our society, we have depended on you,” he said.
“The sacrifice of your time, talents and potentially your lives is humbling and is being fully acknowledged here today.”
Premier Wayne Panton acknowledged the enormous debt of gratitude felt on by of the nation.
“Thank you for saving lives and thank you for the care with which you conduct your duties. Just know that many people in our country pray for you on a daily basis that you reach home safely to your families at the end of your shift,” he said.
Awardees past and present who served in the Sister Islands were drawn from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and Special Constabulary, Cayman Islands Customs & Border Control, including former immigration and customs officers, and the Cayman Islands Fire Service.
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