Queen Elizabeth II’s passing on Thursday was met with sadness and fond appreciation by those in the Cayman community.
The Queen, who was placed under medical supervision at Balmoral Castle in Scotland earlier on Thursday, was 96 when she passed away.
During her reign, Britain’s longest-serving monarch made two trips to Cayman. The first was in 1983 and a second took place in 1994.
The Cayman Compass took to the streets to gauge reaction in the aftermath of her passing.
Many recounted highlights from the Queen’s 70-year reign, as they reacted to news of her death.
“She has lived an impeccable life as the Queen, as the leader, as the Head of State,” said Neil Devere, who described himself as a “big fan” of the monarchy.
“This is a very sad day,” he said. “She has never let the Commonwealth down; she’s always done her job, I think, impeccably… it’s the end of an era.”
He was not alone in his sentiments.
“The queen has done her job and … she is really respected around the world, and we are really going to miss her,” Lorenzo Lowe said.
“I feel so sad, I have goosebumps,” said Lora Cervantes. “It’s really, really, really sad.”
Throughout Cayman’s capital, the news of the Queen’s death swiftly spread, and as flags were being lowered to half-mast, curious onlookers reacted in disbelief.
“She will be missed, that’s for sure; she’s the only Queen I’ve known my life time,” said Renee Rogers-Liebaers who shares the same 21 April birthday as the Queen, although on different years.
“She did a fantastic job, she had a lot of energy. When I turned on the news this morning I was surprised that she had fallen ill… I thought she would make it to 100. May her soul rest in peace,” Rogers-Liebaers said.
Many took to social media to share their thoughts on the Queen and their memories, like Christina Trumbach, granddaughter of Cayman National Hero James Manoah “Jim” Bodden.
She shared a photo of her grandfather and the Queen with the caption, “My grandfather, Cayman Islands National Hero Hon. James Manoah “Jim” Bodden, with HM Queen Elizabeth II on her first visit to the Cayman Islands in 1983. I met her at this event, as she toured Bodden Town with Pop – who was then the First Elected Member for Bodden Town and the ExCo Member for Tourism, Aviation & Trade. RIP Your Majesty. We will miss you”.
Watch more tributes from Cayman below:
Across Cayman, all UK and Cayman Islands flags are being flown at half-mast as we enter a period of mourning, and plans for a state funeral and the coronation of the new King take shape.
“Charles has large shoes to fill,” said Devere, “The Queen was a permanent fixture in our lifetime… and I hope Charles will have the same level of consistency.”
Condolence books will be opened to the community to sign beginning tomorrow, Friday 9 September. Members of the public can sign their tributes at the Government Administration Building in Grand Cayman and District Administration Building in Cayman Brac.
Floral tributes can be left on the steps of the Government Administration Building and the front gates of Government House.
On Thursday, Cayman’s leaders joined their counterparts around the world in paying tribute to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
The Compass also invites you to share your memories of Queen Elizabeth.
In one tribute, Robert Wood wrote: “God save the Queen. How nostalgic. I grew up as many others did hearing this and long may it be remembered. What a lady. I remember her visit to the island when I had the distinct pleasure of being asked to be her baggage boy as at the time. I had one of the only available box trucks on island, which could be locked for security purposes. The joy and pride I felt in doing that was immeasurable.”
Cayman Islands national cyclist Craig Merren recounted his experience dining with the Queen.
“As a member of CI Cycling Team, at the ’90 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand. I had the privilege to attend lunch with Queen Elizabeth II. As I sat comfortably I shared a joke with one of the staff members telling her about my friends teasing me how I ate so fast, and how they would love to see me eating with the Queen one day. I said, ‘here I am now eating with Her Majesty’ – RIP QE II,” he said.
For more tributes on the Queen and a look back on her life click here.
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