A series of lectures about outstanding figures in Cayman’s history will begin at the University College of the Cayman Islands next month, starting with an inaugural lecture paying tribute to the late statesman Ormond L. Panton.
The lecture will be held on 1 Feb. at UCCI’s Sir Vassel Johnson Hall.
According to a UCCI press release, Panton, one of Cayman’s most politically active national heroes, dedicated his life to what he saw as “improving the lives of those most socially and politically disadvantaged in the Cayman Islands”.
Panton, who passed away in 1992 at the age of 71, was an attorney who began his political career in the Vestry, the name of the Cayman’s legislature before it became the Legislative Assembly. He formed Cayman’s first political party. His successes included securing the right to fair trial in 1955, and he was the first Caymanian to appear before the UK Privy Council.
“This will be an important lecture,” Livingston Smith, professor, provost and vice-president of Academic Affairs and Workforce Education at UCCI told the Compass. “The lecture will gain a deeper understanding of Panton’s invaluable contributions to our beloved Cayman.”
The lecture series will feature Professor Nathan Connolly, a Herbert Baxter Adams associate professor of history at John Hopkins University, who will speak on the topic, ‘Letters from the Ancestors: Family History, Political Economy and the Future of the Cayman Islands’.
Smith said the institution will also launch a public education campaign, “to bring to the UCCI campus, scholars of the highest caliber from academia, business, and the arts to examine pertinent issues and share their scholarship and experience with the university community and the wider Cayman public”.
Three lectures a year
He added that the goals for the lecture series are to “conduct three distinguished lectures per year in memory of outstanding Caymanians; visit schools to educate students about their rich culture and history; celebrate Inter-schools Cayman Culture Day at UCCI; celebrate Black History Month, and publish documentaries on all outstanding Caymanians featured”.
He added that, as well as the lecture, there will be a documentary on Panton.
The first 150 people to attend the lecture will receive a free copy of Panton’s biography, ‘ A Special Son: A Unique and Gripping Life’ by Dave Martins.
UCCI will also be hosting an essay competition, in conjunction with the lecture series.
“Primary, high school and tertiary level students are invited to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity by participating in the competition,” the press release stated.
“The competition will allow students an opportunity to air their views on the outstanding Caymanian in whose honour the lecture is being staged. Students will also benefit by improving their writing skills, winning great prizes, and bringing accolades to their schools.”
Students are encouraged to email Erica Gordon, who can be reached at [email protected] and at 623-0512. All essay submissions are to be submitted no later than 19 Jan. 2024, and should also be made via the email.
The inaugural lecture will be held at 6pm, on 1 Feb. Admission is free; however, those interested are required to register on the UCCI website.
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