Mourners gathered at Cayman Islands Parliament Friday, 20 Feb. to pay their respects to former legislator Austin Harris during an official lying-in-state ceremony.
The sombre occasion began with an honour guard, before the casket, draped in the Cayman flag, was carried inside. The ceremony forms part of the official funeral arrangements for Harris, also a popular radio talk show host, following his death on 27 Jan. after a brief battle with cancer. He was 53.
Members of Parliament, government officials, family and friends filed past the casket throughout the day, pausing to reflect on Harris’ life and years of public service.
During the official proceedings, former premier Sir Alden McLaughlin paid tribute to Harris’ commitment to his country, describing him as someone who “did not stand on the sidelines”.
“He stood in the arena. He participated. He contributed. And he served,” McLaughlin said.
“He was taken from us far too soon.”
McLaughlin also addressed Harris’s family directly, offering words of comfort.
“To his family, especially his mother, Miss Ruby, and his son, Alex – you can all be proud of Austin. You shared him with the country. Please know that his contribution mattered. His voice mattered. His service mattered,” he said.
Others remembered Harris not only for his political work, but for his personality and presence in the community.
Matthew Ebanks, who was among the mourners, described him as an influential figure, particularly during his time as the co-host of political talk show CrossTalk.
“Everybody talks about him, saying he was a funny guy. He had a sense of humour. He was a good ambassador and a dedicated father,” Ebanks said.
Throughout the ceremony, the mood remained subdued but celebratory of a life marked by public engagement and service. Those in attendance spoke of Harris as a devoted family man, a committed public servant and a familiar voice in Cayman’s civic life.
An official funeral service will be held at the Church of God Chapel, Walkers Road, George Town at 3pm on Sunday, 22 Feb.
Books of condolence are open to members of the public at the Government Administration Building and House of Parliament during normal office hours until close of business on Monday, 23 Feb.
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