Recently, we mourned the loss of the Honourable James Ryan. While there is a profound sadness in losing a man of his stature on this earth, we are comforted by the enduring legacy of his service and the indelible mark he left on our hearts and our nation.
Just a few weeks ago, we met at his home. He greeted us with his characteristic courtesy, his quick wit and a phenomenal memory that brought the past vividly to life. He led us in remembering days gone by, remaining jovial and sharp, making absolutely no reference to his own pains or sufferings. Instead, he was jolly; he took photos with us, squeezed our hands, and gave us that ubiquitous smile and gentle farewell. The moments we spent there allowed us to see the true substance of the man – prepared and ready to see the Friend he had worshipped for so long.
Now that he has passed, it is only fitting to expand upon his life in a tribute worthy of his honour.
A teacher and a pioneer
James Ryan was a pioneer who rose from our very ranks to take the highest civil service post under the governor. He served us with a strategic mind, always driven by a desire to see the service improve. In doing so, he shaped the destiny of the civil service in Cayman Brac, perfecting a unique management system of actions and programmes. It is because of his vision that the Brac stands as the only district that bears its own distinct district budget within our parliamentary budget.
Before his monumental work in the civil service, he served his district as a principal, shaping the local school into a wonderful secondary high school. Our paths aligned at that very school; I became a teacher there just as he was transferred – with a well-deserved promotion – to Grand Cayman to serve as chief secretary.
Leadership forged in preparation
His foundational gift as a teacher served him immensely well. Having attended one of the finest male teachers’ colleges in Jamaica, he was uniquely equipped with the art of managing people – a skill he executed masterfully.
As a ‘Bracker,’ he possessed an innate, experiential understanding of what a hurricane truly means to our islands. This unique awareness showed brightly whenever the civil service prepared for natural disasters; his leadership was grounded, practical and unwavering.
Later, during my own days as a permanent secretary, our paths crossed again in the civil service. I watched him walk around, visiting, enquiring and listening. He always knew exactly when to offer a smile of comfort. He had absolutely no reluctance to call a spade a spade, but crucially, he would always take the time to teach you how to use that spade properly.
A lasting grace
When I left his home that day, having shared reflections on my own health challenges as a cancer survivor, I closed my eyes upon reaching my car. A prayer echoed softly in my heart: “Lord, help me to be like him in my final moments.”
I deeply admired his composure – it was not a reluctant submission to death, but a profound knowledge that he possessed peace, joy, love and all good things in his soul. He extended that beautiful grace to all of us who visited him that day.
“Great is thy faithfulness, Oh Lord my Saviour.”
Thank you for your service, your kindness and your enduring example, James Ryan.
May your soul rest in eternal peace.
Lucille Seymour
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