In a ceremony unlike any other seen in East End, Mr. Percival (Will) Jackson received the medal of an Officer in the Order of the British Empire on Saturday night.
Mr. Percival (Will) Jackson receives the medal of an Officer of the order of the British Empire from the Governor Mr. Stuart Jack. Witnesses include OBE recipients Mr. John McLean, left, and Mr. Linford Pierson. Photo: Carol Winker |
Around 250 friends, family members and well-wishers gathered at the William Allen McLaughlin Civic Centre to watch the Governor, Mr. Stuart Jack, present the medal on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.
Only three other East Enders have received the OBE – Messrs. Warren Conolly, John B. McLean and Linford Pierson; each was presented with his award at a Queen’s Birthday Parade in downtown George Town.
Mr. Will’s honour, announced at the Queen’s Birthday Parade in June this year, is in recognition of his services to the preservation of Caymanian culture and history.
In making the presentation, Mr. Jack said each time he met Mr. Will or heard him speak, he was impressed by his wisdom, essential goodness, and example he set to others.
In response, Mr. Will joked that it made him feel good to see so many people turn out for what was a happy occasion and not a criminal one. More seriously, he said he had always tried to be a good citizen and was honoured to know he had won the respect of his people.
The many ways in which he did so were referred to by the speakers who took part in the programme, as well as master of ceremonies Austin Harris.
Mr. John McLean read Mr. Will’s biography, setting out a career that included service in the Home Guard and a policeman; 20 years at sea, rising to the rank of chief steward; farmer, insurance agent, co-proprietor of Will and Sybil’s Economy Store for 21 years. Mr. Will, born 12 December 1922, told stories of old Cayman and these gradually took the shape of newspaper and magazine articles and then books, Up from the Deep and Smoke Pot Days.
Mrs. Vernecia Watler read the tribute from Mr. Will’s wife, Miss Sybil. She had everyone laughing at her account of their courtship. As Mr. Harris commented, with that sense of humour and writing style, it was easy to understand how the couple had been happily married for 42 years.
Nephew Lloyd Samson shared family memories and said he had received assurance from National Hero Mrs. Sybil McLaughlin that he could say Mr. Will’s award was overdue.
Pastor Al Powell spoke of Mr. Will’s 60+ years of service to the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 45 years as First Elder.
East End ML Arden McLean, Minister for Works, said one amazing thing about the award is that it would not change Mr. Will one bit. ‘He has lived a fruitful life – his way, and not expecting anything in return.’
He said he was proud to have recommended Mr. Will for Queen’s Honours and pleased by the support his proposal had received.
Mr. Pierson spoke of how he had been influenced by Mr. Will in his early impressionable years. He paid tribute to Miss Sybil as the good and loving wife.
Leader of Government Business Kurt Tibbetts endorsed every accolade and thanked Mr. Will for the contributions he had made to his district and to his country. He told Mr. Jack, ‘I am happy you were kind enough to do the honours among his own people.’
Other participants in the programme included Pastor Wesley Nyack, who led the opening prayer; Mr. Glarman Grant, who led the singing of the National Anthem and National Song; East End Primary School students, who entertained with a recitation and songs; Mrs. Carmen, Conolly, who offered the blessing of food; and Mrs. Carmilee Pearson, who gave the vote of thanks.
High on her list was Mrs. Delmira Bodden, who helped organise the event. She also thanked Mr. Dorrin Green, who put together a slide show depicting highlights in Mr. Will’s life. Cooks were praised for their contributions to the hearty dinner that concluded the evening.
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