Government officials, representatives of voluntary organisations, relatives, friends and a host of persons from all walks of life gathered Sunday to pay final respects to Sybil Joyce Hylton, celebrating a life of service in the field of social welfare in the Cayman Islands.
Ms Hylton |
Paying tribute on behalf of the Government and the people of the Cayman Islands to the life and work of the 93-year-old former public servant and life-time community volunteer, Kurt Tibbetts, Leader of Government Business, classed Miss Joyce as among the ‘most outstanding examples of positive and involved citizenry.
‘Saying that her ‘remarkable life had a large and lasting impact on the young people of these Islands,’ Mr. Tibbetts said that Miss Joyce had ‘made a difference in this country not only through her devotion as a probation and welfare officer, but also as an unparalleled and untiring volunteer. Indeed, her work day – if one could call it that – was never finished.’
Appealing to those attending to emulate her efforts, Mr. Tibbetts said: ‘I represent a grateful nation today as I say, ‘Thank you, Miss Joyce. Thank you for everything you did.’ ‘
Others paying tribute included the Hon. McKeeva Bush, Leader of the Opposition, along with representatives of a number of voluntary organisations, led by the Lions Club of Grand Cayman and of Tropical Gardens, the Scouts, the Young Parents Programme. Mrs. Angela Martins, a cousin of Miss Joyce, read a tribute on behalf of adopted son Mike Simmons as well as paying her own homage to a mentor and role model.
Officiating ministers included Pastor John Macmillan; Pastor James Arch, and Pastor Al Ebanks.
Miss Joyce was born on 25 August, 1913, and passed away peacefully on 1 October, 2006. Internment was at the Dixie Cemetery.
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