Those who watched the proceedings in the Legislative Assembly yesterday morning were witness to history – in more ways than one.
Governor Bruce Dinwiddy gave his third and final Throne Speech before members of the Legislative Assembly, two former governors, media and guests.
Mr. Dinwiddy is retiring from his post and returning home to the United Kingdom with his wife, Emma.
He said leaving this country will be a poignant experience as he has considered serving the past three and a half years an enormous privilege. He reflected on the warmth, friendship and generosity of so many Caymanians.
While Mr. Dinwiddy’s farewell to the Legislative Assembly was an historic act, it is not the first time the people of the Cayman Islands have bid farewell to a governor.
What was most historic was his announcement that he will be the last governor to greet members of the Assembly while dressed in full garb, from his feather white hat to his snappy white suit and shoes.
Ceremonial governor’s dress for addressing the Legislative Assembly and even on the most formal of occasions will no longer be expected or practiced. Future governors will wear normal business attire.
We think that in a way, that’s sad.
Mr. Dinwiddy explained that we are among few countries that still lean on ceremony when it comes to dress.
There is a move among the political power brokers throughout the United Kingdom and the Caribbean countries that attach themselves to the UK to make themselves more approachable to the common man.
One way to do this, many figure, is to do away with ceremonial dress.
It’s a way to keep up with the changing times, many will argue.
But each time we give in to changing times we give up a part of our heritage.
One would never think of asking Her Majesty the Queen to give up her crown, sceptre and mace when addressing her fellow countrymen.
And we hope that this effort of keeping up with changing times doesn’t mean she will even consider such a move.
It’s sad enough that the semblance of pomp and circumstance we get to experience each year as the Throne Speech is read is disappearing.
We’re having a hard time envisioning the next Passing Out parade being presided over by a governor in plain business dress.
Making the governor appear as just another ordinary business man just doesn’t seem right.
His is a high position in the Cayman Islands, which should be reflected in mannerism and attire.
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