A special sitting of Parliament has been planned for Sunday, as Cayman begins its celebrations in February to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
This, as on 6 February 1952, 70 years ago, Princess Elizabeth acceded to the throne becoming Queen Elizabeth II and beginning her now seven decades of service to the UK, its territories and the Commonwealth.
The Queen is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee and countries under the UK umbrella are holding celebrations to mark the reign.
Governor Martyn Roper, in the statement, said it is “a remarkable moment in Her Majesty The Queen’s extraordinary reign, which has been dedicated to people far beyond the UK’s shores. So, it is only right that we in the Cayman Islands pay a fitting tribute to our Monarch on this historic occasion”.
February events begin
A commemorative exhibition by the Cayman Islands National Museum will be opened on Saturday, 5 February. This will be followed by Sunday’s special sitting at the House of Parliament, marking the day on which Her Majesty the Queen ascended to the throne upon the death of her father King George.
“Parliament’s programme will include the inspection of an honour guard and royal salutes, a proclamation by His Excellency the Governor on the commencement of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and speeches by the Speaker, Premier and Leader of the Opposition. Parliament’s foyer will feature a display Commonwealth flags, photos of The Queen amongst other memorabilia,” the statement said.
Cayman has already been given an extended long weekend – from 3 to 6 June – to mark the occasion, alongside the traditional Queen’s Birthday holiday.
Cabinet Secretary Samuel Rose, Chair of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Steering Committee responsible for planning local celebrations, pointed out that around the globe, year-long activities are scheduled including public events, community happenings as well as national moments of reflection on The Queen’s 70 years of service.
Cayman’s affection for Queen
Premier Wayne Panton said Caymanians, especially older generations, have always held Her Majesty the Queen in the highest esteem.
“Our collective affection for our monarch has been reinforced by her two visits to the Cayman Islands in 1983 and 1994. To prepare us for our local celebrations, a steering committee of dedicated individuals from across the public and private sectors as well as civil society has been working on creating a suitable programme to commemorate this historic milestone,” he said.
Roper also added that he is always struck by the warm affection for Her Majesty in Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
“By joining in events with the rest of the UK and indeed so many others in the world, we help signal our collective warm feelings of respect and regard for Her Majesty. I heartily encourage all to get involved and participate in these events and my thanks to our excellent organising Committee ably led by Cabinet Secretary Sam Rose for their dedicated work,” he said.
Calendar of events
- Saturday, 5 February – Commemorative exhibition by the Cayman Islands National Museum opens.
- Sunday, 6 February – Special sitting at the House of Parliament
- Sunday 13 March – Commonwealth Day church service St. George’s Anglican Church, George Town
- Monday, 14 March – Commonwealth flag hoisting at Government Administration Building
- Monday 14 March – Annual Youth Parliament opens
- April – Cayman Islands will receive the Queen’s Jubilee Baton in preparation for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in July 2022 in Birmingham, England.
- May – Car show featuring vintage cars.
- June 2 – Outdoor concerts on the grounds of Pedro St. James in Grand Cayman and at the Christopher Columbus Gardens in Cayman Brac.
- Friday, 3 June – Return of an international air show to the Cayman Islands and a live music concert in downtown George Town. Trees will also be planted across the islands as part of a special programme called “The Queen’s Green Canopy: Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”.
- Sunday, 5 June – Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen at Elmslie Memorial Church. This will be followed by a children’s tea party at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park on Sunday afternoon.
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