Celebrated educator Islay Conolly, better known as ‘Ms Islay,’ passed away on Sunday at the age of 99.
Honoured with an MBE in 1981, she also received numerous accolades for her contributions to education in Cayman.
Government paid tribute to her ‘spirit of excellence’ on National Heroes Day in 2009 and she became the first recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in Education in 2008.
At that time, the Chamber praised the “quality of her contributions to the improvement of education” including the “raised standards and improved educational environment that have resulted from her efforts”.
Originally from Cayman Brac, Conolly began her career in 1947. She served as the headmistress of Creek Primary School and as Principal of East End Primary School, before her appointment as Chief Education Officer in 1970. She retired from the post in 1982.
She is credited with introducing a community college and providing public education for hearing-impaired students.
Ms Islay also served for many years on the Public Service Commission, which was responsible for hiring civil servants.
“Ms Islay’s influence was ahead of her time, and its benefits have been lasting,” Premier Wayne Panton noted in a tribute released by government on Sunday evening.
The premier praised her legacy, noting that “Those she taught, or who remember her tenure as Chief Education Officer, still talk about her achievements today.”
He lamented that she did not live to see her 100th birthday, but “she was certainly blessed with 99 years of life”.
He offered condolences to her family.
The wife of the late National Hero William Warren Conolly, Ms Islay is survived by children David Ritch and Lady Jacqueline Smellie. Her other son, Burns, passed away last year.
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