Ormond Panton was a controversy-generating figure in Cayman Islands’ history, as the people who described his life during the inaugural distinguished lecture series acknowledged. He apparently wasn’t shy about offering his views on what was best for the territory’s future development, arguing passionately for independence when the Cayman Islands had a decision to make after Jamaica separated itself from the United Kingdom in the 1960s. Though he lost to the majority, he led a robust political career as the founder of the territory’s first political party.
His story held the rapt attention of audience members who filled every single chair in the University College of the Cayman Islands’ Sir Vassel Johnson Hall on Thursday, 1 Feb. for the first of three lectures planned for this year.
This series upholds the legacies of outstanding figures in Cayman’s history, and the first was dedicated to Panton. UCCI Associate Professor Stephanie Fullerton-Cooper welcomed attendees, especially surviving members of Panton’s family.
She quoted ‘A Special Son: The Biography of Ormond Panton’, a free copy of which was given to attendees.
‘A very special son of Cayman’
“Mr. Ormond was, as we say in the Caribbean, ‘not easy,’ but anyone who knows his story will agree that this was a man in whom the fires burned a little brighter, a little longer, a little more intensely, than they burn in most of us,” she read. “To all who knew him, to even his detractors, I believe, this was a very special son of Cayman.”
Panton had many fervent supporters, as noted by the evening’s speakers who recalled a song with the lyrics, “We will follow Ormond Panton ‘til we die.”
The evening’s presentation included a video tribute by UCCI TV, in which community leaders shared snippets about Panton’s life.
UCCI Board of Governors Chairman Gilbert McLean, former legislator Roy Bodden, Immigration Appeals Tribunal Chairman Steve McField, attorney Theresa Pitcairn and other community members spoke of Panton’s careers as a lawyer and public servant.
He was the first Caymanian attorney to appear before the Privy Council in London; co-founded the Cayman Bar Association; and later became an officer of the Order of the British Empire, among many other accomplishments.
But beyond his achievements, the speakers lauded Panton’s ability to command a room and his compassion for fellow community members. The documentary claimed that he would deliver food to eastern district residents who lacked transportation and often traded those staples for fish, food or rope when money was lacking.
Panton died in 1992, and the territory declared him a national hero in 2011.
Family through the generations
After audience members were treated to a vibrant performance by the UCCI dance company, attention turned to the evening’s keynote speaker.
Nathan Connolly, an associate professor of history with Johns Hopkins University, used the platform to share his investigative journey into discovering his family lineage from the Cayman Islands.
He traced the family lines back to his great-great-great grandfather, Sea Captain William Smiley Connolly I. His grandson — Nathan’s great grandfather — was reportedly the first Caymanian to earn a bachelor’s degree as a member of the Howard University Class of 2013, according to the university.
Connolly told a winding tale of how his ancestors navigated the world, contending with mental health concerns, racism and other challenges.
The professor described his exploration of his family members’ lives from the 1930s onward.
He followed the family tree to his relatives who live in America. Connolly said the generations of women in his family who navigated immigrating to the United States are the inspiration for his upcoming book ‘Four Daughters: An American Story’.
Connolly noted that his foreparents purchased 100 acres of land on the east end of Grand Cayman, and while the land initially held little worth with its poor soil quality, it now serves as an important connection for family members.
Essay Winners
As part of the distinguished lecture series, the University College of the Cayman Islands hosted an essay competition for students at all levels. The university announced the winners at the lecture, who are as follows:
Primary
First Place: Kristiana Scott-Salazar, Creek and Spot Bay Primary School
Second Place: Nathaniel Danvers, George Town Primary School
Secondary
First Place: Raeann Matute-Scott, Layman E. Scott High School
Second Place: Nickela Davy, Cayman Academy
Third Place: Japeth Pryce, Cayman Academy
Tertiary
First Place: Michelle Merrick, UCCI
Second Place: Abygale Elliot, UCCI
Third Place: Madison Ebanks, UCCI
He said how meaningful it was to be able to become a historian, capable of exploring and protecting treasured family documents and piecing together his family’s story. He shared his appreciation for, in turn, getting to share that story with the Caymanian community.
“This is the greatest honour of my professional life, and I thank you all,” he said.
Upcoming lectures
The remaining lectures will feature other prominent Caymanian figures, though the dates are yet to be announced. While attendance is free, visitors must register at the UCCI website. The dates and featured figures are yet to be announced.
Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, though unable to attend, shared her remarks lauding the university for bringing the islands’ history to life.
Cabinet Minister Dwayne Seymour said on her behalf, “[Panton’s] transformative influence has forever shaped the political landscape and amplified our voice on the global stage. This inaugural lecture bearing his name illuminates our intellectual journey today.”
UCCI President and CEO Dr. Robert Robertson noted the importance of examining the Cayman Islands’ past to better understand its present and prepare for its future.
“It’s a time for us to step back and appreciate the value of research and education,” Robertson said, pledging the university’s commitment to improving the territory’s socioeconomic fabric.
The school has previously held eight other such lectures, but Fullerton-Cooper said this is the first series to specifically celebrate Cayman Islands heroes.
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