Cayman put on a dazzling show of royal tradition on Monday, 23 June, as crowds gathered outside Government House in West Bay to celebrate the official birthday of King Charles III.
The skies cleared just in time for the ceremony, which featured a full parade of uniformed services and all the pomp and pageantry of a classic British celebration.
The event opened with a procession of the senior uniformed services, including detachments from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, the Cayman Islands Regiment, Cayman Islands Fire Service, His Majesty’s Prison Service and the Cayman Islands Coast Guard. They were followed by youth representatives from the Girls’ Brigade, Scouts, Cub Scouts and the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps.
Premier André Ebanks arrived first, receiving a General Salute, followed by Governor Jane Owen, who received the Royal Salute before inspecting the parade. As she walked the lines, the governor shared light-hearted words and exchanged smiles with parade participants, including members of the police band.
In keeping with British ceremonial tradition, the symbolic arrival of the Sovereign was marked by the playing of ‘God Save The King’, and a 21-gun salute. The crowd remained standing for a prayer led by Brother Duane Jeffries, followed by the national song, ‘Beloved Isle Cayman’, performed by Jhenelle Colquhoun.
The celebration concluded with a spirited call of “Three Cheers for His Majesty The King,” followed by the symbolic departure of the Sovereign.
In a moving segment of the King’s Birthday ceremony, awards were presented to three outstanding Caymanians in recognition of their service. Deputy Governor Franz Manderson announced the awards, which were presented by Owen.
Loxley Banks received the Member of the Order of the British Empire for his exceptional contribution to broadcasting in the Cayman Islands.
Frances McConvey was awarded the British Empire Medal for her dedication to music education.
The Cayman Islands Certificate and Badge of Honour was posthumously awarded to Morgan DaCosta for his work in cultural preservation. His widow, Joycelyn DaCosta, accepted the award on his behalf and shared an emotional moment with the governor.
The King’s Birthday celebrations concluded with the departure of the governor and premier, followed by the withdrawal of the parade contingents, bringing to a close a meaningful and memorable day celebrating the Cayman Islands’ close connection to the Crown.
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