The Cayman Islands’ proud seafaring heritage was celebrated on Saturday as seafarers, their families and members of the wider community gathered for the Anchors Away Fun Day at the Seafarer’s Hall in Red Bay.
Organised by the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association, the free community event transformed the hall into a lively family celebration from 1pm to 5pm, with food, drinks, music and activities for all ages.
Children enjoyed face painting, cotton candy, tug-of-war, snow cones, a waterslide and games, while adults joined in dominoes and a Zumba session, creating an afternoon that reflected the close-knit spirit of the seafaring community.
The event followed this year’s International Day of the Seafarer, observed globally on 25 June under the theme “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risks.” The annual observance recognises the vital role seafarers play in transporting more than 80% of global trade, while acknowledging the sacrifices and dangers they face at sea.
In a message marking the occasion, Premier André Ebanks paid tribute to the generations of Caymanians whose years at sea helped build the country.
The premier also announced that longtime Cayman Islands Seafarers Association President Denniston Leitch Tibbetts had been appointed an officer of the Order of the Cayman Islands for his outstanding service to the community and his lifelong commitment to preserving Cayman’s seafaring heritage.
As Tibbetts is currently unwell, the honour was presented earlier this month to his daughters, Denise Tibbetts and Christa Tibbetts-Burgos, during a private investiture ceremony.
The recognition reflects his decades of leadership within the Seafarers Association and his broader service through other organisations, including the Lions Club of Grand Cayman and the One-to-One mentoring programme.
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