Two national ‘treasures’ of the Cayman Islands, who are both deceased, will be recognised in a unique way.

World renowned, visionary intuitive painter from the Cayman Islands, the late Miss Gladwyn “Lassie” Bush, and beloved local folk musician and drummer, the late ‘Aunt’ Julia Hydes will be remembered with specially crafted headstones to mark their graves.

The Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin, as the Culture Minister, handed over a cheque for $24,000 made out to the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) in the presence of the two icons’ family members in a handover ceremony at Government Administration Building on 3 May 2017.

Premier McLaughlin reiterated the high regard and esteem that the Cayman Islands community continues to have for these two cultural stalwarts for their impact on the Cayman Islands. He added he looks forward to the placement of the headstones which will take some six months to fabricate and install.

Ms Gladwyn Klosking Bush, who is interred at the South Sound Community Cemetery, passed away on 24 November 2003 at the age of 84. She was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and also received a number of awards for her contributions to art, music and culture.

Ms Julia Almeira Hydes was 104 when she passed away on 15 November 2015 and is interred at the West Bay Cemetery. She received the Certificate and Badge of Honour (Cert. Hon.) as well as several awards, including the CNCF award for pioneering work in cultural heritage. The Premier handed over the cheque to CNCF Managing Director Marcia Muttoo in the presence of Ms Edith Yates, grandniece of Miss Lassie; and members of Aunt Julia’s family: Mr. Edroy Hydes, son; Mr. Rolando Hydes and Mr. Junior Hydes, grandsons, Ms Kayra Hydes, great-granddaughter and Mrs. Reina Jefferson, grandniece.

Photo caption: Photo by Bina Mani, GIS

Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin hands over a cheque to CNCF Managing Director, Ms Marcia Muttoo, to fund commemorative headstones for Cayman’s cultural icons, Miss Lassie and Aunt Julia. Also present on the occasion are (l-r) Aunt Julia’s great granddaughter Ms. Kayra Hydes, grandson Mr. Rolando Hydes, son Mr. Edroy Hydes; grandson Mr. Junior Hydes; Ms Lassie’s grandniece Ms Edith Yates and Aunt Julia’s grandniece Ms Reina Jefferson.