Cayman Seafarers Registry Launch a Success, Moves to Cayman Brac
Premier Hon. André Ebanks addresses attendees at the launch of the Seafarers Registry at Constitution Hall last week.
There was overwhelming community support and attendance at the official launch of the Cayman Islands Seafarers Registry, an online portal dedicated to preserving the stories and memorabilia of seafarers and their families. The event was hosted by Celebrate Cayman at Constitution Hall, George Town last week.
In attendance were Premier, Honourable André Ebanks, Speaker of the House of Parliament, Honourable Ezzard Miller, several Ministers of Government, Members of Parliament as well as seafarers, veterans, family members, other senior Government officials and the general public.
Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage (YSCH), Hon. Isaac Rankine who delivered opening remarks noted the importance of the registry stating, “This registry is more than an online portal. It is a promise to future generations that we will never forget the sacrifices of our seafarers and forefathers.”
Executive Chairman of Celebrate Cayman, Alfonso Wright expressed his delight at the turnout for the event. “The number of attendees who came out to support the launch, despite the rainy weather, was an unexpected but very welcome surprise. It shows the depth of appreciation in our community for the contributions of our seafarers and shaping Caymanian identity, culture and history,” he said.
A special highlight of the evening was a story quilt, stitched with care by the community group Friends & Needles. Weaving together the rich tapestry of our seafaring past, the quilt stands as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who braved the seas, stayed behind, and built a future, ensuring their stories sail on through generations.
The Seafarers’ Registry, an initiative led by Celebrate Cayman in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, encourages current and former seafarers and their families to document their service with the aim to preserve it for generations to come. An exhibition, which showcases artefacts and documents from Cayman’s seafaring history is open to the public at the Historic Room at the George Town Public Library until 4 July, from 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m. The last of the Speaker Series celebrating the Islands’ maritime heritage will also be held at the library on Thursday, 3 July starting at noon.
Celebrate Cayman will also launch the Seafarers Registry in Cayman Brac at the Veterans and Seaman’s Association Hall on Thursday, 10 July. A similar exhibition of historical artefacts will be available for viewing at the same location from 10 to 12 July; with a lunch hour speaker session on Friday, 11 July.
For more information about the Seafarers Registry and the events, contact [email protected].
