By Hon. G. Wayne Panton, JP, MP

8 July, 2022

It saddens me and the people of the Cayman Islands to learn of the passing of former Governor of the Cayman Islands Michael Edward John Gore, CVO, CBE, who served our country from 1992 to 1995.

In his 1993, and first, Throne Speech he said, “Cayman is one of the more fortunate countries in the world with a standard of living and, perhaps even more important, a quality of life second to none. I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the churches of all denominations who look after our spiritual well-being and serve the community in so many ways, to the voluntary organisations who look after those less able to look after themselves or concern themselves in areas which are outside the scope of Government, and to all residents who contribute to make the Cayman Islands such a wonderful place in which to live.”

Mr. Gore was also sitting as Governor when Her Majesty the Queen visited the Cayman Islands in 1994 when she knighted former Financial Secretary Vassel Johnson, Cayman’s first knight, and opened the Ed Bush Sports Complex in West Bay.

The contributions of Gov. Gore to our country are immense and we remember him when we observe the Governor Michael Gore Bird Sanctuary, which contains the freshwater marshes of the Spotts-Newlands area which is a roosting and breeding habitat for several freshwater bird species.

As a matter of respect, the Union Flag and the Cayman Islands Flag are being flown at half-mast today and will fly at half-mast again on the day of his funeral or the day before if it falls on a weekend.

Mr. Gore was a dear friend to the people of the Cayman Islands and served these Islands well.

He will certainly be missed.

Our condolences go out to his family and friends.