Former Cayman Islands Gov. Thomas Russell Memorial Service held

Government officials, civil servants and others attended a memorial service this morning (Thursday, 4 August 2016), in celebration of the life of the much-respected former Governor of the Cayman Islands, the late Col. Thomas Russell, CMG, CBE.

A former Governor and friend of the Cayman Islands, Mr. Russell was the third Governor of the Cayman Islands and the longest serving of all to date, arriving in 1974 and serving for seven years.

The programme of prayers, scriptures, songs and fond recollections was held on the lawn of the Government Administration Building.

Dignitaries included Her Excellency the Governor Helen Kilpatrick, CB; Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE; Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon.; Leader of the Opposition Hon. McKeeva Bush, OBE; former Chief Secretary Lemuel Hurlston, CVE MBE; Chief Secretary James Ryan, CBE; former Cayman Islands Representative in the UK Jennifer Dilbert, MBE; Justices of the Peace Association representative Albert Anderson; and Cayman Islands Veterans Association representative Andrew McLaughlin.

Paying final respects in her remarks, Her Excellency the Governor Helen Kilpatrick, CB, said, “He was a model statesman who will be missed by all those he came into contact with. Thomas Russell was unique to his time. He promoted a philosophy of effective and efficient governance which focused on the importance of improving people’s lives in a sustainable way.”

She noted that his ethical and sincere approach led to him being regarded by many as the “Peoples Governor”, and he demonstrated the importance of the relationship between a Governor and the people.

Ms. Kilpatrick added, “…His long life was filled with good work which we can all aspire to, and sets a standard which we should all strive to achieve.”

These sentiments were echoed by Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP, MLA, who said, “We remember with fondness and love former Governor of the Cayman Islands Thomas Russell who died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Scotland at age 96 on 5 July…With his passing, the Cayman Islands has indeed lost a true friend. May his soul rest in peace.”

Governor Russell was appointed to the Cayman Islands in 1974; a critical time in the early development of the offshore financial industry as well as tourism. After seven years’ service, he was invited to establish the Cayman Islands Government Office in London, which opened in 1982.

That Office provides diplomatic links between the Cayman Islands and the United Kingdom, builds relationships and enhances Cayman’s interests there. He also helped to found the UK Overseas Territories Association.

Following his “second retirement” he kept up with developments in Cayman.
His public service career spanned 52 years – a record unlikely to be surpassed given today’s strict rules on retirement age. His knowledge and understanding of Overseas Territories were not only invaluable in his role as head of the Cayman Islands London Office, but also to the Foreign Office.

Mr. Russell’s exemplary military service was also noted. Before he came to Cayman, he served in World War II, and became a prisoner of war. Subsequent to his release from military duty at the end of the war, the Cayman Islands is one of the many overseas areas where he served the Crown.

Mr. Russell was also a long-time Veterans Association’s representative at the Royal Commonwealth Ex-services League Headquarters in London and in November 2012 was appointed as its Vice President for Life by the League’s Grand President His Royal Highness Prince Philip.

He served the Cayman Islands Veterans Association, of which he was a founding member in 1978, as well as the RCEL, with distinction in several capacities. The Cayman Islands Veterans Association recently held a memorial service.

Mr. Manderson also made a tribute on behalf of his family, with whom Mr. Russell kept close relations. His mother, Mrs. Jenny Manderson, MBE, also participated in the service.

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