4 honoured in first King’s list

Four Caymanians are named for outstanding services to the Cayman Islands in the first King’s New Year Honours list. Announced by The Governor Martyn Roper, the recipients are; lawyer Rosie Whittaker-Myles, conductor Susan Horrocks, press officer Reina Jefferson and prison director Claira Range.

Whittaker-Myles of RWM Chambers, Cayman Islands is the former Chairwoman of the Commission for Standards in Public Life. She is awarded Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the community in the Cayman Islands.

Horrocks is the Director and Conductor of the Cayman National Choir and Founder and Director of the Cayman National Orchestra. She is awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the arts in the Cayman Islands.

Jefferson is a founding member and former President of the Cayman Islands Early Childhood Association. She too is awarded a BEM, for services to literacy and education in the Cayman Islands.

Range, Deputy Director at Fairbanks Women’s Prison and Director at Eagle House Rehabilitation Centre. She too gets a BEM for services to the Prison Service and to the wider community in the Cayman Islands.

Governor Roper said: “I am also delighted to announce four King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour awardees including two from Cayman Brac. These are awarded locally by Governors in some Overseas Territories to those who have made outstanding contributions to our Islands. A much deserved late addition to this list is Jordan Crooks who has warmed the hearts of our entire community with his outstanding achievement in becoming a swimming world champion in the 50m freestyle. Jordan is an extraordinary role model for our youth. With the support of a wonderful family and his coaches, he has demonstrated remarkable dedication, persistence, skill and hard work to make history in the Cayman Islands.”

Besides Crooks, the other local recipients are Christopher Murray for services to at risk youth, Edgar Bodden, for public service and Chevala LaWanda Burke for services to the government and wider community. Mr Roper added: “I send my warmest congratulations to all those receiving awards.”