Covid-19 keeps old friends apart

Cayman’s last surviving Justice of the Peace, Captain Owen Farrington, is currently unable to meet with his long-time friend, Mr Earl Ebanks, due to Covid-19 worries, but says he talks with his friend frequently.

The gentleman met when Captain Farrington took Mr Earl Ebanks (who he described as a “poor, young boy”) on board with him when he went to sea, helping him to become trained and go on to be an able seaman.

Retiring from the sea, Mr Earl started painting, and later was able to build a home and some small rental units. He never forgot the goodness of Captain Farrington, and their friendship continues until today.

The photograph was taken when Captain Farrington received an award from Her Majesty The Queen, having been nominated by widowed members of Cayman Islands Seafarers Association. The photograph is dedicated to Mr Earl, Captain Farrington said.

As well as being one of the last JPs of the Cayman Islands, Captain Farrington is the last of the crew of the M V Addie H, the vessel on board which he extinguished a fire that broke out in the engine room, while the ship carried its cargo of dynamite and detonators.He is also the last of the crew of the M V Jemsons of which he was captain, when he rescued 17 shark fishermen who were out of food and water, and took them to Grand Cayman. In the photograph the gentleman to the left is Mr Malachi Anglin who is the last of those shark fishermen.

Also in the photo is Mrs Marie Powery, who was Mrs. Groves when the photograph was taken, and who was one of the widowed members of the Cayman Islands Seafarer’s Association who nominated Capt. Farrington for his award. Mr Leonard Ebanks is a first Cousin of Capt. Farrington and was present for the presentation of the award.

While Covid-19 keeps the elderly away from their friends and other loved ones, Captain Farrington said he is sincerely grateful to the Health Services Authority who have shown how much they care for Cayman’s elderly population, and also the Caymanian people who have respected protocols so that Covid-19 can be contained.

In memory of all deceased Caymanian seamen.

The night is dark and far from home

Support of family means we must roam

With God as our pilot safe harbour we seek

“He” forgets no one, not even the meek

Down the sea in ships we did go

For love of family and country also

Thanks for remembering us at last

Even when this life on earth is past

So farewell tired seafarer

May your soul be with the lord forever.