Local sports legends retire

After decades of devotion to the local sports scene, three Cayman Islands stalwarts have retired from service with the Department of Sports.

Roy ‘Huta’ Ebanks, Reginald Ramoon and Kenrick Williams left their government jobs in the last quarter of 2021.

Football coach Huta hung up his whistle after 18 years service. Respected as a great motivator, mentor and innovator, coach Huta was a tireless sports ambassador, passing on his immense life skills as well as football prowess in West Bay and throughout the Cayman Islands.

Coach Williams wrapped up 25 years as the Cayman Islands national track and field coach. He leaves an impressive record of training and conditioning hundreds of athletes for regional and international competition.

They included five-time Olympian Cydonie Mothersill, three-time Olympian Ronald Forbes and three-time Olympian Kemar Hyman who competed at last summer’s Tokyo Games, as did Shalysa Wray.

Coach Williams also founded Hy-Tech Tigers Track and Field Club. Not just a coach, he helped secure scholarships to universities and colleges in the US for at least 35 athletes.

Mr Ramoon was a co-founder of North Side Football Club (later North East FC). When coaching he played an integral role in developing football throughout Grand Cayman. Enticed out of retirement seven years ago, Mr Ramoon managed maintenance of the Jimmy Powell Oval, the Truman Bodden Sports Complex and other facilities.

Kurt Hyde, Director of Sports, said: “On behalf of the Department of Sports I want to acknowledge their outstanding service. Between the three of them, they have given the department and the nation decades of knowledge and experience. The impact that these gentlemen have made in our communities is immense and their hard work has positively touched the lives of many.”

Melissa Whorms, Acting Deputy Chief Officer, added: “From coach Huta’s grassroots football programs, to coach Williams’ track club and national program, and Mr Ramoon’s diligent efforts to provide safe and clean facilities, they have each gone way beyond creating outstanding athletes. They have also supported countless ‘at risk’ children through providing and facilitating numerous after school programs and clubs. Their retirement is our loss but we wish them all the best in the future.”

All three retirees were recently recognised at events held by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage.