Mr. Howell, Caymanian Icon, Passes Away

By: Flynn Bush

This past January 7, A Caymanian icon celebrated his latest birthday with family and friends. It was a momentous occasion. After all, very few people, even in today’s world of advanced medicine, reach the ripe old age of 106. Mr. Wellesley Howell attained that milestone, and it was a happy time. Sadly, it was to be his last birthday celebration as on July 23, 2021, Mr. Howell passed on to his eternal rest.

On Mr. Howell’s 105th birthday, the CMEA President, Jean Eric Smith, stated, ““Mr. Howell has set a great example in every aspect and if we should have the privilege of seeing the years that he has, it would be a magnificent blessing to do so with the grace and dignity he has shown.” That was an indication of how much this centenarian has meant to the community in the Cayman Islands.

Leaving a long list of accomplishments behind you is a sign of an accomplished man. However, leaving behind a legacy of strong and successful children is a sign of a blessed man. By those definitions, Mr. Wellesley Howell was both accomplished and blessed. With his passing, he leaves behind a litany of family members including Lyneth Monteith, Wesley Howell and Carl Faud. Now, his legacy will undoubtedly continue through them.

Coming to Cayman in 1958, initially for a music gig, Mr. Howell would say much later in his life, “I was born in Jamaica, but I got to Cayman at the time God wanted me to.” He was a spiritual man and believed in God’s plan being fulfilled. On his 104th birthday he expressed gratitude for his long life and was reserved to accept whatever more years or days God would allow him to spend on earth. We should all emulate that sentiment.

Now, that the Cayman Island’s oldest man has passed the baton and finished his earthly race, we should all pause to contemplate the meaning of life; specifically, what it means to us, and for us. Mr. Howell showed us how to do your best at whatever you choose to do; how to treat others with respect and dignity; and how to accept God’s will. Learning these lessons would do only good for us all. In the meantime, the country pauses to remember an icon, and to ponder a life well-lived. God rest your soul, Mr. Wellesley Howell.