MYSCH National Heroes Day 2023 Recap

National Heroes Day 2023 recognised more than 200 recipients under the theme of “Volunteerism and Charitable Services” in ceremonies held in Grand Cayman and in Cayman Brac. These ceremonies, steeped heavily in symbolism and tradition, featured time-honoured customs such as; the uniform parade, blowing of the conch shell, and the singing of the national anthem and national song.

Dignitaries including His Excellency, the Governor Mr. Martyn Roper, OBE; Premier, Hon. G. Wayne Panton, JP, MP; Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage Hon. Bernie Bush, MP; elected members of government, opposition members, honourees, nomination committee members, guests and the public were in attendance to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Cayman’s largest annually-held recognition event, honoured recipients in the Early Pioneer, Pioneer, Philanthropist and Voluntary Services categories with a custom insignia marking the occurrence.

The insignia celebrated the efforts of the honourees with the representation of the:

Coat of Arms: cultural tie to the Cayman Islands.

Hands: symbolising the volunteers helping hands, holding together and raising up the community.

The Heart: symbolises the core value of volunteerism.

Circular Shape: symbolises the never-ending circle of giving/volunteerism.

Thatch Rope: reflects the interwoven persons of different cultures and social backgrounds who are at the core of volunteerism.

Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage Hon. Bernie Bush spoke about the nation’s cultural legacy of volunteerism coming from the beliefs of our founding fathers and our sense of Caymanian hospitality and Christian values.  “As we reflect on the ceremonies for 2023 and honour the many persons who continue to give selflessly to our community, with or without recognition, we hope this fosters the value of giving back.”

Premier, Hon. G. Wayne Panton announced the National Heroes Day’s 2024 theme, Celebrating Our Cultural Artists and Creatives at the celebration held on Monday, 23 January 2023. As the Ministry responsible for supporting the awareness and preservation of local culture and heritage, the news is particularly encouraging.

Chief Officer, Teresa Echenique stated, “Throughout 2023 we look forward to promoting and supporting volunteers and charitable services in our work and events. Our volunteers are special to us and we want to ensure they are truly recognised for their hard work.”

We thank family, friends and the wider public for their nominations and joining us in celebrating this event. Additionally, we invite you to look out for the start of nominations for 2024 in the upcoming months because you are an important part of making this process and events a success.”