My fellow Caymanians and residents,
As we stand at the start of the New Year, I address you with a thankful heart full of hope and a vision filled with possibilities. Today marks not just the beginning of another year but also the dawn of a new chapter in our Islands’ history; a chapter which we must all write together with commitment, courage and compassion.
2024 ended on the highest of notes for the people of the Cayman Islands as for the very first time a Caymanian, Jordan Crooks smashed the world record twice and went on to earn a gold medal in the 50M freestyle at the World Championships in Budapest. The world saw Caymanian greatness on display as he became the first human being to break the sub-20 second mark.
It is an achievement which we as a people proudly celebrate, but it is a reminder of the importance of a strong start and a strong finish.
2024 started with great hope, optimism and a renewed sense of goodwill. However, we soon encountered diverse challenges. These included political shifts both locally and globally, severe weather events and a hurricane that caused significant damage to Little Cayman.
Nevertheless, I am proud to say that the Government endured, demonstrated resilience and pressed on towards the ultimate goal of serving our Caymanian people, in season and out of season. I must hasten to remind you that challenges are often a precursor to success. In 2024, we made great strides in many priority areas of government that moved our Islands forward and put us in a good position to build upon in years to come.
From Financial Services, to Education, Tourism, Sports, Culture and Heritage we experienced successes not only on a local level but importantly on an international level which strengthened our global reputation.
We have continued to make improvements in key Infrastructure, Housing, Agriculture, Social Development, Innovation and Health care including mental health. In particular we got major projects launched and completed keeping our commitments to our people. And when it counted most we showed resilience in supporting our people especially in the Sister Islands before and after the passage of Hurricane Rafael.
With determination we had a strong finish with a productive meeting of the Parliament, putting aside political differences to complete important legislative business.
We also ensured that we have a strong start for 2025 by announcing a 5% cost of living increase for the civil service, which becomes effective on 1st January. We continue to be grateful to every single one of you who deliver government services day after day and work to ensure the smooth running of our ministries, departments and portfolios. It is my fervent hope that this uplift will make a difference in your pockets as you start the new year.
The good work of our civil servants cannot be overstated. You represent the heart of the Caymanian middle class, but you also represent the soul of our people as you come to work everyday with dedication and commitment to serve and protect through storms, political transitions and change. You are our unsung heroes. Your steady hand keeps our country going and so I salute you for all that you do.
Fellow Caymanians, as we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the dawn of 2025, there are many things of which we can be proud and many things for which we must be thankful.
While government continues to serve you, let us remember that our collective welfare rests on our individual actions. Let us extend our hands and hearts to those who really need our compassion. Our empathy and support can make a difference. And like our world record holding champion Jordan Crooks, let us persevere and push through the challenges and resistance that are inevitable in 2025. Most importantly let us as Caymanians celebrate with one another whenever we have a victory, whenever we experience success. It has been a joy to see Caymanians from all walks of life celebrating this victory. That’s how it should be everyday.
Let us leave behind the negativity, jealousy and anything that tears our neighbour down.
Let us embrace the role of being our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers and go back to our ways when we not only look out for ourselves but also neighbours and strangers.
Let us step into 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose, rekindled spirit of unity and unwavering commitment to a nation of peace, hope and prosperity.
On behalf of this government, I wish for you all a safe and healthy new year. I pray that the Lord will bless and keep you, that his face will shine upon you and bring you peace. I pray that He will also continue to bless and give grace to these beloved isles that we call home.
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