Remembrance Day celebrations cancelled

(CMR) The Cayman Islands Protocol Office wishes to inform the public that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the risks posed to elderly and vulnerable veterans as well as other attendees, the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Ceremony will not take place this year on Grand Cayman.

“This decision was taken by the Cayman Islands Veterans Association and we fully support them,” said Meloney Syms, Chief of Protocol. “We continue to encourage the public to still give to the poppy appeal. By wearing our poppies, we honor the vulnerability of our aging veterans and give back to them.”

“We appreciate that this is deeply saddening for so many across our islands. However, we took the decision based on the current gathering cap at five hundred (500) and the advice of our trusted medical experts to do what is best to continue to protect those who are most vulnerable in the country.”

“Despite all the changes that have come with 2020, we still encourage everyone to find alternate ways to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifices on our behalf, until we are allowed to once again come together,” said Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Samuel Rose.

Cayman Brac officials in consultation with the Veterans and Seamen Society of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman have decided to proceed with the ceremony on Sunday, 8 November.

Those attending the Cayman Brac ceremony are asked to assemble by 10:30 am on the lawn of the District Administration Building or, in case of inclement weather, the Aston Rutty Centre.

For those unable to attend the Cayman Brac ceremony, the Protocol Office has organized remote and socially distanced ways to still honor our veterans:

• One (1) hour televised special – to air on 8 Nov on CIGTV and Youtube channel. Showtime will be announced early next week.
• Starting at 11.30 am, the community is invited to lay wreaths, reverently throughout the day at the Cenotaph, inside the Elmslie Memorial United Church on Harbour Drive, George Town. Social distancing measures must be in place.
• Join in pausing for the two-minute silence at home or in the workplace 11am Wednesday 11 November. (11^th hour/11^th day/11^th month).

“Poppies are symbolic of those who have given their lives while fighting for the freedoms enjoyed today. Members of the public are encouraged to wear their poppies with pride. Although they can be obtained free-of-charge at various locations, the public is invited to give donations to support local veterans,” Ms. Syms added.