(CMR) Seventy-five individuals were honored and awarded for meritorious services given throughout the Cayman Islands COVID-19 pandemic response in 2020. The last of three awards events to honor these individuals was held last week.
Governor Martyn Roper, alongside the Premier, hosted three receptions at Government House to officially recognize their efforts and award each of them with the Cayman Islands Certificate and Badge of Honour. These were a larger number of awards than usual, reflecting the unprecedented and extraordinary situation of the global pandemic.
The categories of awards highlighted meritorious services given throughout the COVID-19 pandemic from civil servants within Cayman Islands Government and government entities, Health Services Authority personnel, teachers, individuals from the private sector, and community members who put service before self during an unprecedented time.
Special recognition was given to local businessmen Vernie Coe and Craig Merren, who organized the initial supply of test kits for Cayman with the then head of the Governor’s Office, Matthew Forbes, and philanthropist Susan Olde who contributed to the costs of bringing test kits from South Korea to Cayman.
The three receptions at Government House were held on the 9th and 11th of February and the 16th of June. Guests at each reception were welcomed by the Cayman Arts Festival Elite Ensemble, who performed at all three receptions. The ensemble is a combination of students from public and private schools across the country who are identified as musically gifted. The receptions expressed gratitude for the services rendered to the people of Cayman in areas such as public health, financial services, education, civil service and government entities, the procurement of testing kits, and more.
Governor Martyn Roper said:
“This was a difficult time for our community and a time of great uncertainty and anxiety. So many people stepped up to support and went over and beyond to keep Cayman safe and functioning throughout a global pandemic. My congratulations to all the recipients and those involved in the organization and delivery of the award ceremonies. Cayman can be very proud of its handling of the global pandemic.”
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