(CMR) Local seafarers celebrated their seafaring heritage at the 3rd Annual Cayman Islands Sea Sunday event, hosted by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Cayman Islands and the Cayman Islands Seafarers’ Association on Sunday, 9 July, at the Seafarers’ Hall in Prospect, Grand Cayman.
The special day, which is observed on the second Sunday in July each year, is a global celebration that gives God thanks for the lives and work of mariners and their families, as well as recognizes their positive impact on international trade.
In the spirit of Sea Sunday, the opening prayer was delivered by the Cayman Islands Seafaring Association’s in-house Chaplain, Delano Bush, a former seafarer himself.
Following tradition, the national song of the Cayman Islands, Beloved Isle Cayman, filled the Hall. Also, on the program was an in-memoriam moment of silence and the ringing of the bell.
The celebration in Grand Cayman was filled with stories of yesteryear, prayer, and thanksgiving as well as food, fellowship, and fun surprises for attendees.
President of the Cayman Islands Seafarer’s Association, Denniston Tibbetts, stated that he was proud to know that seafarers have done so much to build the Cayman Islands.
“It is important that we keep activities going to recognize this group that has done so much for us. The first Sea Sunday event was held in Grand Cayman; last year, we were in Cayman Brac, and it is fitting that today we are at the Seafarers’ Hall,” he said.
He further noted that CISA has changed the rules to include membership of adult children of seafarers and also that they are currently adapting the articles of association to provide membership to grandchildren.
During the proceedings, the President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Cayman Islands Merle Whorms McGann, gave the welcome address and kept the proceedings enjoyable for the over one hundred guests who gathered to celebrate the Cayman Islands’ rich seafaring, history, culture and heritage.
In her closing address, Whorms McGann reminded the audience that seafaring is not a thing of the past but still a vital part of the Caymanian and the global economy.
“Today, seafarers bring the world more than 93% of all household and business amenities. Without our seafarers, the world economy would collapse,” she explained.
The celebratory event included the introduction to the Cayman Maritime Foundation’s book, “The History of Turtlers and Schooners of the Cayman Islands.”
Sponsors of Cayman Islands Sea Sunday included A.L. Thompson, Fosters, Progressive Distributors Limited, Uncle Bill’s, Subway, Cayman Airways, Member of Parliament Moses Kirkconnell, and Zemar Uniques Photography.
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