Cayman’s last surviving vestryman Arley Miller dies

(CMR) Cayman’s last surviving vestryman Arley James (A.J) Miller, has died. Mr. Miller passed away on Sunday, 8 May.

Leader of the Progressives Roy McTaggart paid tribute to Mr. Miller in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday.

“With the passing of A.J. Miller, our Islands have lost yet another Caymanian icon who loved and served his country and his people. His name is written in our history books,” Mr. McTaggart said.

“So even with the passage of time, he will be remembered by future generations of Caymanians. We, the members of the Progressives, recognize and pay tribute to the legacy of Mr. Miller and his contribution, alongside his political colleagues, to the modernizing of Cayman’s politics and economy,” the Opposition leader added.

Mr. McTaggart said the members of the entire Progressives family were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Miller.

Mr. McTaggart explained that before his passing, Mr.  Miller had been the last surviving Vestryman to serve in the Assembly of Justices and Vestry, Cayman's original legislative body, which transitioned to the Legislative Assembly on 13 July 1959. It is now known as the House of Parliament.

Mr. Miller was one of the 35 Justices and Vestrymen who oversaw the transition to a more politically and economically modern Cayman Islands.

It was a transition that included Cayman receiving its Coat of Arms and first written constitution.

“As a politician and political campaigner, Mr. Miller was very respected, and he served his beloved Bodden Town and Cayman Islands for many years,” Mr. McTaggart stated.

Mr. Miller was recognized at the 2020 National Heroes Day celebrations at Heroes square.

“On behalf of the Progressives, I offer sincere condolences to Mr. Miller’s family and friends,” Mr. McTaggart said.