Seafarers Association open new building

(l-r) Hon McKeeva Bush Lindbergh Eden cut the ribbon
over the doors of the brand new Cayman Islands
Seafarers Association building at Red Bay

(l-r) Hon Roy Bodden, George Booth Hurlstone, and Hon
Gilbert McLean await the official opening

Hon Gilbert McLean and seaman William ‘Buddy’ Wood

Sailors talk before the speeches

Linberg Glasgow with Tina(l) and Tara

Gathering outside before the proceedings

Friday,  March 4, 2005

The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association opened their new building, with the front build as a replica of a cargo-boat bridge, on Wednesday 23 February. Outside the building, hundreds of retired seafarers gathered.

Following some refreshments, the singing of the National Anthem and Prayer of Dedication led by Ransford Reid, a bottle of champagne was smashed against the side of the building to christen it, in the style of a ship on her maiden voyage. 

The ribbon cutting was performed by Hon McKeeva Bush, and Lindbergh Eden. 

Once inside, President of the Association, Andrew Eden, spoke about the smart new hall.

Later in the evening, seafarers’ medals were presented to the seafarers, by Hon. McKeeva Bush and Hon. Roy Bodden, and plaques were presented by Andrew Eden.

The North Side Kitchen band provided music, as the formal aspects of the evening gave way to celebration.

Before they did so however Mr Bush gave a speech congratulating the Association on their new permanent base. He told the seafarers how grateful he on behalf of all in the Cayman Islands was for their work and that of their predecessors.

“In the early years of our development, the seamen were the backbone of this country,” said Mr Bush.

“In current and yet to be written history our seamen can justly share the credit for carving the foundation on which these Islands have been built.”
He talked of the bravery of those who made a life on the seas and noted how the strength of the nation was as a result of their strength. 

He lamented the decline in the profession when he said:

“Regrettably, I am only too well aware that today our seamen are a declining national treasure. It is the more regrettable because your lives tell the story of some of the most memorable times in our history.”

Mr Bush concluded his speech by telling those present that they were, “numbered among some of the truest unsung heroes of our times.”

“You faced up to challenges, sailed ever forward; never doubted, but kept your eyes on distant goals. You slept to wake; fell to rise again; braced against the forces, regrouped after the storms. May God bless you abundantly, as you continue to serve the needs of your fellow seamen.”

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