News
QuincentennialCommittee now Chaired by Ezzard Miller
Mr. EzzardMiller
A former Government Member (Minister) of the Executive Counciland MLA for North Side, Mr. Ezzard Miller has been appointed tobe the new Chairman of the Quincentennial Celebrations Committee.
This was announced last Thursday by HisExcellency the Governor, Mr. Peter J. Smith together with membersof the Executive Council. The appointment is effective immediately.
Mr. Miller, who replaces Mr. Smith as chairman,comments, "I feel honoured and grateful for the opportunityto head the Quincentennial Celebrations Committee, and appreciatethe confidence that His Excellency and ExCo have placed in meto coordinate the celebration of our Islands' history."
Tourism Minister the Hon. McKeeva Bush especiallylauds Mr. Miller's appointment, stating, "With his deep appreciationfor our local history and his close ties with North Side, Mr.Miller takes much pride in documenting our ancestry and historicachievements; therefore, we feel that he will give this projectfresh impetus."
Mr. Miller brings years of experience inpublic office to his new role, having served as the North SideMLA from 1984 until 1992, the last four of those years in ExecutiveCouncil. He sees his main objective as building on the foundationwhich Mr. Smith has laid, promising to build on his own reputationfor upholding the Caymanian identity.
He plans to "make the celebration somethingdefinitively Caymanian, emphasising the achievements of our forefathersthroughout 500 years of economic, parliamentary and maritime history."But rather than re-inventing the proverbial wheel, Mr. Millersees the committee as a hub which, through skillful coordination,will link existing cultural activities for Cayman's watershedanniversary.
Mr. Bush, whose ministry oversees the QuincentennialCelebration, regards it as an opportunity for tourism to use thecelebration of our history during this year and next, "tostrengthen our economic pillars." He also agrees with Mr.Miller who explains, "We will market it overseas as a uniquelyCaymanian attraction. We will be true to our Caymanian heritagerather than internationalising it for tourism purposes. Afterall, tourists want to see the real Cayman."
Both are anxious to highlight Cayman's maritimehistory, which they feel is often overlooked. Mr. Bush explains:"The restoration of lighthouses on the various islands ashistorical markers fits the committee's objectives. We want toseize the chance to celebrate Cayman's great maritime heritage,and to honour those notable seamen who helped to build the goodship Cayman."
Mr. Bush is confident that the committeeis in capable hands, "I am grateful to His Excellency theGovernor for his leadership of this project over the past yearand I have no doubt that Mr. Miller will continue to lead thecommittee effectively. Once again I thank Mr. Miller for agreeingto serve and look forward to working with him in this unique celebrationof Cayman."