Seafarer’s President John Smith, Spokesman Ellio Solomon (rear), His Exellency the Governor Stuart Jack and fundraising chairman Timothy Solomon. (Photo by Mwangi Ngamate)

By Mwangi Ngamate
Mwangi@caymannetnews.com

Outgoing governor H.E Stuart Jack was presented with a farewell gift of appreciation by members of the Seafarer’s Association last Monday.

Fundraising chairman, Timothy Solomon, and the President John Smith visited the offices of the governor to present to him with a painting as well as the 2010 Seafarer’s calendar.

The painting illustrates one of the renowned ships that was used in the middle of last century as a mode of transport within the islands and to Jamaica, the WH Arbutus.

During the presentation, the governor was applauded by members of the Seafarer’s Association for being calm in the face of the opposition and tension.

Cayman Islands Seafarer’s Association President, John Smith noted that Mr Jack was always composed and by all means avoided confrontational politics.

“Our politicians have a lot to learn from you, since you kept your cool and did not insult back,” said Mr Smith.

According to the group’s spokesman Ellio Solomon, the governor had always kept his composure during the investigations and when allegations were made against him.

However, Mr Solomon said that the issue should not be politicized because in such a situation would be the expense of the day’s import “the future and the past shaking hands.”

During the presentation, Mr Solomon pointed out that the governor was instrumental in the constitutional change that took place under his management.

The negotiations for the last round of the talks were conducted early this year; the document was then ratified by the public through a referendum.

On his part, Mr Jack said that he was aware of the seafaring traditions of the Cayman Islands and noted that memories in the form of tales and adventures should be passed on to the younger generations.

“We are finding it hard because we do not have all the members present, since many have been passing on,” said Timothy Solomon, who is the father of Ellio Solomon.

To benefit younger generations, the association had designed calendars that bore the theme that shows the history of the island with seafaring being the major economic activity of yesteryear.

Mr Solomon said that modern seafaring had changed with cargo ships only having a mere 20 people as crew. He said that during his days as a seaman the number would be at least 47-that included chief engineers, mechanics, cooks, the captain and labourers.

Mr Solomon said that WH Arbutus formed the link between the Cayman Islands and Jamaica.

Other officials of the Seafarer’s Association include Vice President Harmann DaCosta and the Secretary Andrew Eden.