National Heroes Day in the Cayman Islands
National Heroes Day is a Cayman Islands public holiday held on the fourth Monday in January. It remembers people recognised for exceptional service and celebrates residents whose work has helped shape the Islands.[1][2]
A Caymanian day of recognition
The observance links national remembrance with recognition of service to the Cayman Islands. The National Heroes Law, passed by the Legislative Assembly in 1993, established a way to declare people who had rendered exceptional service as national heroes. James (Jim) Manoah Bodden was named the first National Hero in 1994, and Sybil Ione McLaughlin was named the second in 1996.[1]
National Heroes Day began in 2003, during the Islands’ Quincentennial year. At the first celebration, a Wall of Honour was dedicated in Quincentennial Square in George Town, bearing the names of 500 men and women who had contributed to the Islands’ development.[1]
When it falls and what the law provides
The Public Holidays Law names the fourth Monday in January as National Heroes Day. It declares the listed dates public general holidays and requires courts and public offices to close for the day. The schedule does not specify a substitute day for National Heroes Day.[2]
For employees covered by the Labour Act, a worker who does not work on a public holiday is generally entitled to their basic wage for that day if they worked their scheduled workday immediately before and after it. If they do work, the Act generally provides double pay for hours worked, with exceptions and an option for time off in lieu by mutual agreement. A public holiday therefore does not mean every private workplace must close.[3]
Ceremonies and community events
The Cayman Islands Government describes the observance as bringing together a formal ceremony and a community celebration. These recognise Caymanians whose achievements and service have shaped the Islands’ history and progress.[4]
Past celebrations in George Town have included an awards presentation in Heroes Square, followed by displays of traditional crafts, food and art organised by district heritage committees. One documented programme also featured music, dance and drama performances. Event details can vary, so these examples should not be taken as a fixed annual schedule.[5]
Planning around the holiday
The law requires public offices and courts to close. It allows the Postmaster-General, with the Governor’s approval, to make special arrangements for post offices to open for part of the holiday if needed for public convenience.[2]
Check directly with the service or venue you plan to use, especially if you need to travel to a ceremony or community event.[4]
Frequently asked questions
Is National Heroes Day a day off?
What happens during the observance?
Are shops and public transport open?
Shops and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before you travel.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for National Heroes Day in Cayman Islands:
- National Heroes- Cayman Islands Government
- Public Holidays Law (2007 Revision)- Cayman Islands Government
- Labour Act (2021 Revision)- Cayman Islands Government
- Events - Protocol Office- Cayman Islands Government
- Heroes Day Festivities Amplify Caymanian Culture, Heritage & Identity- Radio Cayman, Cayman Islands Government