Honourable Benson Ebanks Announced as New National Hero

The late Benson Obadiah Ebanks, OBE, was posthumously announced as a new national hero at the National Heroes Day ceremony on Monday, 26 January at Heroes Square, George Town. The Honourable Benson Ebanks, 18 February 1935 to 29 March 2022, was awarded the country’s highest honour by Cabinet in recognition of his lifelong contribution to the growth and development of the Cayman Islands.

Premier André Ebanks, who made the announcement, highlighted the Honourable Mr Ebanks’ many achievements, noting his pivotal role in the construction of major infrastructure, including Government Administration Building, a new legislative building, George Town port, six primary schools and extensive road works from West Bay to Bodden Town. The Honourable Mr Ebanks was also involved in the establishment of the Lighthouse School, Radio Cayman and Cayman Airways.

The National Heroes Day ceremony recognised Caymanian men and women whose vision, dedication and hard work shaped the nation’s physical infrastructure and public institutions. This year’s theme, “Honouring a Nation Built: The Power of Physical Infrastructure,” highlighted the men and women whose work transformed ideas into roads, ports, public buildings and institutions that continue to support Caymanian life.

A total of 113 recipients received National Recognition Awards for their contributions to the development of Cayman’s infrastructure and public institutions. Honourees were recognised across three categories, namely Landmark Leaders, Infrastructure Innovators and Builders of Cayman, underscoring the collective effort required to build and sustain the Islands.

Prior to the presentation of the National Recognition Awards, the Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, Honourable Isaac Rankine, reflected on the evolution of the awards noting, “This year marks an important change in the way we recognise excellence and service, but be assured that although the name of the awards has evolved, the purpose of National Heroes Day remains unchanged: to celebrate those whose service has strengthened our nation and uplifted our people.”

For a full list of awardees, category descriptions and awards criteria, visit gov.ky/events/national-heroes-day