#HEROES AND ICONS TRIAL#
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Equally active in the wider community, Mr.

Starting out as a 23-year-old clerk, his almost four- decade career saw him rise through the ranks to become, in 1969, Cayman’s first Treasurer, a title that was constitutionally changed to Financial Secretary. Ormond married Naomi Bodden in 1942 and they had seven children. His many outstanding qualities ensure that he will forever be honoured for his legal, political and personal contributions to the Cayman Islands.

Honoured by Queen Elizabeth II in 1984, he became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to society. He was also one of the first Chartered Rotarians of Grand Cayman. Ormond also served as a director of Cayman Airways Ltd. A member of the Cayman Bar Association, Mr. The first Caymanian attorney to appear before the Privy Council in London, he also introduced a motion to allow Cayman authorities to issue US visa waivers, thereby facilitating merchant marine employment for Caymanians. He was also lead negotiator between the UK and its Overseas Territories in discussions on independence.

#HEROES AND ICONS TRIAL#

In 1955 he succeeded in confirming his right to a fair trial – a right now enshrined in Article 14 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Ormond was regarded as an outspoken attorney, one who also achieved many firsts for his country.

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His professional skills combined with a relish for helping others assured his success in many local trials. As a member of the National Democratic Party, he was heavily involved in politics and was the youngest delegate to attend the West Indies Federation discussions. Ormond founded Cayman’s first political party and was the first politician to win an election as party leader. She received the Cayman Islands Certificate and Badge of Honour in 1968 and was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) ten years later. Presenting her with a special award in 1972, the Nor’wester Magazine recognised her numerous contributions to young people. Hylton’s exemplary commitment to young people extended to her private life among other projects, she helped to develop the scouting movement in the Cayman Islands. Her zest for championing issues such as the need for a separate court for juveniles continued into her retirement, as did her lengthy service on the Adoption Board.

Her background and training included years of volunteering with the Jamaican authorities, with whom she maintained a close relationship throughout her tenure.īy the time of her appointment, she was already lobbying government to rectify a number of inequities that confronted the Islands’ youth. That was a role for which she was particularly well-suited and she revolutionised her department’s work. Hylton became the Islands’ sole probation officer in 1963, going on to serve as the first head of the country’s Probation and Welfare Department until 1982. For his accomplishments as a husband, father, Justice of the Peace, Law Agent, church elder and civic leader, he will always be honoured. His name was heard and known in every corner of the Islands because in the truest sense, he was a proud Caymanian, one who played a major role in crafting the Islands into the success it is today.

He was also a founding member of Cayman International Airways and played a major role in the development of Cayman’s first airport and in discussions regarding Cayman’s participation in the West Indies Federation. He was named ‘Father of the House’ both for his lengthy continuous service and for the wisdom and insight he displayed in matters of public interest. Willie led the House in legislation matters and was a founding member of the Christian Democratic Party. In 1959, he was among the first to be elected to the Executive Council after the first constitution was signed and in 1965, he became the first Caymanian to be honoured by Queen Elizabeth II as a Commander of the British Empire.Īs a pioneer in the Cayman Islands Government, Mr. Willie was also the first elected member to be responsible for finance.ĭuring the 1940s, he supported the establishment of what is today the John Gray High School. He became a civil servant in 1921, and until today he remains the longest-serving representative in the Legislative Assembly, having held his seat for 55 years. Willie,” as he was commonly known, exemplified what Caymanians represent. He was a man of wisdom, persuasiveness and sincerity, especially in matters involving his beloved district of West Bay.

Heroes and icons