Remembrance Day protest on Cayman Brac
(CNS): The vice president of the Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Veteran & Seaman’s Society has said he will boycottthe Remembrance Day parade on Cayman Brac following an announcement that rather than hold it, as is traditional, in front of the cenotaph in Stake Bay on Sunday morning, it has been moved to the Aston Rutty Civic Centre and will be held in the afternoon. It is understood that the time change for the parade has been made so that the deputy premier can attend and lay wreaths at the ceremony on Grand Cayman and the one on Cayman Brac.
Captain Arlin Tatum noted the custom of the two minutes silence that begins on the 11th hour of the 11th day (or the nearest Sunday) on the 11th month in honour of those who gave their lives in battle at the exact time that the armistice was signed, bringing peace after World War I.
“We’ve been keeping that hour for slightly shy of 100 years. For the life of me, I don’t see why we have to change for one person,” he said, noting that normally all the churches change the times of their Sunday services to respect the Remembrance Day ceremony. He said that in protest at the time change he would not be attending the ceremony and that some of the other members of the V&SS might also boycott the parade, though others would be attending as usual. V&SS President Roy Walton will not be attending for health reasons.
The Remembrance Day ceremony on Cayman Brac will be held at the Aston Rutty Centre at 1:45pm on Sunday, 14 November. In previous years it has been held in the civic centre when bad weather prevented it from being held at the cenotaph but no reason for the change in venue this year has been given.
Grand Cayman’s ceremony takes place at the Elmslie Memorial Church in George Town, beginning at 10:45am and includes the laying of wreaths at the memorial cross and the Seamen’s Memorial.
There are also changes to traffic flow in George Town as a result of Saturday’s rehearsal and the Sunday ceremony. Harbour Drive (from Fort Street to Shedden Road) will be closed Saturday morning from 6am to 9am. It will also be closed Sunday morning from 6am to 12:30pm.
Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November, with the ceremony often on the nearest Sunday, in the UK, France and Belgium, as well as all Commonwealth countries. While the tradition started after WWI, the ceremony honours the sacrifices made by servicemen and women during all wars. Rifle shots at 11:00am mark the beginning of a two minute silence to remember the fallen.
Category: Local News
I don’t undestand why so few showed up this morning at 11 a.m. So MANY words so FEW actions. Was it only kitchen talk? Well done Mr. Moses on behalf of Mr. Arlin. That explains why we sign Anonymous, we can say anything. I can see Big Mac grinning…… Don’t worry darling, I told you so.
To Julie Had Three Grand Uncles…. What is your point? That she also dishonors her own relatives? Mr. Moses friend returned safe? I hardly think Mr. Moses is of the age to have had a friend to fight in the war since WWII ended in 1945. ( Although it is possible that he became came friends with a Veteran later.) If he did, is it any less honorable to have fought and lived? Most of us can claim some relative that died in the wars to keep us free from tyrants that wish to dominate. The least we can do is show our love and respect for them and our freedom (paid for with their blood) by protesting against any other would-be tyrants who try to dominate us with their own wishes. The ceremony is supposed to be about the people remembering the sacrifices of their fellow Caymanians, those that fought and died and thanking those lucky enough to survive. It is not about showing off the power or the pomp of our politicians. The people of Cayman Brac should lay their flowers where they belong, at the foot of the Cenotaph in Stake Bay, not at Miss Julie’s feet at the Aston Rutty Centre!
Lord have mercy. Did unna hear the Queen Juliana’s radio address last night? Couldn’t even pronounce "valiant" properly.
Stand firm good people of the Brac, the next two years can’t go by quick enough.
PS – can someone please run over to the Creek and send me a box of patties and two breads.
Wow, I always loved the Brac but you honestly surpass my appreciation for you folks. My mother in law was from there and when I go to visit our aunt Lina, I just want to stay there and hear more old time stories about climbing the Bluff with cows going to tend to your breadkind and comind back down often barefoot fully loaded, Good for you for standing for your heritage and remembering your past and present Veterans. Wish the flight wasn’t full. If it wasn’t it will be now. I am proud to be married to the daughter of a born Cayman Bracker for the past 30 years. It seems obvious who’s not going to get back in. Our Premier will probably want to send me there in exile on his return.Little Cayman would be fine too.Only 7 miles per boat Love you all dearly. A good lesson for all of us here.
The day and time are not negotiable. And really, neither is the location. If you can’t make it, appoint a representative and send your regrets. This is NOT about you. It is about honoring the sacrifices of those that have gone before. Something you would know nothing about.
Why not give Ms Julianna an opportunity to make this right? I am sure she did not realize how deeply this decision would affect her people. Perhaps this is an opportunity for us all to pay more attention and remember the reasons why we celebrate this day. Veterans are honored because they fought for the betterment of their country and its future. In some ways, politicians also fight for their country – sometimes seemingly against the wishes of their own people. They often have strategical knowledge that the "troops" do not have.
Maybe she will find a way to show up on Sunday at the Brac Cenotaph. It takes a lot of courage and strength to admit to an error in judgment and even more courage to rectify it. I am sure she wants to do right by her people. I don’t believe there is anyone here who has never made a mistake is there?
Perhaps the honorable thing for all to do would be to show up at both places and not boycott either one. In a responsible position, we must lead by example. Let’s not go AWOL without giving this a chance. Let’s make this a Remembrance Day to remember and be proud of.
Amongst the names of the war fallen imprinted on the Cenotaph atStake Bay
The Deputy Premiere is regrettably wrong in so many ways in this instance. She can still admit this and make this right by following tradition – paying respect at the appropriate place inStake Bay
I am proud of my dad for standing up and speaking out. It is often easier to stay to the side and be quiet. But that is not the way the man is made. And if my mother Maggie was still alive she would be with him leading the protest toStake Bay
“A ‘No’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble. “
(Mohandas Gandhi)
Kudos to you Papie,
This is not about accommodating someone to lay the wreath it is about honouring our veterans. Why should it be held at the Civic Centre when there is a cenotaph with the names being honoured engraved for all to see. This memorial service is part of our heritage and has been for many years why the need for change, if Julie can’t make it at the time then appoint someone, i.e. Ernie Scott or how about someone from the Veterans and Seamen Society. The current members of the VSS are really the last bastion of true Caymanians and this service is in their honour and memory.
Hold fast Papie, stand your ground. Go to the cenotaph and honour our true Caymanian heroes even if you are the only one.
Stand tall, stand proud, Captain Arlin Royston Tatum. I am proud to call you Papie and your father looking down from above would agree with me. You are a true Caymanian.
Arlette Tatum-Fatta
Julie had three grand Uncles who fought in the war, two whose ships was torpetured and was killed. The other Mr Moses friend returned home safe.
"Julie had three grand Uncles who fought in the war, two whose ships was torpetured and was killed. The other Mr Moses friend returned home safe."
Then this is a disrespect to their memories as well.
If I remember right, the USA held their Remembrance Day on Thursday, same time, same date.They did not wait for the Presidant to come home from his Far Eastern trip.
With such disdain and genuine disgust I wonder who in the world elected her in the first place XXXX
I agree the function should take place in accordance with tradition. She should abstain from going and appoint someone to attend in her stead. The participants and honorees should not back down in their protest.
Honestly, this is probably the most I have heard from this woman all year anyway, what does she do exactly? I know her title but besides living all bout, trapsing all bout, washing feet and being photo’d atop a piece of heavy machinery – what does she do?
What would Clemens say???
Just want say I SUPPORT THE VETERANS all the way.
My father was a WW2 veteran and I am appalled at how disgraceful this action is.
The Brac’s elected member should remain in the Brac to honor her veterans. Someone else can represent Grand Cayman.
Get your priorities right.
I say hold the service as you have in the past and give the honour of laying the wreath to one of the Veteran’s, after all it is their day not the DP.
In the UK the two minutes silence is now observed nationwide at 11am on 11 November with further ceremonies taking place on the nearest Sunday.
Yesterday people everywhere stopping what they were doing to pay tribute both to the fallen and to those who are currently serving.
Check out – http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8127052/Even-Trafalgar-Square-falls-silent-as-nation-marks-Armistice-Day.html
Any politician who tried this kind of stunt over here would be subject to public ridicule from the media and their colleagues.
Wow! Power sure does make true colors come shinning thru. This is about the men who made the ultimate sacrifice, not about anything else. This is totally disrespectful and downright rude. No example being set here Ms. Julie. You were elected by the people of Cayman Brac as such you should represent us. Show respect for your elders, I guess you only did that when you’re feet were bare, now that you’ve mingled with the elite you’ve forgotten you good ole Cayman Brac manners. Shame on you. You go Mr. Arlin the Brac supports all our Veterans and Seamen.
The audacity of this self absorbed Christian politician disrespecting the dead hero’s and the living veterans so she can show up in her Barbarella suit XXXXX. These UDP politicians clearly make Cayman understand why Independence can never be an option for these islands, can you imagine them having more power. Kurt Tibbetts was right about one thing in his recent speech. The PPM will win the next election, keep it up Sister Julie somebody will be sitting in ya special vehicle and you can go home and lay down in ya hammock XXXX at any time. from 600am to 11:59pm Shame on you!
I do believe that deputy el premo and Premier attend the same Church and it is The Church of the Golden Tabernacle of ME FIRST. located at Elgin Avenue and Fort Street G/Town Telephone number mail box full always full
I’ll see you all at the District Admin Cenotaph then at 10:30am on Sunday morning as has been the tradition for almost 100 years.
Give me a thumbs up if you’ll be there.
This is absolutely right. The rememberance ceremony and minute of silence takes place throughout the Commonwealth at 11:00 in the morning on the nearest Sunday to the 11th Nov. Those Brackers who feel the need to take a few moments to remember loved ones who were killed during war time, should gather at the war memorial at 11:00.Their sincere thoughts would be far more meaningful and important, than the needs people who want to put on a pompous show to impress others.
Where were all the people was @ 11:00 this morning ? Actions speak louder then words. Don’t they ? So many posters, so few caring persons present. Congrats Mr. Moses
All Veterans, thank you for your service and stance on this issue.
The Hon. Julianna O’Connor-Connolly will be dishonarably discharged in the next election.
Who does she think she is? I say Ms O’Connor, stay home from both functions, your presencewill not be missed or required. Remember who put you in office, and who can and will take you out. Mckeeva’s dictatorial attitude has obviously rubbed off on you and you and him need to go. You are finally showing your true colors. As a Cayman Bracker I am disappointed that Ms O’Connor would act thisway because, we are known to show respect to our elders especially those who gave their lives for our country.
A dismayed Bracker
Ona day that is all about showing respect, we have total disrespect from a delusional woman.
Juliana has achieved a miracle. She achieves an even greater misplaced sense of self-importance than Mac.
Juliana you are our servant, you work for us. The people do not want to see you at anything. They would rather you were in an office doing the job you were elected to do.
I’m a little surprised she didn’t move it to the Alexander Hotel.
Well said Brackers! This is indeed the veterans’ day and not the politican’s day. Where would we all be if these noble men (and now women) didn’t give their lives for us to enjoy the freedom we all enjoy?
Don’t let her get away with this self-centered behaviour. I dear say that Juliana believes that the world stops turning when she closes her eyes. I’m heartened to see that, unlike the senior individuals in Grand Cayman, the Brackers are willing to stand up to their ill-behaved politicians. Well said Mr. Tatum!
Why we are at it why dont we have Christmas day a day later on the Brac, so the Deputy Premier can have christmas dinner both on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Veterans stand firm and hold your service at 11am on all three islands.
So the Cayman Islands Governement is so important that the time of "Rememberance Sunday" has to be changed just for them, what an absolute disgrace. This shows to the world the calibre of the Cayman Islands and its people whether you like it or agree with it or not.
" I belive most wars are started by politicians, so maybe it would be a better day without any of them!"
Love it. I don’t think that I have anything toadd except thank you to all that served in capacity great and small that I might be free today.
What comes to mind is Rodney Dangerfield’s words of the 80’s, “I get NO Respect”
Julie is certainly no princess, and this is not medievil England. So I see no reason why tradition should be revamped to accomodate her. The again, what else would one expect. How disrespectful. It seems like the Premier and the Deputy Premier both have a serious lack of class. (shaking my head)
Julianna O’Connor-Connolly is all about Julianna O’Connor-Connolly. This is nothing more than an opportunity to be seen.
Lady, we are tired of seeing you and the next election will prove it.
Mr Arlen well done, dont back back. Its people like you that we need to represent us. Ever since the older ladys in Spot Bay such as Ms Ann Walton got older we dont hear of no more people with back bone. I am suggesting that you run in the up coming election.
Mr. Tatum,
as one veteran to another, I am sending you a virtual SALUTE!! Stand your ground and in the immortal words…"Never Retreat, NEVER SURRENDER!!"
I think we should celebrate this day in both Islands at the same time, date and day – the 11th day of the 11th month on the 11th hour starting next year. Our Public Holiday should also be on that day (11th) and not the Monday allowing us spoiled Caymanians and Workers here to have a long week-end every year…..and I will miss my long week-end but do it right.
In Canada Remembrance Day is a government holiday on November 11th every year, regardless of the day of the week it falls on. Many Canadians visit cenotaphs in their home towns to honour those fallen for our freedoms. If I was on the Brac this Sunday, I would be at the Cenotaph with all of you.
It never was, and never will be, about the politicians. Our way of life and our freedom was paid for with the lives of those who fell opposing tyranny and facism.
After the end of the Great War, which ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, King George V dedicated that day and that hour to honour those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us and our freedom. A few minutes of silence at that time is certainly appropriate to think of, and honour, those who dies for our freedom. It’s not about Julie. Not in the slightest.
I stopped at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month this year and thanked those who died for my freedom. Like countless other Canadians, I also let the poem run through my mind that all Canadians learn and hold by way of remembrance of our fallen fellow Canadians, and what they might say from the grave:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
John McCrae
Remember what this is about, and brush aside all other elements.
This is bigger than anyone of these politicians, now i have heard of outrageous behavior but this beats the cake man. Julianna really needs to go. Mr Tatum is right this is about their sacrifice not this politician. Disrespecting those who paid the ultimate price is disgraceful. But again again members of the UDP appear to put themselves before the country what a good example to our younger generation. I guess she has to show off her Kenyan Safari hat.
Brackers I suggest you all gather at the District Administration Building and hold your Memorial to honor those who gave their lives for our country. And let the Miss go to the Civic Center and twiddle her thumbs all alone! How utterly disrespectful of her to decide that She is more important that tradition and ultimately those that we are honoring.
Julianna didn’t go to War and is not a Veteran.
This is their day… not hers.
’nuff said.
I’m with Mr. Tatum on this. This ceremony is not about Julianna. It is about the men and women who served and died.
I must agree with Mr. Tatum. The rememberance celebrations are in honour of those who served and lost their lives. It certainly has no bearing whatsoever on whether the Deputy Premier is there or not. Why must she place wreaths at both places? I would be happy with the Govenor placing one in Grand Cayman and if the Deputy has to the appoint someone else to do it for her as we all know the Premier is off island again. This is an incredible show off of power and has no relevance to her being in two places at once. Hold the Brac ceremony as it has always been held for years. If the Deputy attends fine iof not get a back up for her like the District Adminstrator or his Deputy or a notable person in the community. Sorry Mrs. Deputy this ceremony isn’t all about you, so please whomever has you on thos power trip, mind you fall down. Lastly, this is not about the Deputy Premier and it never ever was. Let’s get our priorities straight here for once. Mr. Tatum I support you and anyone else who is with you on this.
Why not get Mr Moses Kirconnell to lay the wreath, after all he is the First Elected for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman!
I agree with our blue eye Mr Mose laying the wreath, at least he will show up on time respectfully.
Dont worry julie you will still get a good gathering because everyone is saying that if they dont attend and attend with Mr Arlin Tatum that they are afraid that their monthly cheques will be stopped, and they are in need of it. But they are all agreeing with Mr Arlin, on voting day they will not beafraid because no one will see their vote like they will be able to see their attendance on Veterans day. I am made to understand that Mr Arlins phone was ringing off with support from those that are afraid to attend.
Well, even if you are afraid to be seen at the Admin, I would still not go to the Aston Rutty Centre.
I hope that the rest of the members will do the same. Why cant Bush do Cayman and Julie Cayman Brac. I am standing with the VP. Come on Brackers seamen, standup for what you belive is right.
Mr Arlin I am 100% all the way with you. This is ridiculous to change just for her. First of all, why is she laying wreaths in GCM, she should be in CYB. So she will be sitting under a tent when the rest of people will be standing up in the boiling hot sun. I swear the more education you get the bigger the fool. I am so disgusted to be call a Caymanian much less a Bracker.
That’s right Mr. Arlin and everyone else who backs Mr. Arlin on this! You stick to your guns! As far as I’m concerned it’s the deputy premier’s business to get there at the appropriate time. NOT for a tradition such as this to be changed to accommodate her! The ceremony should be held at the time that’s it’s always been held, whether or not she is there. I can’t believe the audacity of some people!
I agree that it should not be changed, and the Deputy Premier should either attend at the scheduled time or send a representative if she cannot be there. Kind of ironic though, in that the observance of silence is supposed to be held, "…at the exact time…", yet it always takes place not necessarily on the 11th of November, but on the closest Sunday. Moving by a few days (3 days this year) seems like a bigger concession than moving by a few hours. Still, the tradition is what it is for a reason, and should not be derailed to accommodate the Deputy Premier.
In any case, all of us who read and write on thiswebsite should thank a veteran for giving us the rights and freedoms to do so. In this case, I choose to thank Mr. Arlin.
Armistice Day, as it was orginally called, was moved from the 11th November to the closest Sunday in 1939 so that war production would not be disrupted during WWII. It has remained that way ever since, but is now called Remembrance Sunday.
I belive most wars are started by politicians, so maybe it would be a better day without any of them!