On the shores of Hog Sty Bay, where the waves whisper stories of resilience, Captain Anthony Pack once stood, clad in the scarlet livery of the British West India Regiment. It was here, in 1835, that he read the proclamation declaring the enslaved people of the Cayman Islands “absolutely and unconditionally free”. Unlike many other Caribbean territories, Caymanians were not subjected to an apprenticeship system—freedom was immediate and complete. This unique history is now commemorated annually, with the reinstated Emancipation Day celebrations entering their second year.
This year’s festivities centered around the grand opening of the Emancipation Centre, a landmark dedicated to preserving and educating the public on Cayman’s emancipation story. The event was attended by key figures in the newly formed coalition government, including Premier Andre Ebanks, Deputy Premier Gary Rutty, and Minister for Culture Isaac Rankine, who delivered a stirring speech before the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
Rankine declared: “Fellow Caymanians, it is with immense pride that I stand before you today for the official opening of this Emancipation Centre—the first of its kind in the Cayman Islands. But today is more than a ceremonial ribbon cutting; it is a very powerful and permanent declaration that the Caymanian story in its entirety deserves to be told and passed on, and told by us. For far too long, the chapter of slavery in our history has been missing, but the time has come for us to confront, commemorate, and honor that part of our past with truth, dignity, and purpose.”
“The Centre stands as a living monument to the men, women, and children whose sacrifices shaped the very soil we walk on today. It is a space of memory, reflection, learning, and healing. It is a sacred space where the story of enslavement, resistance, and eventual freedom is not meant to divide, but to unite us in shared history—and a shared responsibility.”
“The theme of this year’s commemoration: ‘Unity, Strengthening Our Legacy’ could not be more fitting, because unity is not the absence of painful truth—it is the embrace of them, together. This Centre is a legacy project for our people; for our youth and for generations as yet unborn. It will serve as an educational resource, a cultural touchstone, and a national reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today were bought with hardship, resilience, and faith.”
The celebrations featured heritage displays from West Bay and Bodden Town, craft artisans showcasing traditional silver thatch weaving, and a vibrant main stage with performances culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. Zeta Mae Bodden, of the West Bay Heritage Committee, emphasized the importance of preserving Caymanian culture, stating: “When you get a piece of the Silver Thatch—whether it’s a handbag, hat, or piece of rope—we must treasure it, for it is preserving our heritage.”
Premier Andre Ebanks echoed the sentiment of cultural preservation, stating: “Cayman has a completely unique emancipation story, and I’m so glad that the celebrations that started last year have rolled on for a second year. Let’s continue to honor our culture—tonight and beyond. God bless the Cayman Islands.”
As the Cayman Islands continue to embrace their history, the Emancipation Centre stands as a beacon of remembrance, education, and unity—a testament to the resilience and strength of the Caymanian people.
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