Royal Family Congratulates Red Cross on 65th Anniversary

The Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) is celebrating a very special anniversary in 2026, its 65th year of serving the people of the Cayman Islands. Established in 1961 by Mrs. Ethel Cook-Bodden and Ms. Janilee Clifford as a Committee of the British Red Cross, the CIRC has evolved significantly from its initial focus on fundraising for the hospital, to encompass broader community resilience efforts, particularly during the annual hurricane season.

Earlier this year, HRH Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy, KG, GCVO, Deputy President of the British Red Cross, provided a message of support.

In 1988 and again in 2026, HRH Princess Alexandra showed her appreciation for the CIRC, first by laying the cornerstone at the Headquarters building some 38 years ago, and also this year in her letter of congratulations on the 65th anniversary.

Today, the CIRC stands as a dynamic force within the region, with five core programmes: Disaster Management, First Aid and Aquatics Training, Child Protection and Sexuality Education, and Community Engagement, under which the Thrift Shop operates, and Support Our Seniors.

Throughout May, the CIRC intensifies its programme activities across four key areas: promoting humanitarian principles and values, disaster response, disaster preparedness, and health and community care.

As the Cayman Islands Red Cross celebrates World Red Cross Day and Red Cross Month, it reaffirms its dedication to fostering a resilient, compassionate community through proactive humanitarian initiatives and unwavering support for those in need.