Beauty brightens up Cayman Brac

By Shakir Khan

Due to the pandemic the annual Brac Spring weekend activities were curtailed. With conditions much improved the YSU headed by Director Mr. James Myles organised the event for this year. It stretched over 3 days from Friday 16 to Sunday 18th April. A big boost this year was the presence of the reigning Miss World Cayman Islands and the 5 contestants for this year’s upcoming event. This team was led by Mrs. Pamela Ebanks-Small, Director of Miss World Cayman Islands 2021.

Activities included the popular kick ball event, scavenger hunt, dominoes championship, island visits as the community project.

This year was the landscaping and refurbishing of the house and premises of Mrs. Ello Estaban, in the Bight area.

The project begun around 7 a.m with about 20 participants involved. A total landscaping of the surroundings was undertaken by Mrs. Pam as she was affectionately called and the current Miss World contestants. They worked feverishly hardly stopping to take a breather while at the same time enjoying fully their undertaking.

While this was in progress, Jamo, as he is affectionately called and Kino Daley, Prevention Educator for the National Drug Council on the Brac, led others in the painting aspect of the activity. There had to be a great deal of scraping and washing of the outer walls before painting could be undertaken. This was a truly fun- filled activity. Malachi Khan from Crossroad United Baptist Church was present and was fully involved in the painting aspect.

I spoke with Jaci, the current Miss World about her experience. “I am 26 years of age and have totally enjoyed this opportunity. The pageant in which I participated in 2019, in London has done wonders for my self- confidence and character. I am passionate about Mental Health and community services. I used to suffer from anxiety and depression but through Yoga and natural approaches I have been able to overcome them. I am a member of the Alex Panton Foundation. I enjoy attending church and encourage all the young people to serve God. After my reign is concluded I plan to study for my Masters in Creative Writing,” she smiled heartily as she rushed back to painting.

Around 9 a.m. everyone observed the minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the death of His Royal Highness. Mrs. Ello then invited the girls inside to chat with them. They were excited about this. She told them how pleased she was for their undertaking. In response to a question about advice she said, “Serve God. Do not rush into a relationship. Pray and seek His way and will for your lives.” Mrs. Ello then gave them one of her popular treats, “Pineapple Upside Down Cake.” They were thrilled and expressed gratitude for her gesture.

Around 9:30 a.m. the project concluded with the DOEH having their truck tow away the debris. Thereafter, everyone went over to Star Island Restaurant where a sumptuous breakfast was enjoyed.