Caymanian Costume Icon Honoured at Exhibition Opening

By Stuart Wilson

The old adage that a prophet is without honour in their own country does not ring true for the late costume designer and artist Reba Dilbert, whose life and work are being celebrated at the Cayman Collection Center in her beloved district of West Bay.

Hundreds of supporters, family members and members of the public gathered for the opening of an exhibition showcasing some of her most treasured creations.

Minister for Culture and Heritage, the Honourable Isaac Rankin, thanked Ms Reba’s family for entrusting the Ministry with her work, allowing residents and visitors to experience and appreciate her artistry.

“There are some events that are more than a date on the calendar. There are moments that we pause, celebrate and remember the people whose lives and contributions have helped shape who we are,” he said.

“Ms Reba didn’t just make costumes. She made Cayman shine for four decades.”

Mr Rankin described the vibrant colours on the event’s flyer and at the entrance as a fitting tribute to an artist who dedicated her talent, energy and imagination to showcasing the beauty and culture of the Cayman Islands.

Her work, he said, reflected Cayman’s beaches, flora, fauna and traditions, as well as the enduring spirit of its people. Closely associated with celebrations including Batabano and Pirates Week, she transformed wire, cloth, feathers and beads into spectacular costumes, bringing colour and life to the streets and creating lasting memories for thousands of Caymanians.

Mr Rankin also highlighted her international accolades, including honours associated with Miss Bikini World in Malta and Miss Tourism World in Turkey in 2002. The following year, she received the Golden Apple Award in Moscow, where she was recognised as the world’s best fashion designer.

Her contribution to arts and culture was formally recognised at home in 2021, when she was appointed a Member of the Order of the Cayman Islands.

At CARIFESTA XV, held in Barbados in August 2025, Ms Reba was posthumously recognised as a Caribbean icon. Mr Rankin accepted the award on her behalf during Cayman’s Country Night.

He recalled her words: “I tell my story with my work.”

Mr Rankin said legacy was not simply what someone left behind, but what continued to inspire others long after they were gone. The Ministry, he added, had a responsibility to help preserve and share that legacy.

Ms Reba’s grandson, Elijah Samson, spoke about what the honour meant to the family.

For 42 years, he said, his grandmother had poured her soul into her creations, with her strong character reflected in her work. He thanked the Ministry for honouring her contribution and expressed the family’s gratitude to everyone who attended the opening.

Cayman Islands Premier, the Honourable André Ebanks, recalled a relationship with Ms Reba built on mutual respect, noting that she had also been one of his constituents.

He emphasised the importance of honouring Caymanians’ contributions and said the Government was making a deliberate effort to advance initiatives recognising their achievements, citing the Loxley Ebanks Broadcasting Center as another example.

“That is how our history gets passed on when we move on. We need a way for people to commemorate what people have given to this country,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Bodden Town MP, the Honourable Dwayne Seymour, who praised the Ministry’s efforts to honour Ms Reba.

Mr Seymour said he could not let the occasion pass without attending to pay tribute to her work and memory. He also called for greater recognition of Caymanians during their lifetimes.

“We need to do more in honouring our people,” he said.