From Cayman to Sea: Two Women Made It Possible

On this International Women’s Day, I wish to elevate two women who, though they served in different roles, made an equal difference in lifting Cayman through our seafarers. Both Ms. Maudie—my mother—and Ms. Gwen Bush together contributed to a change in history for Cayman and its remarkable seafarers. They have now passed on, and a new generation is in place, but today I want to remind us all of the importance of these two women to the Southwell years and to strengthening our seafarers’ historical legacy. We must remember them because, together, they made such a difference—working with limited modern resources—giving our men a chance.

Today, as we remember them and etch them in our human memory, I ask that we look at both of them as masters of their craft and as nation builders. I invite our younger generations to learn about these Cayman Joans of Arc—together, though engaged in different jobs, they knew exactly what had to be done and did it with honour, helping our men and helping to build a wonderful country. Let us honour them today.

What they did—side by side, equal in impact

- Ms. Gwen Bush

- Secured documents, arranged travel, and got men to their ships on time.

- Pedalling across George Town—often on her only transport, a bicycle—she carried documents and answers at all hours so men could meet their ships on time.

- Managed the unseen details—papers, dollars, coats for the cold, and urgent passports before sunrise—so no voyage faltered for want of a plan.

- Became a trusted anchor for families, turning anxiety into order and forward motion.

- Ms. Maudie Seymour

- Stood steady in the clinic: guided checkups with dignity so fit men could travel safely.

- Tested their urine as part of the fitness checks, and in doing so became a beloved character—her firm standards and gentle humour creating moments the men still recount with a smile.

- When it seemed, some men might not be cleared to travel, she quietly guided the doctor with practical insight. He relied on her astuteness and often reminded the seafarers of her steadfast care—her extra efforts and genuine interest in them.

- Kept lines moving with care, encouraged hydration, and—customary for the time—recommended trusted over the counter remedies that helped them be ready to sail.

- Guarded the standard of fitness that protected our men and the reputation of Cayman’s seafarers.

Not one above the other

Too often, our stories elevate one and only mention the other. But the truth is simple: no seafarer could leave Cayman unless both women did their very different jobs exceptionally well. To our seafarers—your courage at sea is unquestioned. This is simply the rest of the truth: many hands made those voyages possible, including these two steadfast women—equal in honour, shared in legacy.

Closing

Together, they helped change the course of Cayman’s history—building a fierce force of seafarers the world had never seen and, with the women and families at home, helping lift these Islands from a place that time forgot to one of the most advanced small nations in our hemisphere. Side by side, they opened the door from Cayman to the oceans, and to the future.

For our remembrance and our children’s learning, let us etch them into our living memory as masters of their craft and as nation builders. May the new generation know their names, learn their example, and carry their standard.

For He hath founded it upon the seas.

Ms. Gwen Bush and Ms. Maudie Seymour in harmony with the Seafarers’ employment. Not one above the other.

Written by Lucille Seymour, MBE, BEM, JP, Hon Ph D hum