Rotary Club of Cayman Brac starts Christmas with a bang

The annual Rotary Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is one of the signature community activities of The Rotary Club of Cayman Brac and is traditionally held on the first Monday of December. However, due to inclement weather this year, it was held a day later, on Tuesday, December 3.

A huge crowd came out on the lawns of District Administration to enjoy an evening of entertainment provided by the Combined Primary Schools, Layman E Scott High School choir, a steel pan band, concert band, the LocalZ band and the Anointed Voices.

Master of Ceremonies and President of the Rotary, Dhallchand Seeram extended a warm welcome to residents and visitors on behalf of his club and District Administration and wished everyone a happy festive season filled with peace, joy, love and hope. Deputy District Commissioner Mark Tibbetts brought greetings on behalf of the District Commissioner and the Honourable Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell.

In his remarks, Mr Tibbetts said: “Embrace the Christmas season to spend quality time with family, friends, senior citizens and others and where possible, provide support to those in need. We would also encourage you to continue the same practice not just at Christmas time, but whenever and wherever possible as this has always been a part of our strong Caymanian heritage. And throughout the holiday season, always remember the reason for the season, the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Immediate Past President and Charter Secretary, Pastor Audley Scott reminded the gathering that the Lord Jesus Christ is the reason for the season and they should keep Him not only at Christmas, but also in all daily activities.

District Governor Jeremy Hurst, who was scheduled to visit during the third week of December, made a special trip on Monday and extended his stay to Tuesday to bring greetings on behalf of his wife Lady Michelle Hurst, the clubs in Grand Cayman and all the clubs in Rotary District 7020. DG Jeremy commended the small club for the many big projects they do locally and internationally and compared the club activities to welterweight boxing star Manny Pacquiao who though small in stature, packs heavy punches to knock out his opponents and to maintain his title as world champion.

Cayman Brac Festival Queen Cheyene Dixon received deafening applause from the hundreds in attendance when she made a special guest appearance in her soldier crab costume. The highlight of the evening was the lighting of the Christmas Tree as a lighting show and the arrival of Santa Claus.

Lady Michelle Hurst pushed the button to light the tree, but no lights came on immediately, so the kids then danced, sang and begged Little Tree to come on and it did! With two more trees to go they then sang for Middle Tree and it came to light. But the big “Old Tree” took a while and lots of pleading before it lit the skies and the whole neighbourhood. Young technician Jordan Grant pleased the crowd with a lighting show they have never seen before.

It was then time for Santa Claus, who arrived in style in a red Porsche driven by Lemuel Hurlston, along with Mrs Claus, the elves and most importantly gifts for all the children.