Vocational Service Award

The 2008-2009 recipient of the Rotary Central Vocational Service Award is Mr. Elmer "Shorty" Ebanks.

Mr. Ebanks, the operator of the Rainbow Inn at Gerrard Smith International Airport, Cayman Brac, was recognised for his exemplification of the ideals of Rotary in his day-to-day running of the snack bar in the departure lounge at the airport.

"Shorty", as he is affectionately known, took over the running of the original Rainbow Inn, a wooden building adjacent to the old airport terminal some 34 years ago.  When the new terminal was constructed in 1990, he moved to the new location.

Mr. Ebanks informed Rotary Central Past-President Fred Speirs, who nominated him for the award, that he had served 18 years in the Merchant Marine before returning to his native Cayman Brac and buying the original Rainbow Inn.  In all his years of operating the Inn, he has had about a week off work for a vacation and then a few days here and there.  He is always there to provide last-minute drinks and snacks for travellers at all hours of the day, seven days a week.

Mr. Speirs remarked that, as a regular traveller to and from Cayman Brac, he had noticed this commitment and dedication, leading him to nominate Mr. Ebanks for the award. 

Mr. Ebanks received a plaque recognising his efforts. He thanked Rotary Central, and said that he would treasure it.  Within minutes of receiving it, he was already proudly displaying it to departing passengers.