Globally, Seafarers played (and still play) a massive role in our everyday lives. My father was a Seafarer from 1967-1982, during this time he was separated from our family and loved ones for extensive periods. In the course of these years, three of my sisters were born and being at sea, caused him to miss parts of their childhood as well as other important occasions. No doubt he experienced guilt for being so far away from home at times; nonetheless, he knew that he needed to provide for his family and was willing to put our family's needs before his own. It is important to note that the seafaring industry is an extremely dangerous one. Piracy, abandonment and weather-related dangers was a real and serious problem for our Seafarers. Those of us who didn't experience this first hand can only imagine the immense toll that this must have taken on their physical welfare and emotional well-being. However, my father, as well as other Seafarers, understood the importance that the seafaring trade played locally and globally and was willing to take this risk to not only provide for their families but to ensure that they did their part to keep the wheels of the Cayman Islands, and the world, in motion. Our father is a humble hero in our family. It is only fitting for our country to officially recognize him and all other seafarers for their heroic efforts and contributions on National Heroes Day.

Globally, Seafarers played (and still play) a massive role in our everyday lives. My father was a Seafarer from 1967-1982, during this time he was separated from our family and loved ones for extensive periods. In the course of these years, three of my sisters were born and being at sea, caused him to miss parts of their childhood as well as other important occasions. No doubt he experienced guilt for being so far away from home at times; nonetheless, he knew that he needed to provide for his family and was willing to put our family's needs before his own. It is important to note that the seafaring industry is an extremely dangerous one. Piracy, abandonment and weather-related dangers was a real and serious problem for our Seafarers. Those of us who didn't experience this first hand can only imagine the immense toll that this must have taken on their physical welfare and emotional well-being. However, my father, as well as other Seafarers, understood the importance that the seafaring trade played locally and globally and was willing to take this risk to not only provide for their families but to ensure that they did their part to keep the wheels of the Cayman Islands, and the world, in motion. Our father is a humble hero in our family. It is only fitting for our country to officially recognize him and all other seafarers for their heroic efforts and contributions on National Heroes Day.