The beloved and respected Mr. William Astor Ebanks of Channel Cliff, North Side, born on January 4, 1930, to February 3, 2012, should be recognized as a Pioneer for the National Heroes Day Award, for his many invaluable contributions to our Seafaring Heritage where he served for approximately 30 years. Upon leaving school and seeking meaningful employment at the tender age of 14 years and ten months, he left his home in North Side and moved to George Town on January 14, 1944, where he took up employment at the H.O. Merren's Company. However, being the fifth child but the eldest son of eight children born to Melville Ebanks & Amy Ebanks, he felt duty-bound to earn more money to care for his parents and siblings. He then joined the Merchant Marines at 19 years old. He fared the seas for approximately 30 years while taking breaks in between to continue working for the H.O. Merren's Company and spending time with his wife Linda and growing family of five children until he retired from Seafaring. He sailed on various ships such as the Universal Admiral, the Challenger, the Commander, the Orr Mercury, and the National Bulk Carriers. He worked his way up the ranks from Pump-man to Chief Engineer before his retirement. Once retiring from Seafaring, he took on various jobs with his most extended as Floor Manager of formerly known Kirk's Supermarket, where he worked until his official retirement. As a member of the Seafarers Association, he served two terms as their President for 2003- 2004 and 2006-2007. On December 7, 2010, he was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, which was attributed to his handling of Asbestos while working in the engine rooms of the various ships he sailed. He fought the good fight until his passing on February 3, 2012.

The beloved and respected Mr. William Astor Ebanks of Channel Cliff, North Side, born on January 4, 1930, to February 3, 2012, should be recognized as a Pioneer for the National Heroes Day Award, for his many invaluable contributions to our Seafaring Heritage where he served for approximately 30 years. Upon leaving school and seeking meaningful employment at the tender age of 14 years and ten months, he left his home in North Side and moved to George Town on January 14, 1944, where he took up employment at the H.O. Merren's Company. However, being the fifth child but the eldest son of eight children born to Melville Ebanks & Amy Ebanks, he felt duty-bound to earn more money to care for his parents and siblings. He then joined the Merchant Marines at 19 years old. He fared the seas for approximately 30 years while taking breaks in between to continue working for the H.O. Merren's Company and spending time with his wife Linda and growing family of five children until he retired from Seafaring. He sailed on various ships such as the Universal Admiral, the Challenger, the Commander, the Orr Mercury, and the National Bulk Carriers. He worked his way up the ranks from Pump-man to Chief Engineer before his retirement. Once retiring from Seafaring, he took on various jobs with his most extended as Floor Manager of formerly known Kirk's Supermarket, where he worked until his official retirement. As a member of the Seafarers Association, he served two terms as their President for 2003- 2004 and 2006-2007. On December 7, 2010, he was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, which was attributed to his handling of Asbestos while working in the engine rooms of the various ships he sailed. He fought the good fight until his passing on February 3, 2012.