I nominate the above person for the indicated category because: he sailed the seas and was an active ranger in the turtling industry for 37 years which contributed to building the foundation of the Cayman Islands. Please see the attached documents. Everard C. Ebanks aka 'Mr. Ruddy' was born in West Bay on 5th December 1893 to Joseph and Ellen Ebanks. His first trip overseas to USA was as a young man, age 23, when he went for employment with a dredging company. He worked on the dredges for a few years and was thus able to build his home in West Bay, Grand Cayman and got married to his beautiful bride Ethel Maude. He continued to work as a seaman as his family of 4 children grew, and also worked the land in between sailings. When Capt. Allie Ebanks started operating the MV Adams, doing turtling, Mr. Ruddy was one of the crew and continued with the trade for many years. They endured storms, and many dangers, spending weeks/months away from family when they had to stay on the Cays catching the turtles and sometimes sharks as the main vessel went on to sell a catch in the U.S. His fellow turtle rangers, gave him the nickname of 'Gator' because of his excellent swimming skills. In those days life in Cayman was very simple and most families depended on these tough seamen making enough money to bring or send home to buy basic supplies for the homes on the Island. When the turtlers returned from a trip that had last stopped in KeyWest or Tampa, it was extra exciting, especially for the children who could always look forward to some little treats or pretty clothes from their Papa!. In later years he would recount stories of his life at sea to his grandchildren. Mr. Ruddy was one of those iron men whose seafaring work and adventures helped to sustain the Cayman community and thus contribute to the growth and development of the Islands. We therefore nominate Everard C. Ebanks aka 'Mr. Ruddy' for the award of Early Pioneer in the areas of: Turtling and Seafaring for the 2021 National Heroes Day Awards: Celebrating our Seafaring Heritage.

I nominate the above person for the indicated category because: he sailed the seas and was an active ranger in the turtling industry for 37 years which contributed to building the foundation of the Cayman Islands. Please see the attached documents. Everard C. Ebanks aka 'Mr. Ruddy' was born in West Bay on 5th December 1893 to Joseph and Ellen Ebanks. His first trip overseas to USA was as a young man, age 23, when he went for employment with a dredging company. He worked on the dredges for a few years and was thus able to build his home in West Bay, Grand Cayman and got married to his beautiful bride Ethel Maude. He continued to work as a seaman as his family of 4 children grew, and also worked the land in between sailings. When Capt. Allie Ebanks started operating the MV Adams, doing turtling, Mr. Ruddy was one of the crew and continued with the trade for many years. They endured storms, and many dangers, spending weeks/months away from family when they had to stay on the Cays catching the turtles and sometimes sharks as the main vessel went on to sell a catch in the U.S. His fellow turtle rangers, gave him the nickname of 'Gator' because of his excellent swimming skills. In those days life in Cayman was very simple and most families depended on these tough seamen making enough money to bring or send home to buy basic supplies for the homes on the Island. When the turtlers returned from a trip that had last stopped in KeyWest or Tampa, it was extra exciting, especially for the children who could always look forward to some little treats or pretty clothes from their Papa!. In later years he would recount stories of his life at sea to his grandchildren. Mr. Ruddy was one of those iron men whose seafaring work and adventures helped to sustain the Cayman community and thus contribute to the growth and development of the Islands. We therefore nominate Everard C. Ebanks aka 'Mr. Ruddy' for the award of Early Pioneer in the areas of: Turtling and Seafaring for the 2021 National Heroes Day Awards: Celebrating our Seafaring Heritage.