I hereby nominate the above-named person, and my father for his contribution as a Pioneer for the period 1960 through 1979. His contribution was for nineteen (19) years of service at sea.

Herbert began his seaman journey at the tender age of 15.  He joined the MV Merco and worked as an Able Body Seaman (AB). Even though he was at such a young age, he was determined to excel to a higher position as his family were back home and depending on him for their welfare.

 A few months later, he moved over to the Cuba Hammer and joined as a Mess Man. This was not the position he wanted but provided him with a better salary and an opportunity to grow.  He remained on this vessel for 15 months and, later joined The National Bulk Carrier in 1962, where he sailed until the early 1970s.  On the National carrier, he worked as an Able Body Seaman (AB), then Boson which was a Supervisory position.   Thereafter he joined the Cavala and remained on that vessel for 3 years as a Conveyor man.                                                                                    

Herbert continued his journey at sea and worked on the following vessels: Ore Mercury, Ore Neptune, Bulk Trader, Ore Meridian, and many others. His duties ranged from an able-bodied seaman to a ' supervisory role. The life of a seaman had risk factors and being away from family for such a long duration of time had its hardships. Herbert had days when he felt like quitting, however, the fact that his family's welfare was supported by him, quitting was not an option.  He had to earn as much as possible to send home for his large household of 9 siblings and years later a family of his own which consisted of his wife and 5 children.             ·

 There were positive attributes to being at sea.  He had the opportunity to see various countries all over the World such as Canada, the USA, Dubai, the Persian Gulf, part of the United Kingdom; Scotland, Germany, France, Italy, Amsterdam, Brazil, Jamaica, Trinidad, Venezuela and Panama, where he; sailed through the legendary Panama Canal. Without being at sea, he would not have had the opportunity to experience the World from such an immense standpoint.  This experience expanded his horizons and gave him a different perspective on being responsible and a total appreciation for people in general.

 Hard work and dedication were the only key to success for men from his generation and the life of a seaman and their contribution to the Cayman Islands should not go unrecognized. Seamen paid a big sacrifice for the well-being of their families and the development and growth of our beloved Cayman Islands during the early 1900s.

Chantal Byrd

October 17, 2020

Cayman Islands Seafarers' Association 11 Victory Avenue

P.O. Box 474

Grand Cayman Cayman Islands.

 ATTENTION: 2021 NATIONAL HEROES DAY COMMITTEE

 This letter serves as confirmation that I have known Herbert Byrd (Blinky) for over 60 years. Herbert and I have been friends since we were children and have grown up together over the years. We had the opportunity to sail together at sea during the early1960s to late 1970s.

 I can therefore confirm that he was a seaman during that period. I can be contacted at 917-2135 if you require additional information.

 Sincerely,

William Washington Ebanks

October 19, 2020

 Cayman Islands Seafarers Association

P.O. Box 474

Grand Cayman, KY1-1502

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

 I can confirm that I have known Herbert (Blinky) Byrd for over 40 years.  Blinky and I sailed on the National Bulk Carrier together when we were all at sea and when we were all very young men in the early 1960s.

 I can therefore confirm that he was a seaman during that period. I can be contacted at 929-7490 if you require additional information.

 Sincerely,

Spellman McField George Town Grand Cayman

I hereby nominate the above-named person, and my father for his contribution as a Pioneer for the period 1960 through 1979. His contribution was for nineteen (19) years of service at sea.

Herbert began his seaman journey at the tender age of 15.  He joined the MV Merco and worked as an Able Body Seaman (AB). Even though he was at such a young age, he was determined to excel to a higher position as his family were back home and depending on him for their welfare.

 A few months later, he moved over to the Cuba Hammer and joined as a Mess Man. This was not the position he wanted but provided him with a better salary and an opportunity to grow.  He remained on this vessel for 15 months and, later joined The National Bulk Carrier in 1962, where he sailed until the early 1970s.  On the National carrier, he worked as an Able Body Seaman (AB), then Boson which was a Supervisory position.   Thereafter he joined the Cavala and remained on that vessel for 3 years as a Conveyor man.                                                                                    

Herbert continued his journey at sea and worked on the following vessels: Ore Mercury, Ore Neptune, Bulk Trader, Ore Meridian, and many others. His duties ranged from an able-bodied seaman to a ' supervisory role. The life of a seaman had risk factors and being away from family for such a long duration of time had its hardships. Herbert had days when he felt like quitting, however, the fact that his family's welfare was supported by him, quitting was not an option.  He had to earn as much as possible to send home for his large household of 9 siblings and years later a family of his own which consisted of his wife and 5 children.             ·

 There were positive attributes to being at sea.  He had the opportunity to see various countries all over the World such as Canada, the USA, Dubai, the Persian Gulf, part of the United Kingdom; Scotland, Germany, France, Italy, Amsterdam, Brazil, Jamaica, Trinidad, Venezuela and Panama, where he; sailed through the legendary Panama Canal. Without being at sea, he would not have had the opportunity to experience the World from such an immense standpoint.  This experience expanded his horizons and gave him a different perspective on being responsible and a total appreciation for people in general.

 Hard work and dedication were the only key to success for men from his generation and the life of a seaman and their contribution to the Cayman Islands should not go unrecognized. Seamen paid a big sacrifice for the well-being of their families and the development and growth of our beloved Cayman Islands during the early 1900s.

Chantal Byrd

October 17, 2020

Cayman Islands Seafarers' Association 11 Victory Avenue

P.O. Box 474

Grand Cayman Cayman Islands.

 ATTENTION: 2021 NATIONAL HEROES DAY COMMITTEE

 This letter serves as confirmation that I have known Herbert Byrd (Blinky) for over 60 years. Herbert and I have been friends since we were children and have grown up together over the years. We had the opportunity to sail together at sea during the early1960s to late 1970s.

 I can therefore confirm that he was a seaman during that period. I can be contacted at 917-2135 if you require additional information.

 Sincerely,

William Washington Ebanks

October 19, 2020

 Cayman Islands Seafarers Association

P.O. Box 474

Grand Cayman, KY1-1502

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

 I can confirm that I have known Herbert (Blinky) Byrd for over 40 years.  Blinky and I sailed on the National Bulk Carrier together when we were all at sea and when we were all very young men in the early 1960s.

 I can therefore confirm that he was a seaman during that period. I can be contacted at 929-7490 if you require additional information.

 Sincerely,

Spellman McField George Town Grand Cayman