National Heroes Day - GOV.KY
National Heroes Day 2026
Each year on National Heroes Day, the Cayman Islands honours residents who have made valuable contributions to our nation while remembering our National Heroes. The theme for National Heroes Day (NHD) 2026 is Honouring a Nation Built: The Power of Physical Infrastructure.
This theme recognises the individuals and organisations whose work in developing the Cayman Islands’ physical infrastructure, including roads, ports, airports, utilities (energy grids, water and sanitation systems, communication networks), and public buildings, has had a lasting, transformative impact on the nation’s growth, economic activity, social development, and quality of life.
The award categories for the National Recognition Awards are as follows:
- Landmark Leaders (“Early Pioneers”)
- Infrastructure Innovators (“Pioneers”)
- The Builders of Cayman (Group Award)
The 2026 National Heroes Day Awards Presentation will take place on Monday, 26 January in Heroes Square at 8:30 am. The presentation will be streamed live on the Cayman Islands Government YouTube channel and the CIGTV cable channels.
Heroes Day Evening Celebration
The Heroes Day Evening Celebration begins at 4:00 pm on Monday, 26 January 2026 on Cardinall Avenue, George Town.
Activities include a Kids’ Corner, live performances and local food/crafts will be on sale from Caymanian cooks and artisans. The night will end with a special fireworks and drone display.
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Our National Heroes
The Cayman Islands declared eight persons who have rendered exceptional service as National Heroes. The first national hero, the late Executive Council member Hon. James (Jim) Manoah Bodden, was named in 1994. In 1996, the second hero, Hon. Sybil Ione McLaughlin, first Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, was named. The nation honoured her legacy when she passed away in 2022.
Hon. Leila Elberta Ross-Shier who is best remembered for composing the National Song, "Beloved Isle Cayman", was the latest national hero declared in 2021.
Visit our National Heroes page to read about these outstanding individuals and their extraordinary contributions to our Islands.
