Former governor Michael Gore dies aged 86
(CNS): Michael Edward John Gore, who was the Cayman Islands governor from 1992 to 1995, has died aged 86. Both Premier Wayne Panton and Governor Martyn Roper released statements Friday morning responding to the news of his death, saying that they were saddened to hear of his passing and offering condolences. Panton said Gore was a dear friend to the Cayman Islands who in his first throne speech had described it as one of the more fortunate countries in the world. In honour of the life of Governor Gore, the Cayman Islands flag and the Union Jack were flying half-mast throughout Friday, which will be repeated the day of his funeral, or the Friday before if that takes place during a weekend, the government has said.
“The contributions of Governor Gore to our country are immense and we remember him when we
observe the Governor Michael Gore Bird Sanctuary, which contains the freshwater marshes of
the Spotts-Newlands area, which is a roosting and breeding habitat for several freshwater bird
species,” Panton said.
Roper also referenced Gore’s passion for the environment and biodiversity, noting that he was a keen birder. Gore wrote books on the birds of Korea, Uruguay and The Gambia. He also wrote numerous articles on conservation, illustrated with his own photographs of wildlife.
During his diplomatic career he served in Malaysia, Korea, Uruguay (during the Tupamaro uprising) and in four countries in Africa. As ambassador, he experienced the civil war in Liberia before coming to the Caribbean, first as high commissioner to the Bahamas and then to the Cayman Islands as governor, his final post.
Gore was here when Queen Elizabeth visited in 1994, when she knighted former financial secretary Vassel Johnson, Cayman’s first knight, and opened the Ed Bush Sports Complex in West Bay.
Both Panton and Roper offered their deepest condolences to Governor Gore’s wife, Monica, and his family and friends.
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Category: Local News
He was one of the good ones, not that he had much competition, save Duncan Taylor.
On reflection, he was likely the best Governor we had, post-1990.
Should he not be described as an ‘ornithologist’ instead of “birder”?
RIP Mr. Gore. You were a good man.
I worked closely with Mr Gore as a civil servant. He treated me fairly and respectfully.
I will always remember him with great affection.
My condolences to his wife Monica who was a very special person. Loved them both. I pray for her comfort at this sad time.
Best governor we had to date – RIP Sir.
Anwar Choudhury was the best Governor we ever had.
08 @ 8:41 pm – …or Anwar Choudhury is the best Governor we never had!
Your thoughts, Franz Manderson?
Absolutely, bar none. More gumption, integrity and backbone than all the rest could muster put together. And that’s especially as compared to the wet noodle we have now.
8:55. Insane comment. You are devoid of facts.
Who do you think was best Governor, George?
I know you’re curious George, but me too as to which one if any has your vote? Or rather, are you an independency lobbyist. Probably.