Three Caymanians receive Royal gongs
Olive Miller, OBE
(CNS): Olive Miller, who has chalked up a long list of community service achievements after a lifetime of volunteering, has received an OBE in the list of royal gongs for 2018. She is one of three Caymanians to be named in the New Year’s Honours list, as Betty Baraud and Dr Bill Hrudey both received MBEs. Miller, who is now 96 and living at the Pines, a retirement home she helped to establish, already has an MBE, which she was given 1978.
Betty Baraud, MBE
Betty Baraud, a former recruitment specialist, received an MBE for her contribution as a fundraiser and community volunteer. She is and has been involved a wide range of charitable and community efforts, including helping inmates find work when they are released from prison and Meals on Wheels; she has also been at the forefront of raising cash for Cayman’s Olympic athletes.
Dr Bill Hrudey, MBE
Dr Bill Hrudey, a former surgeon, has focused on his passion for astronomy since he moved to Cayman more than 20 years ago. He founded and funded the UCCI observatory and received his MBE for services to science. He has been a strong advocate for all things science related and he continues as the unpaid observatory director.
New Year’s Honours List 2018, Diplomatic Service and Overseas
Category: Local News
What a tremendous example of how those from foreign lands who come to Cayman are worthy of the highest honors for their contribution to the community. If only the many other civic minded citizens originating from other parts were afforded equal political rights rather than being disparaged as “driftwood” by ignorant nativists.
To Anonymous 02/01/2018 at 5:03pm – What a totally moronic statement – purposely and solely intended to insult Caymanians! Recipients of Royal Honours are not involved in their own selection process and only know after they’ve been informed by the Governor that they’ve been named. They do not “get in line” to be selected!!
Take your moronic and xenophobic attitude and go back to what ever rock you crawled from!
“get in line” was a figure of speech, also how is that insulting Caymanians?
Whom exactly was I xenophobic toward, I am a born and bred Caymanian, my comment was aimed at persons who decry the UK and the monarchy but then quickly accept honors and recognition from them
Do you understand the concept of reading thoroughly or do you just snap and write nonsensical comments whenever anything is slightly against your opinions?
Well said 1.31pm. Olive has lived here more than 70 years if you read the Compass article, having assisted with setting up the John Gray High School in 1946!, amongst her many later accomplishments. I could not agree more with the other contributors surely the prime candidate for our next National Hero Award and hopefully whilst she is still with us.
I love how people will tear away at the monarchy and the status and position of a hereditary monarch and call for independence , but then get in line for royal honours, classic Caymanian style of having their cake and eating it too
The same ones talking bad about the monarchy and the UK are the ones who would quickly slap an MBE or OBE behind their name if they got the chance
Caymanians live in the islands of milk and honey and deserve to have their cake and eat it too. Isn’t that why thousands of persons come here and live?
Congrats to all three. 1:31 sorry that 5:03 ruined your wish for the New Year.
I do believe your wish will never come to pass. But we have 362 days left.
How can they buy cake if they don’t have jobs?
The myth of unemployment strikes again. Lots of jobs around for those that want a job and that are not convicted criminals, drunks or junkies.
Anonymous 5:03,
That is a very ignorant statement, most likely because you simply do not know these 3 individuals. None of them have ever sought recognition for their work, yet they continue to give selflessly and very humbly to our community. And before you reply, I am the current President of the Rotary Club in which both Betty and Bill are or have have been Members, and I have had the pleasure to work with both of them on numerous Community Service projects. They are both very well deserving of these awards and we should all be proud of their achievements and thankful for their tireless work to better our community.
Wasn’t speaking to the character of those three individuals, I didn’t mention them at all, this comment was aimed at others who criticize and demean the UK, Monarchy and the Cayman/UK relationship but then would love to get the titles and recognition, nothing but the best for these 3 recipients who seem deserving of the accolades
Mrs. Olive for National Hero!!
No one ever came to our shores from the UK or elsewhere – and did so much for the Cayman Islands than Ms. Olive Miller. From the days of mosquitoes and thatch rope – she has been giving to our community in one way or the other.
She is our Cayman Islands “Mother Theresa” !!
She should be made a National Hero – without question.
Wow, thank you for your kind words. As her only Granddaughter, I appreciate it!!
#CaymanKind xx
Aaahhh… what a breathe of fresh air!!!
May God continue to bless Mrs Olive who have unselfishly given her time over the years and thought of others before self.
She is truly an icon of these islands with a heart of pure gold. She’s unique and special to all of us.
We trust that you will be named our National Hero as well.
May you continue to shine your light over these shores.
Congratulations to the three well deserving. persons. Could not have chosen better. So proud of you. Ms. OLive dedicated most of her life to these islands and is very much appreciated. Betty has never forgotten her people and even though I do not personally know the good doctor, I applaud him for keeping us in touch with the stars and planets out there and helping to maybe mould a young aspiring astronaut.
Well deseved congrats to all 3. My wish for the New Year was to read a CNS article that was positive and followed by all positive comments. Could this be the article. ?
Well said
1.31 I couldn’t agree more but sadly we are in Cayman where the promises made to God on Sunday ( or Saturday in some cases) along with those made on New Year’s Eve to be “better people, more positive people” lasted less than 3 days. Come on guys, there is enough hatred in this world without you adding your bit. Try being positive. You might find your own lives improve. Especially on a really good story like this.