GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, March 15—Youth across the Cayman Islands embraced the spirit of service on Global Youth Day (GYD) 2025, an annual event observed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church on the third Sabbath of March. With a continued commitment to “Be the Sermon,” (the hands and feet of Jesus) this year’s theme, ACT—A Community Transformed, inspired young volunteers to make a tangible impact in their communities. Youth distributed personalized cards they created, along with custom stickers and brochures on mental health, vaping, healthy eating, and supporting children with depression. They also took time to pray with individuals in their homes and passing by in their vehicles.
In Cayman Brac, young volunteers visited the Kirkconnell Community Care Centre, where they distributed gift baskets to residents and offered prayers for healing and strength. A small group of masked volunteers extended their outreach to Faith Hospital, sharing words of encouragement and the love of Jesus with patients and staff.
Meanwhile, in North Side, Grand Cayman, the Old Man Bay Dock was transformed into a bustling headquarters for the day’s activities. Medical professionals provided free health checks, including smoking cessation support, while prayer booths offered spiritual encouragement. Residents also enjoyed neck and shoulder massages as part of the outreach.
Essential items such as pots, pans, toasters, and drinking glasses were donated to the North Side Civic Centre, ensuring community resources remained well-stocked. Additionally, the local health clinic received special-needed supplies, a wall clock, a toaster, and a water dispenser.
Hon. Johany “Jay” Ebanks, elected member for North Side, commended the initiative, stating, “I’m so happy to see so many people in one location in North Side, coming together to give back to the community.” Ebanks also accommodated and spent the afternoon with the youth as they carried out their mission.
Beyond these key locations, the outreach extended even further. The Cayman Islands Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Youth Choir (CICYC) made a special visit to High Rock, East End, to visit Nathan Brooks, a 28-year-old dump truck driver who survived a life-altering accident in July 2024. After a 3,000-pound tailgate fell on his head, Brooks was left in a coma for nearly three months. Despite bleak medical predictions, he has defied expectations and is now walking again, though with slight speech impairments.
Preceding Global Youth Day, the youth department initiated further acts of kindness, including the donation of a wheelchair to an elderly resident in the Savannah district and the delivery of fruit baskets and a certificate of appreciation to the Cayman Islands Cancer Society for its contributions to the community.
Pauline Green, planning coordinator for the North Side initiative, reflected on the day’s activities: “I have received positive feedback from the North Side community. I think that we achieved what we set out to do—transforming ourselves and making a meaningful impact, which transforms our community.”
“Doors were opened, and hearts were receptive—seeds were planted that will undoubtedly lead to people deciding to follow Christ wholeheartedly.” Neisha Miller
“Northside is one of my favorites—the community is warm, welcoming, and truly embodies ‘Cayman Kind. It’s a joy to be a part of Global Youth Day each year” Charles Lewinson
Merle Watkins, Youth Ministries Director of the Cayman Islands Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, shared “Global Youth Day is more than an event—it is a time of ‘Total Youth Involvement’ that speaks volumes about the dedication, passion, and talents of our young people. No matter their backgrounds, they come together in unity, demonstrating true fellowship and camaraderie, all wrapped in a beautiful package called GYD.” She also shared “My heartfelt prayer is that GYD will become more than a moment—it will become a way of life. May our youth continue to walk in God’s precepts, lifting up Jesus in every step they take and every word they speak, so that His love is seen and felt wherever they go.”
A special thanks to Honorable Johany Jay Ebanks, Elected Member for North Side, for the accommodation and for spending the afternoon with the youth. We also appreciate Kirkconnell Community Care Center and Faith Hospital for their support.
The day’s events concluded with the launch of the annual Youth Week of Prayer, which continued on Sunday afternoon with a “Torch Run” from the Seven Mile Beach parking lot to the George Town Seventh-day Adventist Church. The marathon-style event saw conference administrators carrying the torch for the first leg before passing it to youth and senior youth leaders. The run culminated with the continuation of Youth Week of Prayer.
Cayman Islands | Written by: Devarro Whittaker, Editor: Devarro Whittaker | Photo Credit: Devarro Whittaker, Kevin Robberts.
