The Cayman Islands Premier would be allowed to grant national honours for meritorious service to any resident of the Islands, under a bill proposed by Premier McKeeva Bush.

The National Honours and Awards Bill will be released for public consultation and comment shortly.

Upon introducing the proposal, Mr. Bush cautioned that the awards would not in any way seek to replace the current Queen’s honours awarded each year in the British Overseas Territory.

“Her Majesty, the Queen’s honours will reign supreme as honours from the Crown,” Mr. Bush said.

The bill will propose three separate categories of honours.

*The Order of the Cayman Islands – This would be granted to living awardees as a medal of honour to anyone who has rendered a service of national importance to the Cayman Islands, or who has performed an outstanding or brave act.

*National Service Medal – The medal would be given to police, fire, prisons and cadet corps officers for “outstanding and meritorious service”.

*Long Service Award – Granted either to living awardees or posthumously for outstanding public service over a period of at least 20 years.

The bill would also form a National Awards Committee to assist government in award designations.