Honourable Leila Elberta Ross-Shier, Cert. Hon.

Honourable Leila Elberta Ross-Shier, Cert. Hon.. (November 16, 1886 – September 26, 1968). A woman of infinite talent, Leila Ross-Shier was a gifted librarian, prolific writer, composer, accomplished musician, imaginative poet, songstress, incomparable storyteller, community historian, and cultural icon. She was the foremost writer of Caymanian culture and identified with all things Caymanian., During her time as Librarian, from 1945-1953, she often took on the role of teacher, helping many to master literacy. People who remember her from those days, when she also served as Registrar of Births, still recall her taking time to ensure that parents could spell and pronounce their child's name correctly and understand its history and culture. Ms Leila's gift instilled both the ability and desire to read in those with whom she worked. Likewise, she shared with the world her love for and knowledge of music., The National Song "Beloved Isle Cayman", for which she wrote the lyrics and the melody, perhaps best encapsulates her deep and abiding passion for her country and community. She is immortalized in the words of the song. It has inspired generations of patriotic Caymanians since she first wrote it in 1932., Declared a National Hero in 2021.