George Town, Cayman Islands, British Overseas Territories
Hon. Desmond Vere Watler, CBE
(October 10, 1914 - October 25, 1994)
Photographed by James Hulse, February 11, 2025
1. Hon. Desmond Vere Watler, CBE Marker
Starting out as a 23-year-old clerk, almost four decades of public service career saw him rise through the ranks to become, in 1969, the Cayman Islands' first Treasurer, (now Financial Secretary).
He became the first Chief Secretary (now Deputy Governor) of the Cayman Islands in 1972. He served in the Legislative Assembly for 32 years and was the First Official Member and Chairman of the Executive Council.
He was honoured twice by Queen Elizabeth II: first in 1966 as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and again in 1975 as a Commander of that Order.
Highly regarded for his soft-spoken demeanour, he came to be considered a model of Civil Service integrity.
His life remains a sterling example to today's young people, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence, it is possible to reach the top of the career ladder.
Declared a National Hero in 2011.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Heroes. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.
Location. 19° 17.787′ N, 81° 22.909′ W. Marker is in George Town, Cayman Islands. It is at the intersection of Fort Street and Albert Panton Street on Fort
this page online
Regionally, it is one of the Lesser Antilles on the Caribbean Sea, in North America, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hon. Sybil Ione McLaughlin, MBE, JP (here, next to this marker); Hon. Sybil Joyce Hylton, MBE (here, next to this marker); Honourable James (Jim) Manoah Bodden (here, next to this marker); Hon. Ormond Lauder Panton, OBE (a few steps from this marker); Hon. William Warren Conolly, OBE, JP (a few steps from this marker); Honourable Leila Elberta Ross-Shier, Cert. Hon. (a few steps from this marker); Steps to Equality (a few steps from this marker); Hon. Mary Evelyn Wood, Cert. Hon. (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in George Town.
Photographed by James Hulse, February 11, 2025
2. The Desmond Vere Watler Statue and Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, February 11, 2025
3. The view of the marker (middle) from the street
Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 177 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 18, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
