In 1924 A Poor Child was born in the Cayman Islands, and she was named Hope. In those days there was little hope for poor people of color. Only education offered a way of survival. Sixty-four years later Hope Dorothy Ethelyn Glidden-Borden retired from a distinguished career in the Postal Service of the Cayman Islands Government.
At a time when most people would be thinking about slowing down, her faith in God, her zest of life, and her unquenchable love of people inspired her to begin a new career. Hope became the unofficial leader and inspirer of Cayman Airways, our national airline.
Hope convinced the entire Cayman Airways team that faith, prayer, dedication, responsibility, service, and love for mankind are the basis for every daily task of life, from captain to baggage handler. She established morning prayers for employees, a custom that has continued for the past twelve years. For twelve years, until she was 76, her unforgettable voice greeted callers on the telephone: A very good day to you. This is Hope at Cayman Airways. How may we help you? Her image and voice became icons of Cayman Airways. Twelve years of selfless Christian leadership of a turbulent industry. For twelve years, Hope led this company with her example of grace, dignity and unwavering faith in God. Humble and dignified in everything she did, she was mother, friend, co-worker, counselor, and mediator. From president to porter, we turned to this little Christian woman for inspiration, guidance, consolation, uplift, and friendship. She loved without judging. She inspired without domineering. Her effervescent personality led us onward and upward.
Hope had an extraordinary passion for life, which was infectious. But above all, she taught us about the importance of compassion, understanding and forgiveness.
The greatest thing of all about Hope was that she was “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” She was an utterly fearless advocate of the highest standards of Christian integrity, commitment, and devotion to duty. She banned bad language. Very few of us could resist the power of her consistent testimony that Jesus Christ is Master of every workplace, the sovereign Lord of air, sea, and land.
Remember, Hope had three great human disadvantages: she was poor, she was a woman, and she was colored. Yet, on December 30, 2000, Hope went to her rest mourned by tens of thousands all over the world, leaving a government, an airline, and a country, that are in many ways unique in the world, all inspired by one unforgettable life of courageous faith.
Presented to “The Caribbean Pioneer” by the Staff of Cayman Airways. [As Dean of the International College of the Cayman Islands, the Senior Editor was to have presented Hope with an Honorary Degree, but sadly her death intervened].
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One