Protocol Office - Frequently Asked Questions
- What is protocol?
- ‘Rules of diplomatic procedure, notably those designed to accord to the representatives of sovereign states and others, as well as different classes of officers within them, the treatment in all official dealings to which their recognized status entitles them.’
A Dictionary of Diplomacy, second edition, G.R. Berridge and Alan James
‘The forms of ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats and heads of state.’
The American Heritage College dictionary, fourth edition
- What is the Order of Precedence?
- It is the ceremonial order of rank or preference used by individuals/organizations. The Order of Precedence for a country lists the rank of senior government officials. View the Cayman Islands Order of Precedence.
- What is the proper way to display the Cayman flag?
- The Cayman flag should be placed in the position of honour which is on the right (on the left from a spectator’s point of view). All other country flags should be placed to the left of the Cayman flag with the exception of the UK flag, which, if used, would take the place of honour with the Cayman flag immediately on its left.
- Where can I purchase a Cayman flag?
- The Cayman Islands National Museum.
- During official events, what is the procedure for platform announcements of officials in attendance?
- The Chairman or Master of Ceremonies should recognize those individuals at the beginning of the ceremony. All subsequent speakers should not repeat the names and can shorten their salutations such as: “Your Excellency, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.”
- What are post-nominal letters?
- Post-nominal letters, or post-nominal initials, or post-nominal titles, are letters placed after the name of an individual to indicate that the person holds a position, office or honour.
- What is the correct order to place letters after the name?
- Debrett’s Correct Form outlines the order in which post-nominal letters should be placed. Placement of Post Nominal Letters [pdf]
- Is it correct to say the letters after the name in a platform introduction?
- No, one should not state the letters in a verbal address (i.e. MBE, JP, CPA)
- Who should be invited to official events? Can invitations be sent electronically?
- It is important to remember when inviting officials to take part in an event to invite those who have been associated with the event in some way. Email invitations are perfectly acceptable.
- What is the correct time frame to provide an RSVP?
- Within 3 days of receipt of the invitation.
- Where can I obtain official gifts?
- Official gifts should be representative of the Cayman Islands’ culture and people. Other considerations include cost, the occasion and the appropriateness of the item. Every attempt should be made to purchase official gifts from the Museum, the National Trust, Post Office, and other Government entities.
Last Updated: 2008-11-14