WELCOME TO THE
Photo by: Courtney Platt (CourtneyPlatt.com) Pirates Week
EXPERIENCE OUR
ISLANDS’ SOUL
2016 THIRD QUARTER EDITION
CONTENTS 4
OUR
ISLANDS PLACES OF INTEREST
FEATURES 6 EX–USS KITTIWAKE SHIPWRECK & ARTIFICIAL REEF Dive or snorkel the Ex-USS Kittiwake. Divers can explore the five decks on the 47 foot tall Kittiwake, which sits in a sandy bottom with a reef several yards away.
8 ANNUAL EVENTS Pirates Week is an island-wide mock invasion including revelry such as parades, costume contests, and boat races.
11 EVENT CALENDAR There’s always something to see and do in the Cayman Islands. Find out what’s happening in September – December.
16 MADE IN CAYMAN: MAR CANDLES Get your locally made, eco-friendly candles from Mar Candles. Each candle is made from soy wax and mixed with natural oils for scent.
18 LOCAL CUISINE Learn how to prepare one of Cayman’s traditional dishes – Breadfruit Salad.
19 WHERE TO EAT Find out where the locals go for traditional Caymanian dishes.
20 OUR HISTORY How the Cayman Islands got its name.
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THE SOUL OF OUR
CAYMAN ISLANDS Dear Visitors and Friends, The Cayman Islands experience — our inviting and gracious hospitality, world-class diving and snorkelling, white beaches and warm Caribbean Sea with its many shades of blue — is something enjoyed by all. For those of us who call Cayman home, it is essential that we take pride in our unique heritage and share our Caymanian courtesy with every guest we meet. For those of you who are our guests, or business partners, we trust that you will grow to love the Cayman Islands as we do. To assist you in becoming more familiar with us, we designed this reference guide to answer basic questions about the Cayman Islands and to provide you with a ‘snapshot’ of our home. We hope that you find it useful and look forward to your continued support. With warm regards, The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
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OUR
ISLANDS
PLACES OF INTEREST
GRAND CAYMAN | Smith Barcadere (Smith Cove) Make your way down to Smith Barcadere in South Sound, Grand Cayman. Also known as Smith Cove to the locals, here you can take advantage of great photos ops and phenomenal snorkelling. Plus, you’ll enjoy easy access to public restrooms, picnic benches and outdoor showers. Turquoise waters protected by limestone formations and coral surround this sandy white beach. Its location is favorable, and exploring George Town is a convenient option from Smith Cove. A favourite attraction that’s among the most popular with tourists, Smith Barcadere is a renowned swimming and snorkelling site. The beach drops off, allowing visitors to swim freely while still being close to the shore. It’s great for kids and beginners looking to learn the basics.
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Smith Cove is filled with character and has a ton of local flare. Be sure to pick up some local art at the gift shops nearby to remember your Caribbean vacation. Don’t forget about your friends and family as well.
CAYMAN BRAC | Deadman’s Point Bluff Road A site for hikers and nature explorers, Deadman’s Point Bluff Road features a gorgeous view of the Marshes Herbaceous Wetlands and a number of interesting bird species abound as well. As you stroll along the Bluff, you’ll likely encounter sightings of the White-Crowned Pigeon, Denaida Dove, Cayman Brac Parrot, Black-Whiskered Vireo, Vieline Warbler, Red-legged Thrush and more. Deadman’s Point Bluff Road can be found near the middle of the island. For more information on FREE tours, email naturecayman@gov.ky
LITTLE CAYMAN | National Trust Booby Pond Nature Reserve National Trust Booby Pond Nature Reserve is an internationally important wetland and the only RAMSAR site in the Cayman Islands. With 20,000 birds, Booby Pond Nature Reserve Little Cayman has the largest red-footed booby colony in the Caribbean. Guided tours are available on request by contacting naturecayman@gov.ky or telephone (345) 948-2222
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FEATURED
ATTRACTION
EX-USS KITTIWAKE SHIPWRECK & ARTIFICIAL REEF
Photo by: Courtney Platt (CourtneyPlatt.com)
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EX-USS KITTIWAKE SHIPWRECK & ARTIFICIAL REEF The Kittiwake was scuttled off the Northwest Point area of Grand Cayman in January of 2011. Sailing from Norfolk, Virginia to the Florida Keys, the Kittiwake entered international waters in December 2010. From Key West, the Kittiwake was towed through shipping lanes near the west side of Cuba to the west side of Grand Cayman. The route covered over 1,400 nautical miles and took 9 days at an average speed of 8 knots.
taking a look down the smoke stack that opens up straight to the bottom of the hull and the engine rooms. The Caribbean’s clear waters make viewing the enormity of the Kittiwake possible and it has since become a favourite photo subject. Kittiwake Shipwreck Scuba Divers & Snorkellers are required to pay the following entry fees: • Scuba Divers: US$10.00 per day (CI$8.00) • Snorkellers: US$5.00 per day (CI$4.00) • Annual Pass: US$31.25 per year (pro-rated) (CI$25.00)
The Kittiwake served from 1945 to 1994, with its most memorable call of duty being the recovery of the Challenger Space Shuttle after its tragic disaster. It now serves as a renowned diving attraction park that’s managed by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association. Over the years, this artificial reef will play host and prosper a growing variety of marine life. After merely a year underwater, a variety of fish have settled around the Kittiwake along with the beginnings of hard coral colonies attached to the ship.
• Lifetime Pass: US$250.00 (CI$200.00) Scuba divers and snorkellers are given tags or tokens to carry as tickets for diving the Kittiwake. All of our recommended Cayman Islands dive operators can obtain the necessary admission tags and take you to the attraction site. Kittiwake park admission fees are used for maintenance of the shipwreck, safety equipment and management of this amazing Cayman Islands dive attraction. A portion of the fees will go to the Cayman Islands marine environmental contingency fund.
The Kittiwake is perfect for both diving and snorkelling. Divers can explore the five decks on the 47-foot tall Kittiwake, which sits in a sandy bottom with reef several yards away. Snorkellers can swim overhead and see the main decks and topography of the ship while
Cayman Islands Tourism Association: 1320 West Bay Road, Grand Cayman (Located across from The Great House Condos and just north of Governors Square.)
Telephone: 345.949.8522 Email: info@cita.ky Website: http://www.cita.ky/kittiwakecayman
Open Monday – Friday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
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FEATURED
ANNUAL EVENTS CAYMAN ISLANDS
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NATIONAL FESTIVAL PIRATES WEEK
PIRATES WEEK FESTIVAL | NOVEMBER 4-26
Jim Bodden, then Minister of Tourism, started Pirates Week in 1977. The idea was never to celebrate the actual pirate history. On the contrary, it was started to boost tourism during the country’s low season (OctoberNovember). It has since grown into the biggest entertainment event in the country and is considered the National Festival of the Cayman Islands. The 2016 Pirates Week Festival will run November 4-26 and will feature three fun-filled weeks of fireworks, music, street dances, costumes, competitions, games, local foods and drinks, kid’s day, parades, sports events, and pirate invasion. The event will also feature district heritage days, including the Sister Islands: Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. There’s just too much going on for you to miss out!
GRAND CAYMAN KICK-OFF PARTY: o o
Fireworks, Street Dance & Food Festival ––Thursday, November 10 Pirate Invasion & Landing, Parade, Street Dance & Food Festival –– Saturday, November 12
HERITAGE DAYS: o o o o o o o
Little Cayman Heritage Festival –– Friday - Sunday, November 4-6 Bodden Town District Heritage Day –– Monday, November 14 George Town District Heritage Day –– Tuesday, November 15 East End District Heritage Day –– Wednesday, November 16 West Bay District Heritage Day –– Thursday, November 17 North Side District Heritage Day –– Friday, November 18 Cayman Brac Heritage Festival –– Saturday, November 26
Contact the Pirates Week Administration for full calendar of events and heritage days. For more information, visit www.piratesweekfestival.com Phone: 345.949.5078 Email: pirates@candw.ky
CAYMAN 27’S PARADE OF LIGHTS | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 Always the season’s biggest spectacle, over 7,000 people gather around The Harbour at Camana Bay to watch Cayman 27’s Parade of Lights. Boats aglow with thousands of brightly coloured lights parade to a soundtrack of local choirs while a Christmas market fills the air with the smells of homemade holiday treats. An expanded viewing area with tiered seating on The Festival Green ensures that everyone enjoys the show. And it all ends with a bang as a sensational fireworks display lights up the night sky. It’s a fun-filled evening of celebration, as beautifully lit boats sail into the harbour of Camana Bay. Enjoy food, drink, a Christmas market, live music and a fireworks display from 6pm-8pm. For more information about events, see details below. Email: cybbraccanalcommittee@gmail.com Website: braccanal.com
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EVENT
CALENDAR SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER EVERY WEDNESDAY Farmers & Artisans Market Discover an array of local purveyors – offering products and experiences found only in Cayman – at Camana Bay’s weekly market. Come early for the widest selection of fresh produce and farm goods, then browse an eclectic selection of artisanal products and handicrafts. The festivities pick up throughout the evening as more artisans join and the market is infused with entertainment, including art and cultural demonstrations as well as live music. Location: The Paseo, Camana Bay Time: 12:00pm – 7:00pm Telephone: 345.640.3483 Website: camanabay.com
EVERY WEDNESDAY
EVERY THURSDAY Farm to Table Dinner ‘Farm to Table’ is truly a Caymankind culinary experience, hosted by the Cayman Cabana Oceanfront Restobar in partnership with Cayman’s own Plantation Organics and local fishermen. All dinners are prepared fresh and are complemented by a fusion of delicious locally inspired cuisine. Reservations required every Wednesday before 10:00am Location: Cayman Cabana Oceanside Restobar North Church Street, George Town Dinner time: 7:30pm Telephone: 345.949.3080 Email: caymancabana@gmail.com Website: caymancabanarestaurant.com
EVERY SATURDAY Market at the Grounds A vibrant and lively place complemented by the natural beauty of its surroundings, The Market is a place to unwind with friends and family, sample traditional Cayman cuisine and get fresh ingredients for your home-cooked meals, all of which are grown right here in Cayman. Telephone: 345.947.3090
The Flavour Tour
EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
Experience The Flavour Tour, a guided dining adventure featuring local ingredients presented in the signature styles of Camana Bay’s restaurants. Start the evening with a champagne toast at West Indies Wine Company, then enjoy four small-plate courses complemented by featured cocktail pairings before returning to West Indies Wine Company for a taste of one of their 80 vintages.
LIVE Music by Hi-Tide
The cost is USD$89 per person. Tours can be customised for private groups of 10-20 people. Please allow two hours for the full experience. Space is limited. Location: The Paseo, Camana Bay Time: 12:00pm – 7:00pm Telephone: 345.640.TOUR (8687) Email: flavourtour@camanabay.com Website: camanabay.com
Hi-Tide, an acoustic duo from the Cayman Islands, is well known for their live performances as well as their recordings of classic covers and catchy, contemporary, original pop songs. Location: Decker’s Caribbean Inspired Grille, Seven Mile Beach, West Bay Thursday: 7:30pm – 10:30pm Friday: 8:00pm – 11:00pm Saturday: 7:30pm – 10:30pm Telephone: 345.945.6600 Email: hitide@candw.ky Website: hitidemusic.com
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4
International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame
Pirates Week Festival | Little Cayman Kick-off Dance
Each year, the Cayman Islands hosts the annual dinner and induction ceremony, where the Pioneers, Artists and Entrepreneurs are presented with the prestigious award for their outstanding contributions to the sport.
A fun-filled day of music, competitions, games, local food and fireworks. Dance will begin at 8:00pm – 2:00am.
The Board of Directors of the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame maintains the high standards of the Hall of Fame and oversees the prestigious induction ceremony. These Board members are internationally recognized individuals who have contributed to the sport, are actively involved in the scuba diving industry and are leaders of their local dive community.
Location: McCoy's Lodge, Little Cayman Time: 8:00am – 6:00pm Telephone: 345.949.5078 Email: pirates@candw.ky
For more information, contact the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism:
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 The Cayman Islands Triathlon The Cayman Triathlon is one of the foremost annual sporting events held in the Cayman Islands. The event attracts a strong field of local and international competitors, as well as keen amateurs and spectators. You can participate in sprint or Olympic distances. Two- or three-person team entries are welcomed for the Olympic distance.
Telephone: 345.949.0623 Website: www.caymanislands.ky/eventsoffers/ scubadivinghalloffame.aspx
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 – MONDAY OCTOBER 31 Cayman Restaurant Month If you’ve always wanted to try a particular restaurant in Cayman, or love to dine out but your budget doesn’t allow you as many nights out as you’d like–Cayman Restaurant Month 2016 is your chance to re-visit your favourite restaurant or branch out and try something new.
For more information, contact the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association: Telephone: 345.526.7000 Email: info@triathlon.ky Website: www.triathlon.ky
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10
For more information, contact the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA):
Pirates Week Festival | Grand Cayman Kick-Off Party Fireworks, Street Dance & Food Festival
Telephone: 345.949.8522 Email: info@cita.ky Website: explorecayman.com
The fireworks display on Friday marks the opening of the Pirates Week festivities, followed by a street dance. This is a free event open to the public. Food vendors sell their traditional fares to the public here. Time: 9:00pm – 2:00am Location: George Town Harbour, Grand Cayman Telephone: 345.945.5078 Email: pirates@candw.ky
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21 – FRIDAY OCTOBER 28 Cayman Cocktail Week Cayman Cocktail Week is a celebration of all things cocktail-y and sip-worthy in the Cayman Islands. This year will be the fourth in a row for the event. The 2016 Cocktail Week will feature fun and interactive festivities almost every day. You could meet some of the top industry professionals, make-your-own Gin or go on a historical cocktail tour. Telephone: 345.525.4680 Email: email Cayman Cocktail Week from their website Website: caymancocktailweek.com
For a full schedule of events, visit piratesweekfestival.com
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Pirates Week Festival | Pirate Invasion & Landing, Float Parade, Food Festival & Street Dance
Pirates Week Festival | East End District Heritage Day
On the first Saturday, we have a mock ‘pirate invasion’ from the sea! Two old-time sailing vessels loaded with pirates make a Saturday surprise landing at the bowl-shaped George Town harbour, where the pirates capture the Governor. Thousands of people line the streets to watch the spectacle and its all good-natured fun with a new twist every year. Families just love it. It's the only event of its kind in the Caribbean.
A fun-filled day of music, competitions, games, local food and fireworks. Fireworks begin at 8pm.
For a full schedule of events, visit piratesweekfestival.com
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Time: 2:00pm – Midnight Location: George Town Harbour, Grand Cayman Telephone:345.949.5078 Email: pirates@candw.ky
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Pirates Week Festival | Bodden Town District Heritage Day A fun-filled day of music, competitions, games, local food and fireworks. Fireworks begin at 8pm. For full schedule of events, visit piratesweekfestival.com Location: Harry McCoy Park/ Nurse Josie Senior Centre, Gun Square Avenue Telephone: 345.949.5078 Email: pirates@candw.ky
For full schedule of events, visit piratesweekfestival.com Location: Heritage Field, East End Telephone: 345.949.5078 Email: pirates@candw.ky
Pirates Week Festival | West Bay District Heritage Day A fun-filled day of music, competitions, games, local food and fireworks. Fireworks begin at 8pm. For full schedule of events, visit piratesweekfestival.com Location: Heritage Park, West Bay Telephone: 345.949.5078 Email: pirates@candw.ky
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Pirates Week Festival | North Side District Heritage Day A fun-filled day of music, competitions, games, local food and fireworks. Fireworks begin at 8pm. For full schedule of events, visit piratesweekfestival.com
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Location: Water Key Public Park (next to Kaibo)
Pirates Week Festival | George Town District Heritage Day
Telephone: 345.949.5078 Email: pirates@candw.ky
A fun-filled day of music, competitions, games, local food and fireworks.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26
For full schedule of events, visit piratesweekfestival.com
Pirates Week Festival | East End District Heritage Day
Location: Cardinal Avenue, George Town
A fun-filled day of music, competitions, games, local food and fireworks.
Telephone: 345.949.5078 Email: pirates@candw.ky
For full schedule of events, visit piratesweekfestival.com Telephone: 345.949.5078 Email: pirates@candw.ky
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NOVEMBER 28 – DECEMBER 6
GIMISTORY – The Cayman Islands International Storytelling Festival The Cayman Islands International Storytelling Festival, better known as GIMISTORY, brings together storytellers from Cayman, the Caribbean, North America and beyond to entertain old and young alike. The Festival is acclaimed by those who have attended storytelling festivals in North America and the UK as being among the best anywhere. The Festival takes place in parks, beaches, and even a private backyard, all of which evoke an atmosphere of the days of yore when storytelling was our only entertainment. Admission is FREE! All shows begin at 7pm. Organiser: Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) Telephone: 345.949.5577 Email: culture@candw.ky Website: artscayman.org/gimistory
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 Cayman Thanksgiving
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 Cayman Islands Marathon The event consists of a full marathon, half marathon, 4-person relay and a Kids Fun Run. See details below for more information. Location: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa Time: 5:00am Telephone: 345.948.2222 Email: info@caymanislandsmarathon.com Website: caymanislandsmarathon.com
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5
Rotary Club of Cayman Brac Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Cayman Brac’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Location: District Administration Front Lawn, 19 Kirkconnell Street, Cayman Brac Telephone: 345.948.2222
Cayman Thanksgiving is a national celebration to honour Caymanian heritage, culture and way of life. This is a time for fellowship among family, friends and neighbours that allows an opportunity for our Caymanian community to express gratitude for our many blessings. The first Sunday of December is centred on a traditional Caymanian meal. Email: info@caymanthanksgiving.ky
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2017 FIRST QUARTER
EVENTS
AT A GLANCE | JANUARY – APRIL) MISS CAYMAN ISLANDS PAGEANT 2017 January
CAYMAN COOKOUT January
TASTE OF CAYMAN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL February
ANNUAL AGRICULTURE SHOW February
RED SKY AT NIGHT FESTIVAL (CAYFEST) February
DRESS FOR CULTURE DAY February
MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL February
THE CAYMAN ISLANDS ORCHID SHOW February
BATABANO CARNIVAL JUNIOR PARADE April Further event details will be in the next quarter’s edition
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MADE IN
CAYMAN: MAR CANDLES
MAR CANDLES
M
ar Candles uses soy wax in their candles, rather than the more traditional paraffin. Soy wax comes from soybeans and is hydrogenated soybean oil. At Mar Candles, the soy wax is mixed with natural oils for scent, while organic colours add to the eco-friendly product. The wick is also a metal-free cotton wick, which burns cleaner than wicks containing metals like zinc.
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The store sells pillar candles and container candles as yet another green initiative. The store offers candle refills, which means you can have a container candle filled, rather than having to buy a new container. Location: Strand Shopping Centre, West Bay Road, Grand Cayman Telephone: 345.949.6627 Email: marcandles@candw.ky
LOCAL
CUISINE FEATURED DISH CAYMAN STYLE BREADFRUIT SALAD Breadfruit Salad is one of Cayman’s most popular traditional side dishes. You will likely find the famous salad available at most local restaurants. Ingredients: 1 Large Breadfruit, boiled 1 Cup Mayonnaise 1 Can Green Peas (drained) 2 Large Onions, chopped finely 1 Large Red Pepper, chopped finely 2 Celery Stalks, chopped finely 1 tsp Mustard 1 tsp Sea Salt Black Pepper (to taste)
Baking Directions: Dice breadfruit and add chopped onions, red peppers and celery. Mix mustard and mayonnaise, add to breadfruit ingredients, mix thoroughly. Add green peas and black pepper last. Use small amount of green peas and red peppers to garnish top of salad. The salad may be served warm, but it is normally served after it has been refrigerated for 2-3 hours.
WHERE
TO EAT FEATURED LOCAL RESTAURANTS CAPT. HERMAN EAST SIDE FISH FRY (Grand Cayman)
Capt. Herman East Side Fish Fry specializes in authentic traditional Caymanian fare. Freshly fried fish, sweet and sour shrimp or garlic and lemon shrimp are served daily. Desserts may include a Caymanian Classic like Cassava Cake. Location: East End, Grand Cayman Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
CAPTAIN’S TABLE BAR & RESTAURANT (Cayman Brac)
Captain’s Table specializes in seafood cuisine with dishes such as Snapper fish and Lionfish. Don't forget to try this Cayman Brac restaurant on your vacation to the Sister Islands. Location: South Side, Cayman Brac Opening hours: Daily: 11:00am -12:00am Telephone: 345.948.1418/345.926.6222
PIRATES POINT RESORT (Little Cayman)
Pirates Point Resort’s menu frequently includes lionfish, mangos, papaya, local tomatoes, herbs and greens. Meals range from the classics such as the popular Conch Chowder. Reservations are required. Location: Guy Banks Road, Little Cayman Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am -8:00pm Lunch served 11:30am – 3pm Dinner served 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Telephone: 345.948.1010 Email: piratept@candw.ky Website: piratespointresort.com/food
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OUR
HISTORY
HOW CAYMAN ISLANDS GOT ITS NAME
T
he Cayman Islands was first sighted by European explorers on May 10, 1503, owing to a chance wind that blew Christopher Columbus’ ship off course.
On his fourth and final voyage to the New World, Columbus was en route to the island of Hispaniola (home to Haiti and the Dominican Republic) when his ship was thrust westward toward “two very small and low islands, full of tortoises (turtles), as was all the sea all about, insomuch that they looked like little rocks, for which reason these islands were called Las Tortugas”. Columbus named the islands after the turtles he saw in the waters around them. The two islands sighted were Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. A 1523 map showing all three Islands gave them the name Lagartos, meaning alligators or large lizards, but by 1526 the name Caymanos was being used. It is derived from the Carib Indian word for the marine crocodile, which is now known to have lived in the Islands. This name, or a variant, has been retained ever since. Thus the word eventually developed into Cayman and adding the word Islands, we became the ‘Cayman Islands’.
WHO YA FA?
Caymanians have a unique dialogue when they utter their words in a slow fashion especially when talking to their peers or family member. Here are a few of the sayings and meanings behind the words.
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CAYMANIAN
ENGLISH
Who you fa? Wha happen? I coming errectly Wha happen to unna? Who you for? Who ya daddeh Is? Bobo
Who’s your family? Hi or How are you? I’ll be there soon Whats up with you? Who is your mother? Who is your father? Pet name for a guy
CAYMANIAN SYMBOLS
FASCINATING INSIGHTS INTO THE HISTORY OF SOME OF OUR SYMBOLS.
OUR COAT OF ARMS
SILVER THATCH PALM
The Cayman Islands coat of arms consists of a shield, a crested helm and the motto. Three green stars represents our Islands and rest on blue and white wavy bands representing the sea. In the top third of the shield, against a red background, is a gold griffin “passant guardant” representing Great Britain.
Tall, slender silver thatch palms are especially conspicuous at the eastern end of all three of the Cayman Islands, where they sway in the trade winds high above the low, dry thickets of native trees and shrubs. The leaves are what give this tree its common name; they are green on the top and silver on the bottom. Up to the early 1960s, the silver thatch palm played an important role in the lives of Caymanians. Unusually strong, the leaves have a variety of uses, from roofing for houses to the plaiting and sewing of hats, baskets and fans. In earlier years, thatch rope made from the thatch palm was highly prized in Cuba and Jamaica for use in shipping, fishing and sugar industries. Exporting rope was Cayman’s largest source of revenue.
Above the shield is a green turtle on a coil of rope. Behind the turtle is a gold pineapple. The turtle represents Cayman’s seafaring history; the rope, its traditional thatch-rope industry; and the pineapple, its ties with Jamaica. The Islands’ motto, "He hath founded it upon the seas," is printed at the bottom of the shield.
THE WILD BANANA ORCHID The woods provide shelter for several varieties of flowering plants, including orchids. Probably the best known of Cayman’s 26 species of orchids is the wild banana orchid, of which there are two varieties– one which originated on Grand Cayman, and the other came from Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Both varieties have scented flowers with purple lips. The flowers appear at the top of a long curved spike at the bottom of which cluster banana-like pseudo-bulbs that give this orchid its name.
THE CAYMAN PARROT About 2,000 parrots inhabit Grand Cayman, while the quieter, smaller Cayman Brac Parrot maintains a stable population of about 400. Nesting in tree holes in old-growth forests, the colourful parrots depend on undisturbed woodlands and black mangrove forests for survival. Cayman’s parrots have iridescent green feathers with darker edges over the body, a white eye ring, red cheeks, black ear patches and brilliant blue wing feathers which are only obvious when in flight. Historically, parrots were common family pets. Today, however, it is illegal to take a parrot from the wild and keep it as a pet.
CAYMANIAN
ENGLISH
CAYMANIAN
ENGLISH
Tedee Wha do you? Soon come Come yah Rite down deh Na too far It jus rite dere
Pet name for a lady What’s wrong with you? It is happening, but don’t wait! Come here Right there Not too far It’s just right there
It nuh too far from ya I tink so innu Doon fugget now Yih’see Wha ya sayin bobo Trouble don’t blow shell
It’s not very far from here I do think so Don’t forget You See What’s up, how are you today? No warning when troubles arrive
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