Soul Magazine 2017 (First Edition)

WELCOME TO THE

Photo by: Jewel Levy

EXPERIENCE OUR

ISLANDS’ SOUL 2017 FIRST EDITION (JANUARY – APRIL)

CONTENTS 4

OUR

ISLANDS PLACES OF INTEREST

FEATURES 6 SEVEN MILE BEACH Named one of the “Ultimate Beaches” by Caribbean Travel + Life, Seven Mile Beach is only one of the many reasons why Cayman is considered the ultimate Caribbean destination and the epitome of an island getaway vacation.

8 ANNUAL EVENTS Taste of Cayman is a famous food and drink event held annually in Grand Cayman.

12 EVENT CALENDAR There’s always something to see and do in the Cayman Islands.

Find out what’s happening in January – April.

16 2017 SECOND QUARTER EVENTS AT A GLANCE 17 HAND CRAFTED ARTISAN SOAPS Get your locally handcrafted soaps, scrubs and spa products made from all natural and local ingredients.

18 LOCAL CUISINE Learn how to prepare one of Cayman’s most popular traditional side dishes – Rice and Beans.

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 | 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.

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm Location: Huldah Ave, George Town Telephone: (345) 947-3090

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GRAND CAYMAN | 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, and 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 and live music.

Opening Hours: Every Wednesday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm Location: The Paseo, Camana Bay Telephone: (345) 640-3483 Website: http://camanabay.com/ things-to-do-grand-cayman/events/ farmers-market/

CAYMAN BRAC | Cayman Brac Backyard Farmers The Backyard Farmers in Cayman Brac provide fresh, locally grown produce and agricultural products.

Opening Hours: Every Saturday: 8:00 am – 11:00 am Location: West End (across from Billy’s Supermarket) Email: backyardfarmers@hotmail.com Website: https://www.facebook.com/Cayman-BracBackyard-Farmers-1694606050826645/

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FEATURED

ATTRACTION SEVEN MILE BEACH

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SEVEN MILE BEACH Named one of the “Ultimate Beaches” by Caribbean Travel + Life, Seven Mile Beach is only one of the many reasons why Cayman is considered the ultimate Caribbean destination and the epitome of an island getaway vacation.

Located on Grand Cayman's western shore, Seven Mile Beach is the most well-known beach on the islands. Attracting visitors from around world, the Seven Mile Beach features clear waters and coral sands.

head spinning yet wanting more. Whether you are looking to work on your tan and watch the waves roll in, partake in some adventurous parasailing or shallow snorkelling in the Caribbean with the family, Seven Mile Beach provides all ages a chance to enjoy what the Cayman Islands and your Caribbean vacation will truly be all about.

Finding a spot under the trees for a picnic is one of the first things some do when they come to the beach. Others rent waverunners and enjoy the thrill of being out on the open sea, while some prefer to join a volleyball game with the locals. Whatever you feel like doing on your Caribbean vacation, you’re sure to find it, on Seven Mile Beach.

Seven Mile Beach is public property, and therefore it is possible to walk the full length past several resorts, hotels and villas, regardless of where you’re staying. There are restaurants open to the public at most of the resorts and several public beach bars. Seven Mile Beach encompasses so many different activities; a day at the beach can leave your

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FEATURED

ANNUAL EVENTS TASTE OF CAYMAN

FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL 8

TASTE OF CAYMAN FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 Taste of Cayman is a famous food and drink event held annually in Grand Cayman. Now in its 29th year, it attracts in excess of 4,000 people and features over 40 of Cayman's best restaurants, plus local and international wines, liquors and brews.

Taste of Cayman features a host of festival entertainment, including cooking demonstrations, cocktail competitions, live music and fireworks for people to enjoy.

Location: Festival Green, Camana Bay Time: 5:00 pm For more information, contact the Cayman Islands Tourism Association at the below details.

Phone: (345) 949-8522 Email: tasteofcayman@cita.ky Website: http://www.tasteofcayman.org/

RED SKY AT NIGHT (CAYFEST) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 The event is an enchanting evening, rich in arts and culture. Walking through the garden, visitors will be treated to live performances from dancers, actors and storytellers, as well as creative work by local visual artists and crafts people. Inspiring performers and films from all around the Caribbean will be featured within the festival theatres. Visitors will be escorted by the sounds of the steel pan, fiddle and drums, and lured by a mouth-watering array of local culinary delicacies.

Gate prices: Adults: USD $18.75 ($15 KYD) Age 17 and under: USD $12.50 ($10 KYD) Over 65 years: USD $12.50 ($10 KYD) Tickets on sale at the CNCF offices, Foster's (Airport) and Funky Tangs.

Location: F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre, Harquail Drive, West Bay Time: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm Telephone: (345) 949-5477 Email: admincncf@candw.ky Website: http://www.artscayman.org

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10

EVENT

CALENDAR JANUARY – APRIL 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: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm 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 10:00 am Location: Cayman Cabana Oceanside Restobar North Church Street, George Town Dinner time: 7:30 pm Telephone: (345) 949-3080 Email: caymancabana@gmail.com Website: caymancabanarestaurant.com

EVERY DAY EXCEPT SUNDAYS 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.

Thursday: 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Location: The Paseo, Camana Bay Time: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm Telephone: (345) 640-TOUR (8687) Email: flavourtour@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 Friday: 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm Saturday: 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm Telephone: (345) 945-6600 Email: hitide@candw.ky Website: hitidemusic.com

Website: camanabay.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 – SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Cayman Cookout

Red Sky at Night (CAYFEST)

A weekend celebrating food, wine and the natural beauty of the Cayman Islands at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.

An incomparable roster of world famous chefs, wine experts and spirits blenders will offer tastings, demonstrations, tours and dinners that celebrate the barefoot elegance that only the Cayman Islands can deliver.

The event is an enchanting evening, rich in arts and culture.

Walking through the garden, visitors will be treated to live performances from dancers, actors and storytellers, as well as creative work by local visual artists and crafts people. Inspiring performers and films from all around the Caribbean will be featured within the festival theatres.

Visitors will be escorted by the sounds of the steel pan, fiddle and drums, and lured by a mouth-watering array of local culinary delicacies.

CAYMAN COOKOUT HOSTED BY ERIC RIPERT

Gate prices:

2017

Adults: USD $18.75 ($15 KYD)

For more information contact the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT).

Age 17 and under: USD $12.50 ($10 KYD) Over 65 years: USD $12.50 ($10 KYD)

Telephone: (345) 949-0623 Website: www.caymancookout.com

Tickets on sale at the CNCF offices, Foster's (Airport) and Funky Tangs.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

Location: F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre, Harquail Drive, West Bay

Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival

Time: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Taste of Cayman features a host of festival entertainment including cooking demonstrations, cocktail competitions, live music and fireworks for people to enjoy.

Telephone: (345) 949-5477

Location: Festival Green, Camana Bay Time: 5:00 pm For more information, contact the Cayman Islands Tourism Association at the below details.

Telephone: (345) 949-8522 Email: tasteofcayman@cita.ky Website: www.tasteofcayman.org/

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Email: admincncf@candw.ky Website: www.artscayman.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 & SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

The Cayman Islands Orchid Show

Cayman Brac Agriculture Show

The Annual Orchid Show is a joint event hosted by both the Botanic Park and the Cayman Islands Orchid Society.

This show is an exhibition of locally grown orchids and a plant sale of specially imported orchids, most of which are in bloom. Not only showcasing beautiful hybrid orchids, the show also promotes the conservation of Cayman’s native orchids. The event has also become an occasion for educating gardeners on the techniques of growing orchids. The proceeds from the Show will go toward the establishment of an orchid garden in the Botanic Park.

Over a thousand orchids for sale ranging in price from:

Location: Agricultural Grounds (The Bluff)

USD $12.50 (KYD $10.00) to USD $81.25 (KYD $65.00)

Telephone: (345) 948-2222

Admission to the Park includes admission to the Orchid Show:

Email: info@sita.ky

Residents: USD $6.25 (KYD $5.00) ID required

Telephone: (345) 948-2222 Email: info@sita.ky Website: www.facebook.com/CaymanAgriculture-163250980356770/

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 Little Cayman Agriculture Show/Exhibit Location: Blossom Village Park

Website: www.facebook.com/CaymanAgriculture-163250980356770/

Visitors: USD $12.50 (KYD $10.00) Location: Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (QEIIBP), Frank Sound Way, Grand Cayman Time: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Telephone: (345) 947-9462 Email: manager@botanic-park.ky Website: http://www.botanic-park.ky/events/annualorchid-show/

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1 Annual Agriculture Show – Grand Cayman A fun family event in Lower Valley showcasing the Island’s best animals, produce and food with live music, arts and crafts sale and activities for all the family to enjoy.

Location: The Grounds, Lower Valley Time: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Telephone: (345) 947-3696 Email: karie.forbes@gov.ky Website: www.facebook.com/CaymanAgriculture-163250980356770/

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MAY 2017 (DATE TBD) Rundown A good Rundown (or stew) has a little bit of everything in it. Like its namesake, ‘Rundown’ is a smorgasbord of nationalities, headlines, catchy tunes and hot topics that have kept Cayman’s audiences coming back for second and third helpings over the past 21 years. This annual comedy revue was the brainchild of Dave Martins, and over the decades it has been one of the most popular stage productions in the Cayman Islands. In every pot there’s a serving for everyone - politicians, media, the man on the street, expatriates and even our (in)famous chickens and ‘greenies’. Rundown is not to be missed, especially if you are new to Cayman and you really want to embrace the multicultural society that is Cayman. Rundown is written, designed and directed by Henry Muttoo and features a star-studded cast of local actors and musicians.

For more information and confirmed date, contact the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) at the below details.

Location: F.J. Harquail Theatre, Grand Cayman Telephone: (345) 949-5477 Email: admincncf@candw.ky Website: www.artscayman.org/rundown

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 Junior Batabano & Family Fun Day Cayman Carnival Junior Batabano is a family-friendly festival of fun where children parade through George Town in a mass of colour, music and creativity. The parade leaves from the Glass House, an historic government building, and then weaves through Shedden Road, up Harbor drive, down Fort Street, then along Edward Street and back to the Glass House.

After the parade, the family fun continues with a costume competition, face painting, mask decorating, local food, snow cones and many other family fun activities.

Location: Cardinal Avenue, George Town Telephone: (345) 949-7121 Email: batabanocaymancarnival@gmail.com Website: www.caymancarnival.com

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2017 SECOND QUARTER

EVENTS

AT A GLANCE (MAY – AUGUST) BATABANO CARNIVAL ADULT PARADE May 6, 2017

BRACCANAL WEEKEND May 12 – 15, 2017

24TH ANNUAL FLOWERS ONE MILE SEA SWIM June 10, 2017

FLOWERS INTERNATIONAL 5K AND 10K SWIMS June 12, 2017 Further event details will be in the next quarter’s edition.

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MADE IN

CAYMAN:

HOME-CRAFTED ARTISAN SOAPS

THE BACKYARD FARMER – HOME-CRAFTED ARTISAN SOAPS

T

he Backyard Farmer has its own line of locally handcrafted soaps, scrubs and spa products made from all-natural and local ingredients. They specialise in an array of naturally scented and unscented soaps that make great take away gifts. Signature bars include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Coffee & Cocoa Cream (Unscented) Green Tea Honey (Unscented) Coconut Lemongrass (Scented) Honey Bee Milk & Oats (Unscented) Mango Tango (Scented) Coconut Milk Honey (Unscented) Ginger Lemon Mint (Unscented) Tea Tree & Orange (Blemish & Acne Formula) Chai Latte (Unscented) Coconut Cinnamon Oatmeal (Unscented) Earl Gray Citrus (Scented) Lotion Bars (Lemon & Honey Scented) Honey Latte (Castille, Green Tea Scented) Fresh Honey & Orange (Scented)

Store and Retail Location: 389 Anton Bodden Drive, Bodden Town Telephone: (345) 926-8815 Email: info@thebackyrdfarmer.ky Website: www.thebackyardfarmer.ky/

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LOCAL

CUISINE FEATURED DISH RICE AND BEANS Rice and beans is one of Cayman’s most popular traditional side dishes. You will most likely find the famous Rice and Beans available at most local restaurants.

Ingredients: ½ Bag of Red Beans 1 ½ Cup White Rice 1 Can Coconut Milk 1 Onion, diced 3 Scotch Bonnet Peppers, whole 1 Tbsp Black Pepper ½ Tbsp Salt

Cooking Directions: Cook beans until tender, add rice, coconut milk, onion, black pepper and salt, and add enough water to just cover the ingredients. Place Scotch Bonnet peppers on top, careful not to burst them. Simmer until rice is tender.

Remove pepper before serving.

WHERE

TO EAT FEATURED LOCAL RESTAURANTS EASTERN STAR BAR & FISH FRY (Grand Cayman) A popular weekend spot for locals and visitors to hang out, have drinks and enjoy delicious Fish Fry and other local cuisine.

Location: Sea View Road, East End Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm Telephone: (345) 526-5945

STAR ISLAND RESTAURANT

(Cayman Brac)

Star Island Restaurant specialises in an array of local dishes. Its homestyle dining area is said to give you that at home feeling.

When in Cayman Brac, be sure not to go back home without having tried some good ol’ Brac food.

Location: West End, Cayman Brac Opening hours: Daily: 7:00 am -10:00 pm Telephone: (345) 948-8406

SOUTHERN CROSS CLUB

(Little Cayman)

The Southern Cross Club offers breakfast, lunch and dinner from a delightful, fulfilling and healthy menu that features an eclectic blend of international and Caribbean cuisine. Lunch and dinner bookings should be made a head of time. Bar menus don’t require reservations.

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday (No bar menus in the evening on Wednesday and Friday) Breakfast 7:00 am – 9:00 am Lunch: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm, Lunch Bar Menu 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Dinner: 7:00 pm, Dinner Bar Menu: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Telephone: (345) 948-1099

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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 where 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. The flowers appear at the top of a long, curved spike; at the bottom of the spike there is a cluster of 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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