WELCOME TO THE
EXPERIENCE OUR
ISLANDS’ SOUL
2017 SECOND EDITION (MAY – AUGUST)
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 Batabano is an explosion of Caribbean music, dancing and costumes that brings George Town to life with steel pan bands, floats and a parade.
12 EVENT CALENDAR There’s always something to see and do in the Cayman Islands. Find out what’s happening in May – August.
16 2017 SECOND QUARTER EVENTS AT A GLANCE 17 HANDCRAFTED 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 dishes – Conch Fritters.
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 | Segway Sightseeing Tour Get ready for fun and excitement touring the Seven Mile Beach area on an eco-friendly Segway. You will be thrilled by an unforgettable experience as you ride a Segway along Cayman’s beautiful and famous Seven Mile Beach. Joined by a local professional guide, you will discover the history of Grand Cayman while learning how to speak like a Caymanian. Daily Guided Tours will include stops at Camana Bay for 360 degree views from the Observation Tower, and Royal Palms for a cool drink or beach time.
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Business Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Location: Seven Mile Shops, West Bay Road, Grand Cayman Telephone: (345) 640-6300 Email: info@caymansegwaytours.com Website: caymansegwaytours.com
CAYMAN BRAC | Farm Soleil Tour Nature lovers and foodies alike will relish getting back to their roots with a unique, hands-on culinary experience unlike any in the region. The heart and soul of Le Soleil d’Or is a sprawling 20-acre organic farm. The farm, grown out of the Bluff’s seemingly untamable terrain, grows over 300 fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs and eggs as well as a flock of 200 chickens. Farm Soleil shortens the distance between farm and table, and allows for the freshest food and beverage across the islands.
For more information and reservations see contact details below. Location: Le Soleil d’Or Resort, 2147 South Side Road, Cayman Brac Telephone: (345) 948-0555 Email: reservations@lesoleildor.com Website: lesoleildor.com/the-farm
Le Soleil d’Or farm tour provides a truly one-of-a-kind window into sustainable farming on the islands. Experience the peace that comes from tilling the earth up close by taking a farm tour. Tours include: 1. Take a guided walk through the garden and farm. Learn about seasonal produce from a passionate and knowledgeable staff member. 2. Get your hands dirty - observe and participate in sustainable farming techniques. 3. Tastes of the farm. Depending on availability, sample juices from a variety of flowers, as well as tasting fresh picked fruits and vegetables. 4. Insight into Le Soleil d’Or products. Discover how our products are made on-site and participate in the jarring of fresh jams and jellies.
LITTLE CAYMAN | Rent-a-Scooter from Scooten! Scooter! (Open for Business November through June) Little Cayman is the perfect place to ride a scooter, especially for beginners. There is zero traffic and the roads are flat and straight. The maximum speed limit is 25 mph and iguanas have the right of way. The island is just ten miles long and one mile wide, so you could easily circle the island multiple times in a single day, but you will likely find yourself meandering and stopping to explore, snorkel, picnic, swim and photograph. For those who come primarily to dive, remember that renting a scooter is an option when you are looking for ways to spend your required non-dive period close to flying time.
For more information about this activity and rates see contact details below. Location: Scooten! Scooters! Rentals Blossom Village, Little Cayman (across from the airport) Telephone: (345) 916-4971 Email: scootenscooters@candw.ky Website: scootenscooters.com
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FEATURED
ATTRACTION ATLANTIS SUBMARINE ATLANTIS SUBMARINE The Cayman Islands is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world, and with Atlantis Submarines you don't have to be a scuba diver to experience the underwater world. The 48 passenger Atlantis Submarine offers a unique option for anyone seeking things to do in the Cayman Islands.
Cayman attractions from the lively reefs and shipwrecks of George Town harbour to exquisite coral canyons. These adventures are available to virtually everyone on their Grand Cayman vacation, all with the comfort of staying dry and no pressure effects.
With more than 12 million passengers, Atlantis Submarines International is the world leader in tourist submersibles, with operations in nine special locations around the Caribbean and Pacific.
Cost: US $109.00 Adults | US $59.00 Children 4 – 12 years of age | US $76.30 Resident
With the company's start in Grand Cayman in 1985, the Atlantis Submarine introduced the public to one of the most amazing marine habitats on the planet, that of the Cayman Islands. All of the vessels maintained by Atlantis Submarines Cayman offer a full Cayman Islands tourism experience, covering
Saturday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Business Hours: Monday - Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm Wednesday: 8:00am – 8:30pm (Night Tours) Sunday: 10:00am – 3:00pm Location: 30 South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman Telephone: (345) 949-7700 or 949-8383 Email: cayman@atlantissubmarines.com Website: caymanislandssubmarines.com
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FEATURED
ANNUAL EVENTS BATABANO BRACCANAL
THE BRAC ESCAPE
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CAYMAN CARNIVAL BATABANO (ADULT PARADE) | SATURDAY, MAY 6
The Cayman Carnival Batabano adult parade and street dance features a kaleidoscope of music, dance and pageantry rooted in the region’s diverse, historical influences. Colourful costumes reflect the vibrant landscapes, heritage and culture and the music, the very rhythm of island life. Carnival in the Cayman Islands has a distinct flavour as the islands are home to a melting pot of over 130 nationalities – one country celebrating many cultures. Location: Parade begins from the Seven Mile Public Beach and ends on Fort Street, George Town Event Time: 1:00pm For more information about activities see details below. Telephone: (345) 949-7121 Email: batabanocaymancarnival@gmail.com Website: caymancarnival.com
CAYMAN BRAC CARNIVAL - BRACCANAL | FRIDAY, MAY 12 – MONDAY, MAY 15
The Cayman Brac Carnival – Braccanal parade will consist of two floats, a teen float which is at the front of the parade and an adult float which is at the back of the parade. The parade route is from Spot Bay, turning to Panama Canal where the teen float stops and the adult float continues to La Esperanza where the final event of the evening commences. Local Vendors are situated at both final stops selling fresh local food, just the thing you need after a great time of playing Mas on the Road. Weekend Events: • Friday Night Concert – Friday, May 12 • Adult Road Parade & After Party – Saturday, May 13 • Beach Cooler Fete – Sunday, May 14 | 1:00pm – 6:00pm • Braccanal J’ouvert Parade – Monday, May 15 For more information about event times and locations see details below. Email: cybbraccanalcommittee@gmail.com Website: braccanal.com
THE BRAC ESCAPE | FRIDAY, JUNE 30 – MONDAY, JULY 3
Cayman Brac Holiday Weekend Getaway - 4 days, 4 parties in the beautiful Cayman Brac. Cayman Brac has unparallelled choices of accommodation to suit just about every budget. From the high-end luxury of world famous resorts, to a laid back dive resort or boutique cottage rental on your own private stretch of beach, you are bound to find your perfect island hideaway. For more information about this escape see details below. For Flights Telephone: (345) 743-8695 (Cayman Airways) Email: info@thebracescape.com Website: thebracescape.com
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EVERY WEDNESDAY
EVENT
CALENDAR MAY – AUGUST EVERY WEDNESDAY 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. Location: Huldah Ave, George Town, Grand Cayman
The Flavour Tour Experience The Flavour Tour, a guided dining adventure featuring local ingredients presented in the signature styles of Camana Bay’s signature restaurants. Start the evening with a glass of bubbly 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. The cost is US$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: West Indies Wine Company, Camana Bay, Grand Cayman Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm Telephone: (345) 640-TOUR (8687) Email: flavourtour@camanabay.com Website: camanabay.com/things-to-do-grand-cayman/ events/flavour-tour
Business Hours: Monday - Saturday: 7:30am – 5:00pm Telephone: (345) 947-3090
EVERY THURSDAY
Email: info@thegroundscayman.ky
Farm to Table Dinner
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.
‘Farm to Table’ is truly a Caymankind culinary experience, hosted by the Cayman Cabana Oceanfront Restobar, and sponsored, in part, by a 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: 7:30pm Telephone: (345) 949-3080
Location: The Paseo, Camana Bay
Email: caymancabana@gmail.com
Time: 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Website: caymancabanarestaurant.com
Telephone: (345) 640-3483 Website: camanabay.com
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EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
SATURDAY, MAY 6
LIVE Music by Hi-Tide
Batabano Bazaar Food Festival
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.
Enjoy great local food and music, and mingle with the locals at this one-of-a-kind food festival.
Location: Decker’s Caribbean Inspired Grille, Seven Mile Beach, West Bay
Location: Cardinal Avenue & Albert Panton Street Event Time: (TBA) Telephone: (345) 949-7121 or (345) 916-1740
Thursday: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Email: batabanocaymancarnival@gmail.com
Friday: 8:00pm – 11:00pm
Website: caymancarnival.com/events/batabano-bazaar
Saturday: 7:30pm – 10:30pm Telephone: (345) 945-6600 Email: hitide@candw.ky Website: hitidemusic.com
EVERY SATURDAY Abacus Farm-to-Table Night & Live Music A weekly special Saturday event at Abacus featuring LIVE Chef stations and is a Farm-to-Table all you can eat Caribbean experience with Cuban Inspired live music.
SATURDAY, MAY 6 Batabano Adult Parade and Street Dance Batabano is one of the biggest annual events in the Cayman Islands and is a Mardi Gras-like event featuring soca music (a type of calypso music with elements of soul that often features lyrics about life or politics), calypso bands, colourful costumes, dancing and a float parade. Location: George Town, Grand Cayman Time: 1:00pm – Midnight Telephone: (345) 949-7121 or (345) 916-1740
Business Hours: Saturdays: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Email: batabanocaymancarnival@gmail.com
Location: Camana Bay, West Bay, Grand Cayman
Website: caymancarnival.com
For more information see contact details below. Telephone: (345) 623-8282 Email: abacuscayan@candw.ky Website: abacus.ky/events/farm-table-dinner
FRIDAY, MAY 5 Official Batabano Night Fete – Soca or Die This fun-filled event will feature internationally renowned Soca Artists, Soca DJ’s and Local Artists. Tickets will be on sale at various outlets (TBA). Ticket Cost: Presold: US$21 (KY$25) At the gate: US$25.20 (KY$30) Location: Harbour Drive, George Town, Grand Cayman Time: (TBA) Telephone: (345) 949-7121 or (345) 916-1740 Email: batabanocaymancarnival@gmail.com Website: caymancarnival.com/events/the-official-caymancarnival-batabano-friday-night-fete
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FRIDAY, MAY 12 – MONDAY, MAY 15
RETURNS IN MAY 2017 (DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED)
Braccanal Weekend
Rundown
Cayman Brac Carnival consists of two floats, a Teen float which is at the front of the parade and an adult float which is at the back of the parade. The parade route is from Spot Bay, turning to Panama Canal where the teen float stops and the Adult Float continues to La Esperanza where the final event of the evening commences. Local Vendors are situated at both final stops selling fresh local food, just the thing you need after a great time of playing Mas on the Road.
This annual comedy revue hosted by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), 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 really want to embrace the multicultural society that is Cayman.
Other Braccanal Events:
Location: The Harquail Theatre, West Bay, Grand Cayman
Friday Night Concert – Friday, May 12
For more information about ticket sales, show dates and times, see contact details below.
Adult Road Parade & After Party – Saturday, May 13 Beach Cooler Fete – Sunday, May 14 | 1:00pm – 6:00pm Braccanal J’ouvert Parade – Monday, May 15
Telephone: (345) 949-5477 Email: admincncf@candw.ky Website: artscayman.org/rundown
For more information see contact details below. Email: cybbraccanalcommittee@gmail.com Website: braccanal.com
FRIDAY, MAY 12 – SUNDAY MAY 14
SATURDAY, JUNE 10 25th Annual Flowers One Mile Sea Swim Over 900 competitors, including Olympic level swimmers, take part in this annual one mile swim along Seven Mile Beach. Hundreds of prizes to be won.
Brac Jackpot Annual Fishing Tournament Annual Cayman Brac fishing Tournament. To register, or for more details, contact the Cayman Islands Angling Club. Telephone: (345) 924-3844 Email: fishing@candw.ky Website: fishcayman.com/home.html
Time: 2:30pm (check-in between 1:00pm – 1:45pm) Starting line: Tiki Beach / Kimpton Seafire Resort Finish line: Westin Grand Cayman Note: Depending on ocean currents, the start/finish locations may be reversed. Notification of such will be announced. For more information see contact details below Telephone: Race Coordinator (345) 323-SWIM (7946) Email: flowersseaswim.com/contact-us Website: flowersseaswim.com
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MONDAY, JUNE 12
FRIDAY, JUNE 30 – MONDAY, JULY 3
Flowers International 5K and 10K Swims
The Brac Escape
Local and visiting swimming aficionados are encouraged to make it a swimming weekend by participating on Saturday in the mile swim and then on Monday in the 5k or 10k events.
Cayman Brac Holiday Weekend Getaway - 4 days, 4 parties in the beautiful Cayman Brac. Cayman Brac has unparallelled choices of accommodation to suit just about every budget. From the high-end luxuriousness of world famous resorts, to a laid back dive resort or boutique cottage rental on your own private stretch of beach, you are bound to find your perfect island hideaway.
Space is limited to the 5K and 10K swims. Only 100 for the 5k and 50 for the 10k. Registration is easy, there are lots of opportunities: Register at the Flowers Offices on 184 Seymour Drive, Industrial Park - check out www.flowersblock.ky for directions and hours of operation.
For more information about this escape see details below. For Flights Telephone: (345) 743-8695 (Cayman Airways) Email: info@thebracescape.com
Location: Westin Grand Cayman Beach Resort (Start & Finish) Time: (10K) 7:00am (5K) 7:15am For more information see contact details below Telephone: Race Coordinator (345) 323-SWIM (7946) Email: flowersseaswim.com/contact-us Website: flowersseaswim.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 30 – MONDAY, JULY 3 CayFilm International Film Festival The CayFilm Cayman International Film Festival is an annual multi-day spectacular event that promotes the Cayman Islands as a world-class filming destination and incredible place to visit and do business. Included in the festival will be daily film screenings, question and answer sessions with filmmakers, panel discussions, workshops, an exclusive premiere screening, and a celebrity gala event. For more information see contact details below. Telephone: (345) 929-8145 Email: cayfilm.com/contact Website: cayfilm.com
Website: thebracescape.com
2017 THIRD QUARTER
EVENTS
AT A GLANCE (SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER) CAYMAN RESTAURANT MONTH October 1 – 31
CAYMAN COCKTAIL WEEKEND Late October (Date TBD)
THE CAYMAN ISLANDS TRIATHLON Sunday, November 5
PIRATES WEEK FESTIVAL Thursday, November 9 – Monday, November 13
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Saturday, November 18
CAYMAN 27'S PARADE OF LIGHTS Saturday, December 2
CAYMAN ISLANDS MARATHON Sunday, December 3
NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS Saturday, December 31 Further event details will be in the next quarter’s edition.
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MADE IN
CAYMAN:
PURE ART GALLERY & GIFTS PURE ART GALLERY & GIFTS
P
ure Art Gallery & Gifts in Grand Cayman features Cayman’s best-known and beloved painters, sculptors, artisans and craftspeople for over 27 years, with original paintings, art prints and handcrafted Island gifts galore. The charming Cayman cottage-style store has a unique variety of collectables that changes daily as artisans bring new and fun art and gifts. In store products include: • Home Décor • Souvenirs & Gifts • Cooking Goodies • Jewelry & Accessories • Specialty Gifts • Soaps & Body Lotions • Candles • Paintings • Household Gifts • Cayman Prints
Location: 5 Denham-Thompson Way & South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman Business Hours: Monday - Thursday: 9:00am – 6:00pm Friday - Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Closed most Sundays & Public Holidays (call for hours on those days) For more information see contact details below: Telephone: (345) 949-9133 Email: pureartcayman@gmail.com Website: www.pureart.ky
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CONCH FRITTERS Conch is one of Cayman’s most popular seafood delicacies. It can be stewed, marinated, or even deep fried when combined with all-purpose flour making it into a fritter. These bite-size, mouthwatering appetizers can be found at most local or seafood restaurants. Prep Time: 20 Minutes Total Time: 1-2 hours Special Equipment: Food Grinder and Frying Pan or Deep Fryer Fritter Mix: Makes about 40 fritters. Serves 6 people with 6 pieces each. 5 conchs (cut into 1in. pieces) 1/2 large green pepper (cut into lengths) 1/2 large red pepper (cut into lengths) 2 large onions (cut in quarters)
LOCAL
CUISINE FEATURED APPETIZER
2 hot peppers (cut and seeded) 2 limes for juice
Note:
2 tbsp minced garlic
Make the conch mix the day before and store in the refrigerator so all the flavors have time to meld together. Tartar sauce can also be prepared beforehand. Just combine all the ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate.
1 tbsp black pepper 1 tbsp salt 1 tsp dried basil 1 tsp red pepper flakes 1 egg vegetable oil (1 ½ - 2in. level in frying pan) 10 tbsp of all-purpose flour Tartar Sauce: 1 ½ cup of mayo 1 cup of sweet relish 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp salt 1 tsp garlic salt 1 tbsp sirracha lime wedges
Use your food grinder to grind together the conch pieces, red and green peppers, onions and hot peppers. Once done, add in your lime juice, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, dried basil, and red pepper flakes; make sure to mix it thoroughly. Then add your egg and mix again. Lastly, add your flour one tablespoon at a time and mix until combined. You can wrap in plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for an hour or overnight. Once you're ready to fry, using a deep frying pan, you'll need to fill it about 1 ½ - 2 in. with a high heat oil of your choice. Turn stove on to a medium-low heat. Use two spoons to form 1in. balls and drop them into the hot oil one at a time. Each fritter should fry about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and the inside is cooked. Repeat until you have used all of the conch mixture. Serve with your tartar sauce and lime wedges.
WHERE
TO EAT FEATURED LOCAL RESTAURANTS SEA INN RESTAURANT (Grand Cayman)
Business Hours:
Sea Inn Restaurant specialises in Cayman traditional cuisine. Friday’s are dedicated especially to Conch Stew, Turtle Stew and Cayman Style Lobster to name a few.
Monday - Friday: 7:00am – 10:00pm
Location: Central Plaza, 216 Shedden Road, George Town, Grand Cayman
Telephone: (345) 928-9044
Saturday: 8:00am – 4:30pm For more information and food orders see contact number below.
BEACH NUTS BAR
(Little Cayman)
Beach Nuts is centrally located at the Little Cayman Beach Resort and adjacent to the pool and overlooking the Caribbean Sea beyond. This is the hub of island activity and you will find something for everyone. Their menu includes a vast selection of local and imported beer, fine wine, tropical cocktails, premium spirits, and Cuban cigars. Weekly events include a Manager’s Rum Punch Reception, karaoke, trivia, and other theme nights. Beach Nuts Bar also features a pub-inspired menu of lighter fare.
PARADISE DESIRES AND CREATIONS RESTAURANT AND CATERING (Cayman Brac)
Paradise Desires & Creations Restaurant is a full menu restaurant specialising in fresh juices, local dishes and homemade desserts.
For the artistically-inclined, collect a piece of driftwood from the beach, and use our selection of paints to add to our ever-growing collection of Bar Art. Each year, guests attempt to one-up one another with increasingly complex pieces of art, and our bar and resort grounds proudly feature them. Location: Little Cayman Beach Resort, 1128 Guy Banks Road, Blossom Village, Little Cayman Business Hours: (Bar) Monday - Friday: 11:00am – 12:00am (Kitchen) Monday - Friday: 12:00pm – 8:00pm Weekends & Holidays: 11:00am – 12:00am
Location: West End Public Road, Cayman Brac
Telephone: (345) 948-1033
Business Hours: Daily: 7:00am – 7:00pm
Website: littlecayman.com/resort/dining
Telephone: (345) 929-0063 Website: facebook.com/ ParadiseDesiresCreationsRestaurant
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Email: littlecayman.com/contact-us
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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