WELCOME TO THE
Photo by: Taneos Ramsay, Cayman Compass
EXPERIENCE OUR
ISLANDS’ SOUL 2018 SECOND EDITION (MAY - AUGUST)
CONTENTS 20
OUR
ISLANDS PLACES OF INTEREST
FEATURES 4 RUNDOWN The annual comedy revue hosted by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation.
9 EVENT CALENDAR There’s always something to see and do in the Cayman Islands. Find out what’s happening from May-August.
13 2018 THIRD QUARTER EVENTS AT A GLANCE 15 WHERE TO EAT Find out where the locals go for traditional Caymanian dishes.
16 HAND MADE WITH LOVE Shop an array of leather goods hand made by the Tannery and Leather Rehabilitation Programme.
17 LOCAL CUISINE Learn how to prepare one of Cayman’s most popular traditional side dishes – Custard Top Cornbread.
18 OUR ISLANDS Discover the three very different islands that make Cayman one.
20 OUR HISTORY How the Cayman Islands got its name.
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Shameka Clarke
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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FEATURED
ANNUAL EVENT RUNDOWN
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RUNDOWN THURSDAY, APRIL 26 – SUNDAY, MAY 13
Admission: Adults: USD 30.00 (CI $25) Senior & Youth: USD $18.00 (CI $15)
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.
Ticket Outlets: Foster’s Food Fair IGA (Airport, Countryside & The Strand) Healthcare Pharmacy (Grand Harbour) Funky Tangs (George Town) Cayman National Cultural Foundation (F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre) Show Location: Harquail Drive, George Town Telephone: (345) 949-5477 Email: marketcncf@candw.ky Website: facebook.com/caymanculture/
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FEATURED
ANNUAL| EVENTS |
BATABANO BRACCANAL CAYMAS
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CAYMAN CARNIVAL BATABANO | FRIDAY, MAY 4 – SATURDAY, MAY 5
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. Schedule of Events: May 4 – Official Batabano Friday Night Fete – ‘Outta De Blue Harbour Drive, George Town | 10:00pm May 5 – Adult Street Parade | Seven Mile Public Beach Fort Street, George Town | 1:00pm May 5 – Batabano Last Lap | Harbour Drive, George Town | 6:00pm For more information about activities see details below. Telephone: (345) 949-7121 Email: batabanocaymancarnival@gmail.com Website: caymancarnival.com
CAYMAN BRAC CARNIVAL - BRACCANAL | THURSDAY, MAY 17 – MONDAY, MAY 21
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 turn 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. Schedule of Events: May 17 – Isle Love Soca | (Venue TBA) | 8:00pm May 18 – Wet Fete | (Venue TBA) | 8:00pm May 19 – Road Parade | (Route TBA) | 2:00pm May 19 – After Party – Road Parade After Party | (Venue TBA) | 6:00pm May 20 – Cool Down Beach Cooler Fete | Public Beach | 3:00pm May 21 – Sunrise Braccanal Breakfast Fete | Public Beach | 4:00am For more information about event times and locations see details below. Email: cybbraccanalcommittee@gmail.com Website: braccanal.com
CAYMAS CARNIVAL | THURSDAY, MAY 17 – MONDAY, MAY 21
CayMAS is ready to take your Carnival experience in Cayman to another level and move forward to creating one of the top Carnivals in the Caribbean. Schedule of Events: May 18 - Pan Explosion Competition Harbour Drive, George Town | 6:00pm May 18 - CayMAS Friday – FLAUNT | (Venue & time TBA) May 19 – Carnival Saturday | (Venue TBA) | 1:00pm May 20 – Rum Point & Soca | (Venue & time TBA) For more information see contact details below. Email: admin@caymas.ky Website: www.caymas.ky
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EVENT
CALENDAR MAY – AUGUST 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 and live music.
EVERY THURSDAY Farm to Table Dinner ‘Farm to Table’ is truly a Caymankind culinary experience hosted by the Cayman Cabana Oceanfront Restobar and 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. Please see contact details below for more information. Reservations required every Wednesday before 10:00am Location: Cayman Cabana Oceanside Restobar, 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 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 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.
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 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: West Indies Wine Company, Camana Bay Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm Telephone: (345) 640-TOUR (8687) Email: flavourtour@camanabay.com Website: camanabay.com
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THURSDAY, APRIL 26 – SUNDAY, MAY 13 Rundown 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. Admission: Adults: USD 30.00 (CI $25)
EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY LIVE Music by Hi-Tide 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.
Senior & Youth: USD $18.00 (CI $15) Ticket Outlets: Foster’s Food Fair IGA (Airport, Countryside & The Strand) Healthcare Pharmacy (Grand Harbour)
Location: Decker’s Caribbean Inspired Grille, Seven Mile Beach, West Bay
Funky Tangs (George Town)
Thursday’s Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Cayman National Cultural Foundation (F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre)
Friday’s Time: 8:00pm – 11:00pm Saturday’s Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Show Location: Harquail Drive, George Town
Telephone: (345) 945-6600
Telephone: (345) 949-5477
Email: hitide@candwky.ky
Email: marketcncf@candw.ky
Website: hitidemusic.com
Website: facebook.com/caymanculture
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. Business Hours: Saturdays: 6:00pm – 10:00pm Location: 45 Market Street, Camana Bay West Bay For more information see contact details below. Telephone: (345) 623-8282 Email: manager@abacus.ky Website: www.abacus.ky
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FRIDAY, MAY 4 Official Batabano Friday Night Fete –‘Outta De Blue’ This fun-filled event will feature internationally renowned Soca Artists, Soca DJ’s and Local Artists. Event tickets can be purchased from the website below. Location: Harbour Drive, George Town Time: 10:00pm Telephone: (345) 949-7121 or (345) 916-1740 Email: batabanocaymancarnival@gmail.com Website: caymancarnival.com
SATURDAY, MAY 5 Cayman Carnival Batabano Street Parade 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: Public Beach, West Bay to George Town Time: 1:00pm – Midnight Telephone: (345) 949-7121 or (345) 916-1740 Email: batabanocaymancarnival@gmail.com Website: caymancarnival.com
SATURDAY, MAY 5 Batabano Last Lap 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: Harbour Drive, George Town Time: 6:00pm Telephone: (345) 949-7121 or (345) 916-1740 Email: batabanocaymancarnival@gmail.com Website: caymancarnival.com
THURSDAY, MAY 17 – MONDAY, MAY 21 CayMAS Carnival CayMAS is ready to take your Carnival experience in Cayman to another level and move forward to creating one of the top Carnivals in the Caribbean. Schedule of Events: May 18 – Pan Explosion Competition Harbour Drive, George Town | 6:00pm May 18 – CayMAS Friday – FLAUNT (Venue & time TBA) May 19 – Carnival Saturday (Venue TBA) | 1:00pm May 20 – Rum Point & Soca (Venue & time TBA) For more information see contact details below. Email: admin@caymas.ky Website: www.caymas.ky
FRIDAY, MAY 18 – SUNDAY, MAY 20 Brac Jackpot Annual Fishing Tournament Annual Cayman Brac fishing Tournament. To register and for more details contact the Cayman Islands Angling Club. Contact Kenny Ryan at the number below for more information. Telephone: (345) 924-3844 Email: fishing@candw.ky Website: fishcayman.com
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FRIDAY, MAY 18 – MONDAY, MAY 21
MONDAY, JUNE 18
Cayman Brac Carnival – Braccanal Once a year the streets are filled with costumes, t-shirts and revellers from all places, coming together as one to celebrate Cayman Brac's Carnival, Braccanal! The sweet sound of soca music plays and the smells of local Caymanian dishes fill the air. It is a time that celebrates life, love and blessings.
Flowers International 5K and 10K Swims 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.
Schedule of Events: May 17 – Isle Love Soca (Venue TBA) | 8:00pm May 18 – Braccanal Friday Wet Fete (Venue TBA) | 8:00pm May 19 – Adult Road Parade (Route TBA) | 2:00pm May 19 – Road Parade After Party Public Beach | 3:00pm May 20 – Cool Down Beach Cooler Fete Public Beach | 3:00pm May 21 – Sunrise Breakfast Fete Public Beach | 4:00am For more information see contact details below. Email: cybbraccanalcommittee@gmail.com Website: braccanal.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 16 26th Annual Flowers One Mile Sea Swim The Flowers Sea Swim is Grand Cayman’s flagship sporting event. Last event’s race boasted over 1000 registrants. Participants vary in age from 8 to 80 years old and in skill from novices and first-timers to gold medal Olympians and world championship open water specialists from around the globe. The Flowers Sea Swim welcomes swimmers from all strokes of life. Time: 2:30pm (check-in between 1:00pm – 1:45pm) Starting line: Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Finish line: Royal Palms Beach Club Note: Depending on ocean currents, the start/finish locations may be reversed. Notification of such will be announced. Visit the website below for more information and registration. Race Coordinator Telephone: (345) 323-SWIM (7946) Email: flowersseaswim.com/contact-us Website: flowersseaswim.com
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Space is limited to the 5K and 10K swims. Only 100 for the 5k and 50 for the 10k. Registration is easy, there are many opportunities: Register at the Flowers Offices on 184 Seymour Drive, Industrial Park - check out www.flowersblock.ky for directions and hours of operation. Location: Royal Palms Beach Club (Start & Finish) Time: Male (10K & 5K) 7:00am Female (10K & 5K) 7:05am Visit the website below for more information and registration. Race Coordinator Telephone: (345) 323-SWIM (7946) Email: flowersseaswim.com/contact-us Website: flowersseaswim.com/5k-and-10k-swims
2018 THIRD QUARTER
EVENTS
AT A GLANCE (SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER) CAYMAN RESTAURANT MONTH October 1 – 31, 2018
CAYMAN COCKTAIL WEEK Late October, 2018
THE CAYMAN ISLANDS TRIATHLON November 4, 2018
PIRATES WEEK FESTIVAL November 8 – 12, 2018
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING November 17, 2018
GIMISTORY November 24 – December 1, 2018
CAYMAN 27’S PARADE OF LIGHTS Early December (Date TBA), 2018
CAYMAN ISLANDS MARATHON December 2, 2018
NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS December 31, 2018
Further event details will be in the next edition.
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WHERE
TO EAT FEATURED LOCAL RESTAURANTS FRECKO’S SEAFOOD GRILL – FOOD TRUCK (Grand Cayman)
Frecko’s Seafood Grill specialises in prepared-toorder seafood dishes and jerk chicken. The food truck can be found across from the Kirk’s Home Centre on Eastern Avenue. Go “Fill Yah Belly!” Location: Eastern Avenue, George Town (across from Kirk’s Home Centre) Business Hours: Thursday – Sunday: 11:00am – 12:00am For more information see details below. Phone: (345) 321-0693 Website: facebook.com/freckosfish
PAT’S KITCHEN (Cayman Brac) Pat’s Kitchen specialises in traditional local and caribbean cuisine. Location: Cotton Tree Bay, Cayman Brac Business Hours: Daily: 7:00am – 11:00pm Phone: (345) 929-8253 Website: www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant
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MADE IN
CAYMAN: HAND MADE WITH LOVE
HAND MADE WITH LOVE PRODUCTS
T
he ‘Hand Made with Love’ shop sells leather goods made by inmates at the Northward Prison as part of the Tannery and Leather Rehabilitation Programme as well as other local handmade products. A new tannery being built at Northward Prison will be the place where inmates work with skins from invasive green iguanas to make items such as belts, bags and wallets that will be sold at the store. Location: Crown Square, Eastern Avenue, Grand Cayman For more information see contact details below. Email: guyanafoundation@gmail.com Website: guyanafoundation.com
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LOCAL
CUISINE FEATURED DESSERT CUSTARD TOP CORNBREAD Custard Top Cornbread is one of Cayman’s popular traditional desserts. You will most likely find this cake available at local restaurants. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups corn meal
Baking Directions: Sift together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat eggs with brown sugar, coconut milk and evaporated milk. Combine all remaining ingredients, mix well. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 2 hours. Let cool completely before cutting.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 3 cups white sugar 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp nutmeg 2 eggs 1 cup brown sugar 8 cups coconut milk (made fresh) 1 cup evaporated milk 2 tbsp vanilla 1 ½ tsp lime juice 2 tbsp butter (melted)
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OUR
ISLANDS
PLACES OF INTEREST GRAND CAYMAN | Cayman Islands Helicopters – Tours Cayman Helicopters is your ticket to the ride of your life. Explore and view Grand Cayman like never before and create memories that will last a lifetime. Cayman Helicopters offers a selection of tours suitable for your special occasion. Tours include Popular, Special and Services / Extras. • 7 Mile Beach Tour — USD $79 (8 - 10 mins) • Stingray City Tour — USD $145 (15 - 20 mins) • Whole Island Tour — USD $355 (40 - 45 mins) •F ly / Dive / Dine — $POA (7:00 am - Sunset) (all day excursion) • Sunset Flights with Dinner — $POA (15–20 mins) •P rivate Charters — USD $2,750 (an hour, minimum 30 mins)
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Business Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Location: North Church Street, George Town Phone: (345) 943-HELLI (4354) Email: cihelicopters@yahoo.com Website: caymanislandshelicopters.com/
CAYMAN BRAC | Hiking Trails For an up close and personal experience, hiking is the perfect way to enjoy the wonders of Cayman Brac. Birds, reptiles, flora and fauna, scenic and geological sights abound on this little island paradise. All of Cayman Brac’s hiking trails are easily accessible, so you can explore on your own or take along a local guide for a FREE tour of the island hot spots with a trained local Guide. Some famous hiking trails in the “Brac” include:
• Bight Road (North/South) • Lighthouse Footpath to Little Cayman Brac • National Trust Parrot Reserve Loop • Peter’s Cave/Peter’s Cave Outlook • Salt Water Pond Walk/Boardwalk • Deadman's Point Bluff Road • Hemmington Road
For more information on FREE tours contact Nature Cayman at the details below. Phone: (345) 948-2222 Email: naturecayman@gov.ky OR chevalaburke@gov.ky Website: itsyourstoexplore.com/hiking
LITTLE CAYMAN | Bio-Luminescence & Bio-Fluorescence Tours Little Cayman Tours are known for their experiences above and below the water for the entire family. One of their specialties is premier bio-luminescent tours. Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes Cost: USD $50.00 per person round trip (Under 10 years - 5 years old is USD $35.00) 2018 Tour dates (Departs): • January 3rd - 21st • February 2nd - 20th • March 3rd - 21st • April 2nd - 20th • May 1st - 19th • May 31st - June 17th • June 29th - July 16th • July 29th - August 14th • August 28th - September 14th
See contact details below for more information about this and other activities. Location: Little Cayman Beach Resort, Blossom Village Phone: (345) 322-0208 Email: littlectours@yahoo.com Website: facebook.com/pg/LittleCayman
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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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