welcome to the Cayman Islands
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2014 Fourth Quarter Edition
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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 guests, or business partners, we trust that you will grow to love the Cayman Islands as we do. To assist you in getting 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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Little Cayman Little Cayman Museum
Grand Cayman National Gallery Established in 1996, NGCI is a vibrant arts organisation that seeks to fulfil its mission through exhibitions, artist residencies, education/outreach programmes and research projects. The NGCI operates in both a local and global arena. As part of our mission to promote and encourage the appreciation and practice of the visual arts, of and in the Cayman Islands they send Caymanian art and artists abroad as well as having many fine international artists visit, exhibit and work in the Cayman Islands. Admission is free, donations are welcomed. Opening hours Exhibition Halls – Regular hours Monday - Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Closed Sundays and Public Holidays Location Esterley Tibbetts Highway Telephone: (345) 945-8111 Email: info@nationalgallery.org.ky Website: www.nationalgallery.org.ky
Three islands. Endless possibilities. Grand cayman | cayman brac | little cayman
world-renowned for our dining, snorkelling and diving. Nestled in an unparalleled tropical setting. Offering that luxurious blend of sun-kissed beaches and calm, turquoise seas. Legendary as being one of the world’s premier places to indulge in romance, recreation or relaxation. An adventure for people of all ages – and interests. Three islands. Endless possibilities.
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Like the larger sister islands, Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, Little Cayman also has its own museum. It is owned by the family of the late Mr. Linton Tibbetts who still take great pride in showing visitors the wonderful collection of artifacts. The museum has quite an array of artifacts which showcase the past. The passion that Mr Tibbetts had for the rich culture and heritage of both Little Cayman and Cayman Brac is still on display. He established these museums to share with visitors. Telephone: (345) 948-1033
Cayman Brac cayman brac museum The Cayman Brac Museum offers people a glimpse of the past. This historic building is one of the oldest structures on Cayman Brac. It once housed many Government Departments and is still referred to as ‘The Old Government Administration Building’. It contains a vast collection of artifacts and relics of the past. The people of Cayman Brac are proud of the rich heritage that this museum displays. It contains printed materials that are over a century old, and it also has an assortment of old tools, machinery, and other implements that were used by our forefathers as these islands grew and developed into the magnificent islands that they are today. Opening hours Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 12 noon, 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Friday: 9:00 am - 12 noon, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am – 12 noon Location Stake Bay, Cayman Brac Telephone: (345) 948-2222
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Opening hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 pm – 3:00 pm Occasionally open on Saturdays during high season. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday For more information, contact Tourism Attraction Board at T: (345) 949-6999 or (345) 623-6668 E: info@tab.ky
http://tab.ky/ccm.html Cayman Craft Market...Discover unique local treasures! For a unique shopping experience, the bustling Cayman Craft Market in downtown George Town is a good place to soak up the rich culture and heritage of the Cayman Islands. Located on the corner of Boilers Road and South Church Street, the Craft Market is just a short stroll from the cruise ship dock. It was developed as a venue for local artists and artisans to display and sell their indigenous art and craft and to become an integral part of the tourism product. A stop at the Craft Market puts visitors in touch with the local artisans who create and display uniquely Caymanian art and craft souvenirs. Items made from leather, thatch, wood, and shell abound and locally made jams, jellies and pickles can also be found. Find the perfect vacation memento from a selection of jewelry, arts & craft, clothing, recycled treasures, souvenirs, foods and condiments Opening hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 pm – 3:00 pm Occasionally open on Saturdays during high season. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday For more information: Contact: Tourism Attraction Board Telephone: (345) 949-6999 or (345) 623-6668 Email: info@tab.ky www.tab.ky
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Kick-Off Events Friday, November 7 Fireworks, Street Dance & Food Festival
What is the History behind Pirates Week? Pirates Week was started in 1977 by Jim Bodden, then Minister of Tourism. 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 (October-November). It has since grown into the biggest entertainment event in the country and is considered the National Festival of the Cayman Islands. The 2014 Pirates Week Festival runs November 6 - 16, and will be another 11-fun filled days with
Saturday, November 8 Pirate Invasion & Landing, Parade, Street Dance & Food Festival 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
fireworks, music, street dances, costumes, competitions, games, local foods and drinks, kids day, parades, sports events, pirate invasion. The event will also feature Heritage days for each district including the Sister Islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. There’s just too much going on for you to miss out on! 9
october – december Every Wednesday in october, november & December (12pm – 7pm) Camana bay Farmer’s 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. Location: The Paseo, Camana Bay Telephone: (345) 640-3483 Website: www.camanabay.com
Every Saturday Morning in October, november & december (7am – 12pm) 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 Website: www.thegroundscayman.ky
Every Sunday in october, november & december (5:30pm – 9:30pm) Cayman Shack
Caymanian inspired buffet, featuring authentic ocal dishes and local arts and crafts display. $40 for adults, $20 for children, plus gratuity. See more information below for more information. Location: Solana Restaurant, Marriott Beach Resort Telephone: (345) 949-0088 10
Every Monday in october, november & december (5:30pm – 8:30pm) Lammie Plays Live Caribbean Music
Location: Morriits Tortuga Club and Resort, East End, Grand Cayman Telephone: (345) 745-5932
october wednesday October 22 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: LionFish
The invasive Indo-Pacific Red Lionfish population is increasing very quickly, and efforts are underway in the Cayman Islands with licensing programme to cull lionfish from our marine parks. You can find many restaurants serving lionfish dishes around the islands, including fried lionfish, lionfish ceviche, lionfish jerky, and grilled lionfish.
Friday October 24 – Saturday October 25 Folk Singers in Concert
The Cayman Islands’ Folk Singers, a company of amateur singers and musicians dedicated primarily to preserving, celebrating and propagating the musical traditions of the Cayman Islands. The company exists to bring to the people of the Cayman Islands folk music works of the highest possible artistic and technical standards and production values and works that are reflective of the Caymanian image and appreciative of our place in the Caribbean region and the wider world. Location: Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), Harquail Theatre Telephone: (345) 949-5477 Email: cifolksingers@gmail.com www.artscayman.org/folk-singers
november
November
Every Tuesday in November
Monday, November 10 National Catboat Championship
The Camana Bay National Catboat Championship, held on Remembrance Day, is the culmination of a series of races held throughout the year. It’s one of the most exciting races of the year. It’s a great event for competitors as well as spectators who will be able to enjoy local food and music on the beach. Location at Kaibo Public Beach Time: 10:00 am
2-4-1 Bowling All Day: King Pin Bowling
$10 Bowling for 2 people and shoes. $3 drink special all day. For below for more information Location: King’s Sports Centre, Crew Road Bowling Hours: 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm Telephone: (345) 946-2695
Sunday November 2 The Cayman Islands Triathlon
Held on the first weekend in November. All you need to enter is a bathing suit, a bicycle, helmet and running shoes! Race solo or as part of a team. There are also participant training sessions prior to the main event which are well attended and great fun. Telephone: (345) 949-8522 Email: cita@triathlon.ky www.triathlon.ky
wednesday November 19 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: wahoo
The flesh of the wahoo is white to grey, delicate to dense, and highly regarded by many gourmets. It has mild and lightly sweet flavor to it.
wednesday November 12 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: WINGED BEANS
Thursday November 6 – Sunday November 16 Pirates Week Festival
This Cayman Islands national festival is 11fun filled days with fireworks, music, street dances, costumes, competitions, games, local foods and drinks, kids day, parades, sports events, pirate invasion. The event will also feature Heritage days for each district including the Sister Islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. There is just too much going on for you to miss out on. For more information on schedule of events please contact the Pirates Week Office. Telephone: (345) 949-5078 Email: Pirates@candw.ky www.piratesweekfestival.com
wednesday November 5
Wing beans can be eaten raw, thinly sliced to top a salad or cut into larger bite size pieces and added close to serving to finish a stir fry, sauté or soup.
wednesday November 26 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: pickled peppers
It is quite common to pickle hot peppers, which grows plentiful on island, in vinegar to preserve it. Pickled peppers are used to spice up meats, fried fish or to add the finishing touch to a pot of soup.
Friday, November 28 – Saturday, December 6 2014 GIMISTORY – The Cayman Islands International Storytelling Festival
Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: Land crab
The The Cayman Islands International Storytelling Festival, better known as GIMISTORY, has been bringing 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 7:00 pm.
Land crab come out after the first spring rains in April and May and are sweet and earthy in flavour. The meat can be used in soups, fritters or crab cakes.
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Location: Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), Harquail Theatre Telephone: (345) 949-5477 www.artscayman.org/gimistory
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wednesday december 3 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: sorrel In the Caribbean sorrel drink is made from sepals of the roselle. It is prepared by boiling dried sepals and calyces of the Sorrel/Flower plant in water for 8 to 10 minutes (or until the water turns red), then adding sugar. It is often served chilled.
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december Friday December 5 – Sunday December 7 Cayman Thanksgiving Family, Food, Fellowship and Fun all wrapped up in one dynamic weekend celebrating Caymanian culture and heritage. Get your fill over Cayman Thanksgiving Weekend. Email: info@caymanthanksgiving.ky www.caymanthanksgiving.ky
2014 Sunday December 7 Cayman Islands Marathon Full and half marathons, four person relays and a kid’s fun run with the beautiful scenic backdrop of the Island and Caribbean Sea. The race will begin and end at Breezes By The Bay Restaurant on Harbour Drive. Race will begin at 5am. Organised by: Kelly Holding Ltd. Telephone: : (345) 623-8822 Email: info@caymanislandsmarathon.com www.caymanislandsmarathon.com
wednesday december 10 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: Cayman Peppermint Candy A traditional Cayman Christmas is not the same without Cayman Peppermint Candy boiled with sugar, lime, and peppermint oil.
wednesday december 24 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: Christmas Beef Local beef is seasoned and slow cooked until it has a rich brown crust, and served with yam or sweet potato, and green peas.
Thursday December 26 Dashing thru the Sand Run/ Walk In 15 years, Seven Mile Beach has undergone many changes. But, year after year, there is an event along the shore that continues to evoke the spirit of Christmas giving, family and friendship. The Boxing Day Beach Run provides visitors and residents an opportunity to renew acquaintances with persons seen only at this annual get-together, while others will use the occasion to enjoy a fun-filled morning in either competitive or leisurely activity with individuals they might meet daily or weekly. Race starts at 7:30 am Organised by: Phoenix Athletic Club Cayman Islands Telephone: (345) 945-3970 www.caymanactive.com/dashing or www.caymanislands.ky/eventsoffers/ racesmarathons.aspx
Wednesday December 31 wednesday december 17 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: Cassava (Heavy) Cake The traditional rich brown Cassava (Heavy) Cake is made with cassava, light brown sugar, coconut mile, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, butter and a dash of cayman sea salt. It’s a traditional dessert during the holiday season. 12
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Ring in 2013 with displays all along Seven Mile Beach; there is also a formal display at 8:00 pm over The Harbour at Camana Bay.
January Events at a Glance! • Cayman Cookout
– January 15 – 18, 2015
• Taste of Cayman – February 7, 2015
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Tortuga Rum Cake Founded as the Tortuga Rum Company in the Cayman Islands in 1984, today Tortuga International spans the Caribbean with bakeries and operations in Grand Cayman, Barbados, Jamaica and the Bahamas, and our sales and distribution center in Miami, Florida. For over 25 years, Tortuga has brought the Cayman Islands, the Caribbean, and the world the finest rum cakes. Tortuga flavours include: • Original Caribbean Rum Cake • Original Golden Cake and Rum Liqueur Coffee • Chocolate Rum Cake • Coconut Rum Cake • Key Lime Rum • Tortuga Banana Rum Cake • Tortuga Blue Mountain Coffee Rum Cake • Tortuga Pineapple Rum The cake sizes are 16oz, 33oz and 4oz. All make great gift favors.
While a tortuga Rum Cake needs no adornment, try these ideas for added indulgence! • • •
Mix raspberries, strawberries and blueberries and serve with your favourite rum cake. Mix pineapples, mango, kiwi, papaya with splash of rum. Spoon over cake slices. Garnish with toasted coconut. Drizzle rum cake with chocolate syrup and serve with whipped cream
Cayman Sea Salt Cayman Sea Salt is 100% hand produced all natural sea salt. Using Solar Evaporation we hand harvest the salt crystals producing the purest sea salt with its full compliment of minerals and the delicate taste of the cleanest Caribbean Sea. This delicious taste brings out the best in all your recipes. For a new taste sensation we also recommend trying it on chocolate, strawberry, papaya, mango or your favourite tropical fruit. The balance of flavours will excite your taste buds. Cayman Sea Salt is a premium table salt and is best used as a condiment sprinkled over salads, grilled meats or fish. Turning the simplest meal to a feast for all your seasoning purposes. Cayman Sea Salt products make the perfect gift favors.
excite your taste buds with some Gourmet Sea Salt! Products include: • 4oz & 8oz Bottle Gourmet Sea Salt • Gourmet Sea Salt Mill • 2oz Cayman Sea Salt Souvenir Cotton Bag • 6oz Cayman Sea Salt BBQ Rub See details below more information about Cayman Sea Salt products.
Telephone: (345) 943-SALT (7258) Email: caymanseasalt@candw.ky See below for more information about Tortuga Rum Company products, see details below.
Telephone: (345) 943-7663 16
www.caymanseasalt.com
Website: www.tortugarumcakes.com 17
conch stew Conch Stew is one of Cayman’s most popular traditional fares. You will find that most of the traditional fares of the Cayman Islands are of the sea. You will most likely find the famous Conch Stew available at most local restaurants during conch season which is from November 1st through April 30th. No one may take conch from the Cayman waters after or before these months as per the Cayman Islands Marine Conservation Laws.
Cuisine
Conch Stew and Ingredients: 5 lbs Conch Meat 2 Onions 1 Green Pepper 1 Red Pepper 4 Green Onions (Scallions) Hot Pepper (to taste) 2 tsp Salt ½ tsp Black Pepper ½ tsp Season All 2 Coconuts (Fresh Coconut Milk) 2 Tbsp Flour Sea Pie Ingredients 2 Cups All Purpose Flour 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil Dash of Salt Water (enough to make the flour into a dough) Conch Stew Cooking Directions Clean conch meat and pound to tenderize. Boil conch for 2 - 3 hours or until tender. Make Sea Pie while conch cooks (recipe below). Once cool, cut conch in bite size pieces and season. Add all ingredients, except flour to pan and simmer for 10 – 20 minutes. Mix flour with 1 cup water and pour into pan to thicken. Add Sea Pie pieces and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes. Sea Pie Cooking Directions Make dough with flour, pinch of salt and water so that you can roll out as thin as possible, then cut into 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” squares. Let set for an half an hour then stretch squares to thin them out and add to conch stew mixture. Serve with white rice, plantain, breadfruit or your choice of vegetables.
Heritage Kitchen Get that local food experience at the Heritage Kitchen. Diners eat at wooden tables outside the tiny restaurant or can sit on the sea wall a few feet away and watch the waves. Food style is local and Caribbean cuisine. Fresh fish fry with fritters and fish tea are some of the most popular dishes. Opening hours Wednesday & Thursday: 10:00 pm – 6:00 pm Friday & Saturday 10:00 pm – 10:00 pm Sunday 10:00 pm – 6:00 pm (Barbeque Day!) Location: Boggy Sands Road, West Bay Telephone: (345) 916-0444 www.heritagekitchencayman.com www.facebook.com/heritagekitchencayman/info
Recipe by: Ms. Shelly (Janice) Chisholm from North Side
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Our coat of arms
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 & meanings behind the words.
How the Cayman Islands got its name The 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’.
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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. 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.
Caymanian English Wha Happen?
Hi or How are you?
I coming Errectly
I’ll be there soon
Wha happen to unna?
Whats up with you?
Who you for?
Who is your mother?
Who ya daddeh Is?
Who is your father?
Who you Fuh?
Who’s your family?
Bobo
Pet name for a guy
Tedee
Pet name for a lady
Wha do you?
Whats wrong with you?
Soon come
It is happening - but don’t wait!
Come yah
Come here
Rite down deh
Right there
Na too far
Not too far
It jus rite dere
It’s just right there
It nuh too far from ya
It’s not very far from here
I tink so innu
I do think so
Doon fugget now
Don’t forget
Yih’see
You See
Wha ya sayin bobo
What’s up, how are you today?
Trouble Don’t Blow Shell
No warning when troubles arrive
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.
Caymanian Symbols
A fascinating insight into the history of some of our symbols.
Silver Thatch Palm 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.
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.
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the Cayman Islands
SOUL
“Only in Cayman”
/visitCaymanIslands @Cayman_Islands /CaymanTourism @VisitCaymanIslands CaymanTourism
www.caymanislands.ky