Soul Magazine 2015 (2nd Qtr Edition) by VisitCaymanIslands

welcome to the Cayman Islands

SOUL

2015 SECOND Quarter Edition

contents

SouL

features 6 8

cayman turtle farm Rundown 2015

See the hilarious comedy revue on island.

9 11

batabano - Adult parade Calendar of events

Cayman islands

There’s always something to see and do in the Cayman Islands. Find out what’s happening in May, June, July and August.

Dear visitors and friends,

made in cayman

Get to know more about the Cayman Art Company.

The Cayman Islands experience – our inviting and gracious hospitality, world class

18 19

local cuisine

Find out where the locals go for traditional Caymanian dishes.

diving and snorkelling, white beaches and warm Caribbean Sea with its many

Learn how to make Ms. Corita’s Salt Beef & Beans at home.

shades of blue - is something enjoyed by all. For those of us who call Cayman

where to eat

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

20 3

Three islands. Endless possibilities. Grand cayman | cayman brac | little cayman

Cayman Brac & Little Cayman Nature Cayman Visit Cayman Brac and Little Cayman where natural beauty awaits. From dramatic cliffs, hidden caves to nature trails. Take a free guided tour with a trained local guide and see the islands through their eyes.

Grand Cayman The Mastic Reserve and Trail (National Trust of the Cayman Islands)

The Mastic Trail is 2.3 miles long and it should take approximately two and a half to three hours to walk it. We strongly recommend taking an informative guided tour with The National Trust who will bring the trail to life for you. The tour guides will be able to point out fascinating animal life that you otherwise might miss such as parrots, hermit crabs, reptiles and many bird species. The guides also have interesting anecdotes about the geological history, the trees, plants, orchids, birds and the various ecosystems, including the impact of Hurricane Ivan.

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.

top tips The trail is fairly rugged and there are some wet sections, especially if it has rained recently, so we would recommend wearing trainers or walking shoes. Bring bug spray and plenty of drinking water. The trail is not suitable for children under ten or the elderly. tours & hours Guided hikes with a trained naturalist take place Tuesday to Friday and by arrangement on the weekends. KYD$20 for members and KYD$24 for non-members. For children the minimum recommended age is ten years. Call for reservations, meeting time and directions.

Contact Nature Cayman to arrange a tour. contact information Telephone: (345) 948-2222 ext. 4420 Email: naturecayman@gov.ky Website: www.naturecayman.com

The National Trust Visitor Centre is located at 558 South Church Street in the front building of the Family Park. Office Hours Monday – Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Telephone: (345) 749 1121 Email: info@nationaltrust.org.ky Website: www.nationaltrust.org.ky/index.php/ info-sheets/mastic-reserve-trail

Discover the

adventure Discover

welcome to cayman Turtle Farm

the

adventure

opening hours Monday – Saturday: 8:00am to 5:00pm with last admission at 4:30pm Sunday: 8:00am to 5:00pm

with last admission at 4:30pm Turtle Lagoon: Closes at 2:30pm

Breakers Lagoon: Close at 4:00pm & Turtle Twister Water Slide Location: Northwest Point, West Bay, Grand Cayman telephone: (345) 949-3894 email: info@turtle.ky website: www.turtle.ky

Cayman’s largest land-based attraction, Cayman Turtle Farm: Island Wildlife Encounter hosts more than 200,000 visitors each year. Educational, cultural and entertainment programmes are consistently being created and updated to enhance the experience that can only be found at our world renowned attraction.

The farm features: • Animal Feeding • Turtle Encounters • Aquatic Adventures • Wild Caribbean • Dining 6

Cayman Carnival Batabano (Adult 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.

rundown 2015

dress up and join the fun!

the hilarious comedy revue – rundown 2015 A good Rundown, or stew, has a little bit of everything in it. And 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 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.

HARQUAIL THEATRE • dates: May 8 – 10th; May 15 – 17th & May 29 – 31st • Shows: Friday – Saturday @ 8:00pm; Sunday @ 6:00pm

Saturday, May 2

• TICKETS: $25 Adults and $15 Youth/Seniors • Location: The Harquail Theatre, West Bay, Grand Cayman • Telephone: (345) 949-5477 | Email: admincncf@candw.ky

www.caymancarnival.com

• Website: www.artscayman.org/rundown

calendar of events {may – august} weekly events in the cayman islands

MAY 2015

grand cayman

Market at the Grounds every saturday

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 home-cooked meals - all of which are grown right here in Cayman. Telephone: (345) 947-3090 www.thegroundscayman.ky

Farmers & Artisans Market every wednesday • 12:00pm – 7:00pm

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 www.camanabay.com

LIVE Music by Hi-Tide Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday

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.

Friday, May 1 Bar Hop Cayman Cabana 5 bars compete to choose BataSpirit the beverage of Batabano.

Location: Cayman Cabana, Waterfront, Grand Cayman Telephone: (345) 949-7121/(345) 916-1740 Email: batabano@caymancarnival.com www.caymancarnival.com/events/item/339barhops-cayman-cabana Cayman Carnival, Batabano Is Proud To Present: The King Of Soca, Machel Montano Live With Full Band

General Admission: Early Bird – CI $45 (until April 22nd) Presold Regular – CI $55 At Gate – CI $60 VIP Admission: Presold – CI $100 At Gate – CI $125 Telephone: (345) 949-7121/(345) 916-1740 Email: batabano@caymancarnival.com www.caymancarnival.com

Location: Decker’s Caribbean Inspired Grille, Seven Mile Beach, West Bay Telephone: (345) 945-6600 Email: hitide@candwky.ky www.hitidemusic.com

may 2015

may 2015 Friday – Saturday, May 8 - 10 May 15 - 17 & may 29 - 31

wednesday june 3 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: Turmeric

rundown

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 really want to embrace the multicultural society that is Cayman. Ticket costs: $25 Adults and $15 Youth/Seniors Shows: Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm Sundays at 6:00pm Location: The Harquail Theatre, West Bay, Grand Cayman Telephone: (345) 949-5477 Email: admincncf@candw.ky www.artscayman.org/rundown

Saturday, May 2

wednesday may 13

Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: Coconut water Coconut water is the clear liquid inside young green coconuts. It’s a thirst quencher and offers a tasty alternative to water.

Location: George Town, Grand Cayman Time: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Telephone: (345) 949-7121/(345) 916-1740 Email: batabano@caymancarnival.com

Friday, May 15 – Sunday May 17

www.caymancarnival.com

Registration: Thursday, May 14th 6:00pm – 7:30pm at Captain’s Table, Cayman Brac & The Barcadere (Marina), Grand Cayman.

wednesday may 6 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: locally-made jams Jams and jellies are a common part of Caribbean delicacies. Our local jams range from the fruity and sweet to spicy and hot. We invite you to find your favourite combination. 12

Brac Jackpot Annual Fishing Tournament

Cayman Brac Annual Fishing Tournament.

Fishing Hours: 7:00am – 4:30pm Telephone: Kenny Ryan (345) 925-3844, Donna Sjostrom 916-0179 Email: fishing@candw.ky www.fishcayman.com/home

june 2015

In the Caribbean, this yellow-coloured spice is often used to add colour and flavor to many curry dishes. It’s sold fresh or as a powder.

wednesday june 10 Friday, May 15 – Monday, May 18 Braccanal Weekend

The Annual Parade takes place Saturday, May 16th 2015. The Parade will consist of 2 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 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 food vendors are situated at both stops selling fresh local food, just the thing you need after a great time of playing Mas on the Road. Location: Spots Bay, Cayman Brac Time: 3:00pm Email: cybbraccanalcommittee@gmail.com www.braccanal.wix.com/braccanal

wednesday may 20 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: Tamarind Tamarinds are used to make an assortment of jams, juices, chutneys, syrups, ice creams, candies, and other goodies. Tamarind balls are a local Cayman treat.

Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: June Plum

While the fruit may look like Granny Smith apples, locally they are called june plums. They are only about the diameter of a quarter, or about 1” to 1¼” across and are best eaten with the skin green having the same texture as biting into a firm apple.

Saturday, June 13 23rd Annual Flowers One Mile Sea Swim

Over two decades ago, against such an ideal backdrop, the tradition of the Flowers One Mile Sea Swim began. As the event swims into its 23rd year on June 13, 2015. It has been named one of the World’s Top 13 Open Water Swims. Starting location: Ritz-Carlton / Time: 2:30pm Finishing location: Royal Palms (Depending on the ocean currents) Telephone: Local: (345) 623-0000 / Race Coordinator: (345) 323 SWIM (7946) Email: info@flowersseaswim.com www.flowersseaswim.com

wednesday may 27 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: Conch Stew The large sea crustacean with firm, white flesh is eaten in stews, soups and fritters. Often presented as a ceviche - raw slices marinated in lime juice, with other flavourings. 13

june 2015 wednesday, June 24 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: Naseberry

Fruit with brown, rough and sticky skin when ripe. The seeds are inedible while the flesh is pasty and sweet.

july 2015 Monday, July 1

Monday, June 15 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. Space is limited for the 5K and 10K swims, with only 170 spaces available 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. Event Location: Grand Cayman Beach Suites Time: (10K) 7:00am (5K) 7:15am Telephone: Local: (345) 623-0000 / Race Coordinator: (345) 323 SWIM (7946) Email: info@flowersseaswim.com

www.flowersseaswim.com

wednesday, June 17 Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: guinep

This fruit has a tough, green, shell like skin, and is found in large bunches; it is about ¾” in diameter. The flesh inside is a pale orange colour and when ripe is semi-sweet. The flesh has the texture of refrigerated jelly and falls away from the seed.

Camana bay Farmer’s Market Pick of the Week: Rundown

A rich stew normally of fish or salted beef cooked with coconut and breadkind.

Monday, July 6 6th Constitution Day Fireworks

A spectacular display of fireworks to celebrate Cayman’s Constitution Day that will set The Harbour’s skyline aglow. Relax with a glass of champagne on the grass while the kids play in the interactive fountains or dine alfresco on one of the Town Centre’s waterfront terraces and enjoy a spectacular view of the show. Location: The Cresent, Camana Bay, Grand Cayman Telephone: (345) 640-4000 Email: info@camanabay.com www.explorecayman.com/constitution-dayfireworks-grand-cayman1/calendar/22840

Events at a Glance… • The Cayman Islands Triathlon – November 2 2015 • Pirates Week – November 12 – 22 2015 • Annual Christmas Tree Lighting – November 21 2015 • National Catboat Championship • Gimistory – November 28 – December 5 2015 Further event details will be in the next quarters edition.

educating future generations Chris is also the curator to The Ritz- Carlton Gallery producing high class and highly popular shows throughout the year. A role which allows him to highlight both traditional and modern cultural treasures of The Cayman Islands. Chris started CTA, the Cayman Traditional Arts with the aim of educating future generations about the island’s culture. He shares his knowledge, imparting stories and hands-on techniques of forgotten arts, in classes all year round. His children’s classes are ever popular and produce boundless enthusiasm from participants.

Cayman Art Company Chris Christian is a local artist and advocate for Cayman, supporting and preserving Cayman’s traditional arts. Here is an artist who is deeply vested in the islands. Chris’s roots may be in the island’s heritage but he’s also dedicated to the arts at large and enjoys combining all aspects of the island’s culture, both traditional and modern cultural treasures of the Cayman Islands.

Salt Beef & Beans Salt Beef & Beans is one of Cayman’s popular traditional fares. You will most likely find the famous Salt Beef & Beans available at most local restaurants.

Cuisine

Ingredients: 1lb Salt Beef, diced 1½ Cup Dry Red Kidney Beans, (soaked overnight) 1 Whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper 2 Scallions, chopped ¼ tsp Thyme 1 Clove Garlic, chopped and pressed 2 Cups water 3 Cups Coconut Milk 2 Bay Leaves 6 Pimento Seeds 2 Whole Cloves of Garlic Cooking Directions Cover the diced salt beef with water and bring to a boil. Repeat as necessary, draining and replacing water to eliminate some of the brine. In a separate pan, place beans in water, add coconut milk, bay leaves, pimento seeds whole garlic, whole scotch bonnet pepper and scallions. Slowly bring to a boil and simmer for about 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Add salt beef, onions, thyme and crushed garlic and simmer for another 20 minutes. Adjust seasonings if necessary. Remove the bay leaves and scotch bonnet pepper (being careful not to burst the pepper), then serve with white rice and your choice of salad or vegetables.

Recipe by: Mrs. Corita (George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)

Mango Tree Restaurant Get that local food experience at Mango Tree. A favorite among locals and visitors alike. Mango Tree is possibly the largest Caribbean style restaurant in Cayman and caters for lots of different tastes. They also have a Cabana Bar and a Lounge Bar. Opening hours Daily: 9:00am – Midnight Friday until 2am (Food 11:00am – 10:00pm) Location: Shedden Rd, George Town Telephone: (345) 949-0732 www.caymangoodtaste.com/restaurants_detail. asp?restaurantID=56

Caymanian Symbols

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’.

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

A fascinating insight into the history of some of our symbols.

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.

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 Wild Banana Orchid The woods provide shelter for several varieties of flowering plants, including orchids. Probably the best known of Cayman’s 26 species of orchids is the wild banana orchid, of which there are two varieties - one which originated on Grand Cayman, and the other came from Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Both varieties have scented flowers with purple lips. The flowers appear at the top of a long curved spike at the bottom of which cluster banana-like pseudo-bulbs that give this orchid its name.

The Cayman Parrot About 2,000 parrots inhabit Grand Cayman, while the quieter, smaller Cayman Brac Parrot maintains a stable population of about 400. Nesting in tree holes in old-growth forests, the colourful parrots depend on undisturbed woodlands and black mangrove forests for survival. Cayman’s parrots have iridescent green feathers with darker edges over the body, a white eye ring, red cheeks, black ear patches and brilliant blue wing feathers which are only obvious when in flight. Historically, parrots were common family pets. Today, however, it is illegal to take a parrot from the wild and keep it as a pet.

the Cayman Islands

SOUL

“Only in Cayman”

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