Cayman Parent 2025 by Acorn Media

EDITOR'S LETTER

Welcome to the 2025 edition of Cayman Parent magazine; we are thrilled to bring you another jam-packed magazine brimming with helpful resources and articles that span all stages of parenting.

This year we are bringing science to the fore, not only with our inspirational front cover women, but also as the theme for our second annual story writing competition. Statistics show that the number of girls taking STEM subjects plummets around the age of 15, so we are hoping to inspire girls by bringing you the stories of three exceptional women: Dr Martha K Williams, Lakeisha Watler and Taneil Lee. These three brilliant scientists demonstrate what can be achieved with a love of science and a healthy dose of grit and determination, both at home in Cayman and abroad. We thank them for sharing their passion with us and for their efforts to mentor young Caymanian women themselves. After reading their stories, check out the incredible STEM-related adventures written by our Islands’ talented youngsters!

Never a magazine to shy away from issues relevant to our readers, you will also find articles that shine a light on topics such as the impact of smartphones on young people, the obesity problem among Cayman’s children, advice for those who are experiencing perinatal depression and the problem of teenage substance use. A mix of invaluable practical and emotional support for all stages of parenting can also be found within our pages, along with the latest information on education and healthcare in the Cayman Islands.

We hope you have as much fun reading this edition as we did pulling it together, with help from the talented team at Acorn Media, and the support of local experts.

Don’t forget that the Cayman Parent website continues to be an ever-growing resource for all things parenting in Cayman, with up-to-date events, holiday camps, internships, scholarships and much, much more. Head to www.caymanparent.com to see for yourself!

PUBLISHERS

Joanna Boxall & Charles Grover

EDITOR

Jessica Wright

COPYWRITERS

Kary Claybourn

Lauren Hazlewood

Emily Richardson

Jessica Wright

and Taneil Lee, for your openness, honesty and willingness to be part of our magazine!

Acorn Media Co Ltd. PO Box 31403, Grand Cayman KY1-1206, Tel: (345) 946 3200 Email: info@acorn.ky, www.acorn.ky. Cayman Parent is published annually in September. Complimentary copies can be found throughout the Island. The information can also be found at www.caymanparent.com. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means: electronic or mechanical, including photography and recording without the prior consent of the publisher. While every effort has been taken to provide information that is accurate as possible, the publishers and respective contributors and researchers do not accept any responsibility for injury, loss or damage occasioned to any person as a result of material in this book.

CONTRIBUTORS

What do you consider the best thing about parenting in Cayman?

DR DAVID STONE

“The best thing about parenting in Cayman is the diversity of the Islands' population. We have well over one hundred different nationalities here cohabitating in a peaceful manner and providing a wonderful environment for children to grow and appreciate the many different cultures, languages and traditions, free of the divisiveness associated with other jurisdictions.” Dr Stone is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at OceanMed. Originally from Detroit, Michigan in the US, Dr Stone has been practising in the Cayman Islands since 2015.

RACHEL CORBETT

“The beautiful outdoors, the level of safety and the togetherness of community all make Cayman a great place for children to grow up.” As the Islands' National Epidemiologist, Rachel gathers and interprets data to understand the health issues facing Cayman and to inform evidence-based decisions on how we can improve the health and wellbeing of our population. She enjoys being creative, spending time outside in nature and being in the ocean.

KARY CLAYBOURN

“Cayman has given us friends who quickly became family. Our kids have been so lucky to grow up in such a supportive and caring multi-cultural community. Although our children are now studying in the UK, their childhood friends in Cayman are still like family. It is so lovely to see them immediately relax once reunited.” Kary was born and educated in England and has worked in the residential and commercial property industry in London, Hong Kong and Cayman.

NICK JOSEPH

“The opportunity for adventure and discovery in the ultimate of all playgrounds.” Admitted as a Cayman Islands Attorney at Law in 1997, Nick is a well-known Cayman Islands' specialist in Cayman immigration, employment and licensing matters. Nick is the Founder of Reside Cayman and he and his team work extensively in the field of residency as it relates to assisting qualified persons in the securing and (for those already here) maintaining their residence in the Cayman Islands.

TATUM ACUTT

“Cayman is a supportive community where our friends are our family. Our warm climate and beautiful surroundings encourage a healthy lifestyle allowing children to develop a love for nature and physical fitness.” Tatum is the owner of Baobab Education, where she focuses on reading intervention and dyslexia support for children. After 15 years of teaching, she left the classroom and started the company with the aim of growing support services for the diverse needs in Cayman. She loves going on adventures with her family and cuddles with their dog.

DARIA KEENAN

“The best thing is enjoying the 'endless summer' and spontaneity all year round! When school is out we can grab an ice cream and then head to the beach on a random weekday.” Daria is an award-winning family and newborn portrait photographer. She once had a thriving career in HR but traded the heels for flip flops when she moved to the Island in 2013. When she’s not capturing memories for her clients, she’s creating them with her own family on the shores of Seven Mile Beach.

DR SARA WATKIN

“From the moment we moved here, we have loved that children are still allowed to be children. If we succeed as parents and paediatricians, they’ll live towards 100, so let’s not rush them into adulthood.” Sara is a tertiary neonatologist and paediatrician with 30 years’ consultant experience, was NICU Chief of Service at world-renowned University College Hospital, and is passionate about delivering kind, safe, evidence-based care to ensure all children thrive.

DR ANNETTE STEPHENSON

“Our natural surroundings contribute to a healthy lifestyle for families. Children can grow up with a close connection to nature, which is beneficial for their physical and mental development.” A graduate of Nova Southeastern University, Dr Annette Stephenson was the first Caymanian Doctor of Audiology to be certified by the American Board of Audiology. She opened Cayman Hearing Centre in 2007, filling a crucial gap in Cayman's hearing and vestibular healthcare field.

TABLE of Contents 202 5

FIRST WORD

11

Women in STEM: Three Generations of Cayman's Female Scientists p12 | STEM Story Writing Competition p20 | Think Equal: Teaching Children to Love and Not Hate p24 | Protect Our Future: Advocating for Sustainable Development p28

33 NUTRITION

The Importance of Prenatal & Early Years Nutrition p34 | Are Artificial Sweeteners Harmful for Kids p37 | Blue Zones: Living Longer & Living Better p39 | Nutrition Book Club p42 | The Listings p43

45 WELLBEING

Rest Easy: The Importance of Sleep p46 | Aesthetic Treatments to Rejuvenate & Refresh Your Appearance p48 | Somatic Spinal Energetics: A Path to Holistic Health & Wellbeing p52 | The Menopause: Demystified p53 | Smell Good, Feel Good: The Power of Perfume p56 | 15 Steps to Self Care Success p58 | Transform Your Wellbeing: The Revolutionary Quantum Experience p61 | Wellbeing Book Club p62 | The Listings p63

EDUCATION

65

137 HEALTH

Experience a world of nutritious choices!

From farm-fresh produce to gourmet delights, nourishing your family has never been more exciting. Explore trusted grocery brands, specialty dietary items, and a bounty of organic and natural products, ensuring every family member finds something to love.

181 TABLE of Contents 202 5

ESSENTIALS

PREGNANCY

211

EARLY YEARS

239

The Transformative Power of Play in Early Childhood p240 | Understanding Early Language Milestones & Their Importance p244 | Just Keep Swimming Safely p247 Grow Together: The Benefits of Gardening with Kids p248 | Childcare Choices: Nanny or No Nanny? p252 | Preschool Principals Q&A p254 | Early Years Book Club p256 | The Listings p257

SCHOOL AGE

259

ADOLESCENCE

287

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Meet Dr Martha K Williams, Lakeisha Watler and Taneil Lee, three scientists from the Cayman Islands making waves in STEM-related industries.

First Word Contents

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Davidson

Women in STEM: Three Generations of Cayman’s Female Scientists

Inventing game-changing technologies for NASA’s space travel, solving crimes in criminal forensics, and devoting weeks to a hospital in India; all these things and more have been achieved by three inspirational scientists from the Cayman Islands.

- By Emily Richardson

The eldest, a mother of two born in Cayman Brac with a 29-year career at NASA; the second, a hardworking Forensic DNA Analyst at the Health Services Authority; and the youngest, a recently qualified Physicians Associate working in Government on a mission to improve Public Health. Their journeys, though wildly different, began with a passion for the sciences, a dream to work in the field and a determination to make it all happen.

The Cayman Islands has long been celebrated for its connections to the world of finance, law and tourism, with many students hoping to venture into these valuable fields. But like so many countries around the world, education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM as these areas are collectively known, has gained immense popularity in recent years. Yet, there is a significant shortage of women in this very male-dominated field, particularly at the upper echelons of these professions, where ‘the STEM gender gap’ is a commonly coined phrase.

According to STEM Women, a UK-based organisation dedicated to encouraging women and under-represented groups to pursue careers

in STEM-related industries, after completing their GCSEs, only 35% of females in the UK opt to study STEM subjects. This number drops further to 25% at university level. STEM Women also notes that engineering, technology and computer science fields demonstrate the greatest gender imbalances, spanning current students, graduates and the workforce. Not to mention that these sectors are some of the most profitable, resulting in highpaying jobs being predominantly occupied by men. Therefore, it’s crucial that collectively, we bolster female representation in the field.

With this in mind, Cayman Parent set out to find our own trailblazing women in science. Each has spent years working towards their dream job, and continues to do so, helping to change the systemic STEM gender gap seen across the world. Our three generations of brilliant women in science all hail from the Cayman Islands, and though in different fields of work and at different stages in their career, these three women help paint a picture of STEM in Cayman. Their inspiring journeys, though dissimilar, demonstrate potential pathways for more budding young scientists hoping to carve out their own careers in STEM subjects.

Dr Martha K Williams

Senior Technology Advisor at GenH2

Martha’s self-titled story is one of ‘rocks to rockets’; from running around with her siblings among the blow holes at West End in Cayman Brac, to being inducted into the NASA Inventors Hall of Fame years later.

Years on the Brac

As the fourth child of six to 'Mr Money' and Mrs Elie Bodden, Martha spent most of her youth outside, roaming the island of Cayman Brac with her siblings. Now — as an adult — Martha realises that she and her siblings did some pretty dangerous things as children: learning to swim by simply throwing each other in the sea and holding their breath long enough to swim between the treacherous blow holes. “I think that created this space for creativity and freedom — I’m really grateful for that space and I think what you’re seeing now is a reflection of where I grew up,” Martha explains. As the conversation went on, it became clear that her carefree and wonderful childhood was a huge influence on the person she became.

As was common for the time, Martha’s home was a small threebedroom dwelling, sharing a room with her two sisters. Often, while her father was at sea, her older brother, Naul Bodden, would go fishing and catch lobster, crab, conch and welks, which the family would cook and share. The younger siblings, Martha included, followed his example in helping provide for the household. It was an idyllic island life, where family was firmly at the centre.

Martha’s trailblazing journey to scientific success was unorthodox, particularly as a young girl from Cayman Brac. Living in the Islands in the 70s, if you wanted to receive a higher education you had to leave for Jamaica, the US or the UK, and back then there were very limited Government grants or subsidies available to students. Also at the time, American Baptist Missionaries, including the King and the Aldridge families, were journeying to the Brac following their spiritual vocations. Little did Martha know they’d help launch her path to NASA.

The American Dream

After getting to know Martha and her family, the Aldridges introduced her to the Elliott family who offered Martha the opportunity to live with them while she attended her senior year in high school in the US. So, in 1973, at 15 years old, Martha left the Brac and headed to the US. Faced with this momentous decision, Martha reflects on how her island life had prepared her: “Growing up in the Brac, you did scary things and you didn't even realise you were doing them. We had this sense of adventure, so that helped!” After graduating from high school, Martha returned to the US in the autumn of 1974 with the financial support and encouragement of the Kings and her family to pursue her dream of becoming a medical doctor. Martha affectionately remembers how these people helped fill her life with knowledge and became her friends too: “I’m so grateful to them.”

At college, Martha majored in Chemistry and Biology (minor in Maths). She completed her studies in three years and graduated early at just 19 years old. However, despite her great fortune in having such amazing support from her family and friends, Martha's education hit a bump in the road. As she was not an American citizen, she was unable to attend medical school and had to return to the Cayman Islands.

Martha recalls it being one of the biggest challenges in her career. At the time, it felt like a big detour from her dream as she entered the world of banking in Grand Cayman. “I was disappointed, and I had to figure it out mostly on my own because there wasn’t as much Government support back then,” Martha says. Thankfully, in 1979, after just two years, she got a graduate fellowship and received enough money to return and complete her Master’s in Chemistry. After an exciting role in forensic chemistry, she married her husband, Robert Williams, and moved to Florida in 1984. Then, after a tenure in pharmaceuticals, Martha began her 29-year career working for NASA at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida in 1989.

A Dream Realised

Here, working as a scientist and engineer, Martha’s dreams were realised. “What’s really great about NASA,” Martha says, “is that you get to push the creative and technological limits all the time. I'm grateful that I got to hone in on the creative, inventive space of who I am. One can be an engineer

and a scientist, but being an ‘inventor’ isn’t necessarily a job description; it's mostly inherent to who you are. Thinking outside the box, putting together pieces of puzzles that have not been put together before. Some of that creative thinking came from growing up in the Islands; where you had to figure things out because you didn't have any choice.”

During her time at NASA, Martha came to be the Lead Polymer Scientist at the Space Center and founder of the Polymer Science and Technology laboratory. She was an inventor on multiple patent applications, including hydrogen sensing materials, wiring detection and repair systems, damage detection systems and many more, all for NASA’s spaceport and exploration technology needs.

Martha obtained a PhD in Polymer Chemistry, was granted 20 patents and inducted into the NASA Inventors Hall of Fame, a select group which has a total of 42 inductees (only five of whom are women). Her work has received many awards, including a NASA Silver Snoopy Award, a NASA Commercial Invention of the Year Award and an Excellence in Technology Transfer Award. Martha has also been recognised in the Cayman Islands for her work in STEM, being awarded the inaugural Cayman Connection Making Waves, Block.One STEM award in 2022.

Now, Martha is a founding member of GenH2, a startup company manufacturing infrastructure solutions for the liquid hydrogen value chain and working to make liquid hydrogen the solution for the next generation’s clean energy. GenH2 is helping to limit CO2 emissions and become a solution to energy provision for the future. “It’s very exciting, very challenging, and like NASA, it pushes technology solutions’ limits,” Martha says.

Martha’s journey into the sciences was unconventional. But, as a girl from the Cayman Islands, she grabbed every opportunity, had faith in God and her ability, and has had a mighty career because of doing so. Her ‘rocks to rockets’ legacy is admirable.

Lakeisha Watler

Forensic DNA Analyst at the Health Services Authority (HSA)

“Ever since I started learning about science I've been interested in it. I just love what you can accomplish with science, what you can learn, discover and create.” Lakeisha, a Forensic DNA Analyst and mother of two-year-old Nyah, has worked in forensics at HSA for eight years.

Nurturing a Love for Science

Lakeisha grew up in the George Town area, spending most of her time outdoors with friends and family. She was involved in many extracurricular activities, including netball, soccer, squash and track and field. She also took part in Girls Brigade and Junior Achievement in school. In her household, Lakeisha recalls family dinner every Sunday, the traditional Easter camping weekends and family parties around Christmas and New Year. With a mother in finance and an entrepreneurial father in farming, it’s not hard to see where Lakeisha’s drive came from.

Lakeisha attended Red Bay Primary, George Hicks for middle school and John Gray High School. Though opportunities have now expanded greatly, Lakeisha remembers how they were much more limited at the time and her schools put more focus on finance and law, as opposed to the sciences. Unfalteringly, Lakeisa began paving her own way.

Loving science from a young age, Lakeisha’s parents began showing support from home, buying her books, helping with projects and encouraging their daughter to take part in extracurricular activities in the hope that her additional skills would ready her for a future career. Like many in high school, Lakeisha didn’t know exactly where she wanted her career to lead, she simply recognised her passion for the sciences.

With this in mind, she studied maths, English, principles of business, child development and integrated sciences at CXC level which led her to an internship at the Health Services Authority (HSA). Here, she worked in their pathology lab and focused on investigative science. It was also here that she discovered her interest in forensics. After receiving her Associate's Degree in Natural Science from the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI), Lakeisha’s education took her to New York, where she studied Forensic Science at Pace University. Impressively, Lakeisha also spent time interning at the office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York.

Hard Work & Helping Others

After four years, Lakeisha returned to the Cayman Islands. She worked for a number of years before beginning the difficult task of online study — alongside her full-time job — for her Master’s degree in Forensic Science and Criminal Investigations from the University of Leicester, UK. “I went to work for the day and then after work, I dedicated two or three hours every single night, alternating taking the weekends off. It was extremely difficult to maintain the workload, but I made it through,” Lakeisha

laughs mercifully. Lakeisha’s path will look very familiar to many students in Cayman, varying greatly from Martha’s in the years before her, largely due to advances in technology. Yet, her journey was not without its obstacles too. “There were a lot of challenges for me, such as struggling to keep up with working and studying, balancing my personal goals and experiencing unexpected financial woes which led to disappointments and a delay in my studies. It meant I had to reflect, adjust and refocus,” Lakeisha says.

The difficulties Lakeisha faced during her studies inspired her to help other budding scientists who are currently facing similar struggles. Currently, Lakeisha helps mould her interns, getting them to where they want to be and offering them advice that she’s learnt along the way. “Helping them is my biggest career highlight… just being a mentor and a role model for them,” she explains. Lakeisha hopes to use her passion for mentorship to set up a programme for girls just like her, helping to steer them into STEM-related industries available in Cayman, something she wishes she’d had when she left high school.

“I don't have one role model. I have multiple. I just look at all the women in my family. They’re bosses, they’re leaders, supervisors, and they are all driven.” Borrowing from the hardworking women in her life, Lakeisha spent many years studying and juggling work with school in order to get where she is today. She also attributes much of her support to the men and women in her church, who helped her navigate tough times in her school and work life, and helped her stay focused on the end goal.

Now, Lakeisha works as a Forensic DNA Analyst for the HSA. Lakeisha’s responsibilities include analysing biological evidence, interpreting DNA profiles, preparing reports and providing expert testimony in court. Other duties involve maintaining the chain of custody for evidence, staying updated on DNA analysis technologies and collaborating with law enforcement and other experts, making this work vital to solving crimes and ensuring justice is served.

Taneil Lee

Physician Associate & Public Health Professional

Upon meeting the youngest of our scientists, Taneil, she exuded energy and a burning passion for the wellbeing of Cayman’s population. Like Lakeisha, her journey through the sciences is relatively typical of a student today. But her zealous drive to help better the health of Caymanians is what makes her extraordinary.

A Shy Girl With a Goal To Help

Taneil grew up in George Town, Grand Cayman, and lived in Prospect for most of her life. “You know, in Cayman, you can go anywhere and someone knows you,” Taneil says, “I really enjoyed that as a little child.” As a girl, Taneil was very active in her community, showing a keen interest in dancing, volunteering with her mother and being a part of Girls Brigade, like Lakeisha. At Girls Brigade, Taneil learnt ‘how to be a woman’; etiquette, life skills and how to advocate for women, while also performing community service. As a self-confessed ‘shy girl’, Taneil expressed her gratitude for the Girls Brigade as it helped boost her confidence, be more active and encouraged her to speak up; all of which helped her transform into the selfassured woman she is today.

Our conversation quickly turned to Taneil’s mother and the appreciation she has for her. “I watched her balancing being a mother, working full time and attending school,” Taneil shares. “Now that I'm older, I truly understand how challenging that

must have been.” Taneil’s mother also dedicated her time to volunteering for the Girls Brigade, in the hope that nurturing these young girls to become exceptional women would continue the cycle of mentorship for other young girls. "I think a lot of my characteristics are a reflection of her and her hard work," Taneil remarks. "So she was, and still is, my biggest role model."

As Taneil grew older, it became obvious to her what her calling was: “When I was younger I knew that I really liked helping people. That was the goal.” With this in mind, Taneil considered a career as a veterinarian, a teacher and a doctor — all roles in which her skills could benefit the wider community. Match this personality trope with her abilities in science, and she knew her future lay in STEM.

Travelling Broadens the Mind

In addition to holding the position of prefect and serving as a peer counsellor, Taneil was actively involved in the business club and volunteered outside of school. She was also selected to participate in her school's gifted and talented programme. Through this programme, she received support with her resumé, public speaking and interview preparation. She even had the chance to travel to Florida to explore various universities, which sparked her interest in pursuing education away from Cayman. "Visiting Florida made me realise that schooling off-Island was possible," she reflects. "I might not have considered it without that opportunity." Taneil regarded her education as a stepping stone for her career and eagerly pursued every opportunity that came her way.

After her mother encouraged her to gain some experience in the field, Taneil completed her first internship at Health City. She shadowed doctors in the orthopaedics department, observed surgeries, and gained valuable hospital experience. This experience led her to Health City's Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF). Taneil's achievements in this fellowship allowed her to apply for a third internship, but this time based in India! Taneil initially felt hesitant about the opportunity, partly due to being surrounded by very intelligent peers, most of whom were already studying off-Island, while she was studying at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI). With encouragement from her mother and her own determination, Taneil passed the test, delivered a stellar personal statement, aced the interview and headed to the other side of the world to help at a hospital in Bangalore, India, at 19 years of age, along with three other Caymanians. It was here that Taneil discovered her love for public health.

During her time working in the hospital, Taneil interacted with patients, often non-verbally due to the language barrier. She examined them, visited operating rooms, observed surgeries and was treated like a medical student. Through these experiences, she realised that the key to improving the health of a population was through prevention, which ultimately led her to pursue a career in public health and medicine. With this dream in mind, after completing her Associate's degree in Science at UCCI,

Taneil continued her education at the University of South Florida, where she received her Bachelor’s in Public Health. This then took her across the pond to Newcastle Medical School in the UK, where she graduated with her third degree in 2023. Upon returning to Cayman the same year, Taneil knew her career goal was to merge her love for medicine and public health.

Now, Taneil works with the Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health & Wellness for the Cayman Islands Government, helping to transform the health of our population. Taneil's role allows her to focus on the health of the community at large. "Clinical medicine is very rewarding in itself, but in this role, I truly feel like I'm making a difference within government law and policy," Taneil passionately states. "It's meaningful and tangible, and we're able to go out into the community and see how we're making a difference."

Systemic Issues in STEM

In spite of the success these three extraordinary women have seen, and the contributions each of them has made to STEMrelated industries, they represent a minority in their field, both on our Islands and in the world.

According to AAUW, a non-profit organisation advocating for the empowerment of women, ‘girls and women are systematically tracked away from science and math throughout their education, limiting their access, preparation and opportunities to go into these fields as adults.’

Historical data emphasises this further. Since its inception in 1901, the Nobel Prize has been awarded to 65 female winners, over half of these women winning for Peace or Literature. There have been only 29 female winners in Medicine, Chemistry, Physics and Economics in the past 122 years. For a little more context, there have been 905 male winners across the six categories, 710 of which have been in Medicine, Chemistry, Physics and Economics. The STEM gender gap is staggering, and sadly it continues.

As we chatted with our three scientists, we wanted to find out their thoughts and experiences on being a woman in STEM.

“Being a woman in a man’s world,” Martha replies when asked about the biggest challenges throughout her career. “Being in a male-dominated field definitely has its challenges, promotions are harder to come by for women and I have experienced that over the years. But positively, it allowed me to collaboratively invent in speciality technologies not necessarily available in the ‘female space’.” Even now, as a founding member of GenH2, Martha is the only female scientist in the team. Despite finding this difficult at times, Martha represents a percentage of women who have achieved commendable success in this male-dominated field, working in various disciplines spanning this diverse sector. Having such valuable experience, Martha encourages women to take advantage of opportunities, embrace the challenges and confidently ask the difficult questions.

Like Martha, Lakeisha recalls arriving at university in the US, and suddenly realising how male-dominated her discipline was. Lakeisha told us that navigating that environment was a challenge: “Sometimes as a woman,” Lakeisha explains, “we get pushed to the side, so it's important for us to state our opinions, share our thoughts or ideas, communicate what we're feeling, where we want to go and what we expect. It’s also important to have your own voice and to use it.”

Taneil’s experience hopefully tells a tale of change in the field. She recalls her cohort, the director of her Master’s programme and lecturers being mostly women. On top of that, during her clinical rotations, a lot of her peers — in medicine and physio for example — were women as well. “I think it is definitely still a male-dominated field, but I feel as the years have gone on, we have more and more women going into medicine.”

However, Taneil is less positive about the experience of being black in the medical field. During her studies and throughout her training, Taneil felt she had to work twice as hard to demonstrate that she deserved the opportunities she earned. In these environments, particularly when studying in the north of England, Taneil often found herself as the only black woman in the room.

“When you're put into spaces where you're the only black person, you feel this pressure to act a certain way or be a certain way,” Taneil shared. “So that was something I had to navigate… being in a space where I didn't really see anyone that looked like me. I didn't feel like I belonged.” Dealing with microaggression from her peers and even the doctors she worked under, Taneil recounted how she sought out therapy to help deal with this trauma. “I had to develop thick skin and I really had to advocate for myself,” Taneil explains. Her experience has made her incredibly passionate about fighting for the rights of black students and patients. “By sharing my journey, I’m really hoping to encourage more people to enter the profession, particularly those of colour, as we are really needed.”

During her programme, Taneil was a member of her campus's Racial Equality in Medicine Society. Through this organisation, she facilitated educational workshops and training programmes for medical and allied health students. Students were given additional training on conditions that predominantly impact black patients, such as sickle cell anemia and diabetes. She also organised and led simulation labs that focused on understanding and addressing the impact of socio-economic background on patient care for the students at her training hospital. These labs emphasised the importance of considering the entire context of a patient when developing treatment plans. Taneil's impactful work led to her being recognised as a recipient of the Cayman Connection Making Waves 2023 award in the category of Inclusion.

The nuanced challenges faced by our three women in STEM are multifaceted, but what’s clear is that the ideologies and stereotypes surrounding the related industries need to change for a more harmonious, diverse and well-represented workforce.

Advice from Three Generations of Scientists

Our three generations of scientists have come up against difficulties throughout their careers, and each of them now works to help others who may be experiencing the same thing. We were interested in what advice they would give other young scientists, particularly women and under-represented groups, following in their footsteps.

“The most important thing I tell young women is not to put themselves in a box and be open to the possibilities of where they can go. There are so many avenues.” With her mentorship programme, Lakeisha hopes to foster an environment where young women can receive guidance so that they understand the diverse career options available in the sciences, particularly in our Islands, and recognise that Cayman offers more than just finance.

Similarly, Taneil expressed her dream of getting more Caymanians into healthcare, and hopes to help shed light on the diverse, ‘non-traditional’ career paths you can take in the field, especially in Cayman. “We need to get into the schools and have more of a mentorship with individuals that are coming up in different professions, nursing, phlebotomy, doctors, public health, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and so many more, and just share their journey,” Taneil passionately advises.

Martha really hoped to emphasise the importance of hard work, but also taking advantage of opportunities. “You might not realise them as opportunities, but they can change the trajectory of your life.” It’s hard not to draw connections between Martha’s advice

and her own journey, and how she grabbed every opportunity with both hands. Martha also stressed the importance of having a mission and a vision, both of which help you stay on track and help drive you. “At this stage in my career I'm mentoring, which is one reason for this conversation,” Martha goes on to explain. “I think it’s really important to share the things we’ve discussed today. I think it’s valuable for people to know because I wish someone was able to share some of those things in my early years. I would probably have navigated things differently if I knew what I know now. In certain circumstances I'd have been braver and also more persistent." It’s thought-provoking to hear how a person with such a successful story would consider doing things differently, highlighting that even a NASA scientist comes up against trials and tribulations. “The positive thing is that I have also loved and value my career journey so much,” Martha finishes.

All in all, our three scientists firmly believe in the importance of mentorship and how positively it can affect the journeys of young students in Cayman. This alone could be a potential answer to help rectify the STEM gender gap. It's vital that we encourage the representation of women, and women of colour, in science, technology, engineering and mathematics so that future generations are inspired by women just like themselves. It’s important that we encourage our young minds to challenge those who came before us in order to make the world a more representative place. Lakeisha sums it up brilliantly: “Women have a unique perspective. We are pioneers. We are innovators. Our voices are important, and they are needed.”

STEM Story Writing Competition

Cayman Parent’s second annual story writing competition proved yet again that our Islands are bursting with talented story writers. Hundreds of entries were received and it was clear that Cayman’s youth understand the importance of STEM in our rapidly changing world. With stories of astronauts, engineers, scientists and academics, we feel sure that many of Cayman’s students are going to make a meaningful difference to the world.

Competition Writing Topic

All students in Cayman aged 6-14 years old were invited to submit a story that would inspire readers to engage in STEM subjects and empower young scientists to change the world. With STEM subjects becoming increasingly important, the competition gave students the chance to think about what science means to them.

Prizes

Children could enter their stories in one of three age categories, with the chance of winning some incredible prizes. These included: Camana Bay, Next Chapter and Kirk Office vouchers; family and class passes to some of Cayman’s best attractions, including the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary, the Crystal Caves, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and the Cayman Turtle Centre; plus a mangrove tour from Ambassadors of the Environment and a tour of the Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC) plant led by their expert engineers.

Judges

To ensure impartiality, three independent judges were selected from the fields of medicine, engineering and the environment to judge the competition. With so many original and inspiring submissions from children across all three Islands to read, the judges had the most difficult task in picking just three winners and three runners up. Read on to hear their reaction to the wonderful stories!

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who took part!

Dr Sarah Cuff, General Practitioner and owner of Seven Mile Medical Clinic. "I have thoroughly enjoyed escaping into the minds of these wonderfully creative and bright individuals through their story writing, and know they will succeed in life if they continue to strive for these dreams and aspirations." Judge of the 6-8-years-old category.

Purdy Gouveia, Project Manager at Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC). "I was very impressed with all the submissions for this age group. They were creative, engaging and captured the many ways STEM can create a better world. Within the lines of these wondrous stories lie the blueprints of tomorrow's innovations, forged by the curiosity and brilliance of young STEM pioneers." Judge of the 9-11-years-old category.

AJ McGovern & Bella Rooney, Environmental Policy & Development Officer and Climate Education Officer at the National Trust. "We loved reading these stories. They were all so different, but so filled with passion, adventure, and a sense of curiosity, reflecting the fact that STEM is all about exploring, learning, and problem solving. These young story tellers are exactly the kind of people Cayman needs for the future, those who can get others excited about the incredible things we are capable of when we put our minds to it. We hope that these stories will inspire others just as much as they did us!" Judges of the 12-14-years-old age category.

Winners & Runners Up

The stories from our winners and runners up have also been published on the Cayman Parent website.

Age 6-8 Category

Winner: Zuri Patel, Cayman Prep & High School

Runner Up: Vivia Grace Childers, Cayman Prep & High School

Age 9-11 Category

Winner: Che Scott, Layman E. Scott Sr. High School (Brac)

Runner Up: Gabrielle Scott, Cayman Prep & High School

Age 12-14 Category

Winner: Mikhaila Powell, Homeschooled

Runner Up: Taylor Walsh-DaCosta, Cayman Prep & High School

Prizes Sponsored by

By Zuri Patel - Age 7 Cayman Prep & High School

The Invisible Potion

Long ago, the world ’ s greatest magician, Harry Houdini, created a secret potion that turned people invisible. He realised that this could be used for evil so he destroyed it, but he left clues so that its recipe could be discovered again by someone who was clever enough.

There was a girl called Tina who loved magic. She learned about Harry Houdini at school and then became obsessed with everything about him. She even dressed up as him at Halloween, which was the day that he had died!

Tina heard about the invisible potion and then was determined to find the clues for its formula. She read every book she could find about Harry Houdini and visited all of the places where he lived, searching for the clues. She found one clue in his house in Budapest in Hungary, and another at his grave. She also found his straight jacket and there was a clue hidden inside that too! When she had managed to find all of the clues and compiled a list of the ingredients, she mixed them all together and finally recreated the potion! She then wrote down the recipe in a pen dipped in the potion, and wrote it down below so no one would find it...

Exploring the Unknown

By Che Scott - Age 11 Layman E. Scott Sr High School

Exploring The Unknown

around, the entrance was still there, they secured the sub and

They worried about getting home for a moment, but then realized they had just discovered a whole new world! Intrigued with curiosity, they set off and started taking samples of new plants and animal species they had never seen before. While walking, Trevor got a cut on his leg; then it healed instantly as a bush brushed it. That’s when he knew this world would change mankind forever! distance. It was time to get out! They grabbed their samples, jumped

Our Island Home

By Mikhaila Powell - Age 13 Homeschooled

Saving Our Island Home

On the small island of Namyac lived a girl named Maya. She could talk with animals. Both Maya and her animal friends were sad that their beautiful home was being destroyed. The beaches were being eroded, the landfill was a big problem and the islands natural beauty was fading. Maya felt disheartened by the state of her island home and decided to do something about it. First she decided to speak with her animal friends.

“Shelly!” Maya shouted to the sea. The turtle rose from under a pile of plastic nearly swallowing it. “Goodness all this plastic I can barely swim.”

“Hi Shelly, I'm doing a little project to try to fix the island. What do you think I should do?” she asked.

“Well you could start by getting rid of all this plastic,” she said

“That’s a great idea,” Maya shouted as she ran off. Next she went to see her parrot friends.

“Harper!” Maya called up to the trees. Harper came flying down, ”What’s up.”

“I'm building something to fix our island,” Maya explained “Got any ideas?”

“How about finding a way to recycle. The dump is getting enormous and when it catches on fire, I can’t breathe” Harper suggested.

“I got an idea, thanks!” Maya shouted as she ran off.

“That child… always in a hurry.” Harper chuckled to herself.

Next she went to her iguanas friends.

“Blue!” Maya called “Yes! ... how you Bo-Bo?”, Blue shouted.

“There’s a project I'm doing to try to clean the island what do you think I should do?” she asked

“How about planting more trees, and recycling some of the things you use everyday” he responded, “I’m running out of places to live!”

“I can definitely do that, thanks!” she said ecstatic as she ran off.

Maya had all the ideas she needed. She and her dad set out to work. They worked night and day to design a machine that would save her island home.

Months later, Maya and her dad unveiled their eco-friendly machine capable of transforming trash into renewable materials. Eager to put their creation to work, they rallied the entire community on a recycle drive.

One by one, members joined their cause. Through sweat and perseverance, the community transformed the island and as the island bloomed with renewed vitality, they knew that together, they could overcome any challenge that threatened their home.

Think Equal: Teaching Children to Love and Not Hate

Think Equal is a global initiative which calls for a system change in education to end the discriminatory mindset and ensure positive life outcomes for all our children. Together with world experts, Think Equal has designed a programme to teach social and emotional learning to early years (3-6-yearolds), which is the optimal window to modify attitudes, values and behaviours, based on evidence from neuroscientists. Here, Cayman Parent looks into the programme and how it can help Cayman's children. –

By Kary Claybourn

Bill Gates once said, "The first five years have everything to do with how the remaining 80 turn out." Although our early years are often fuzzy in memory, they provide the foundation for the rest of our lives, and recently, there has been more and more discussion on the importance of this fundamental time.

More studies than we can count have proven that a child’s early years have a lifelong physical, social and emotional impact. While positive experiences and environments can set up a young child on a stronger life-long path, traumatic experiences or environments during those formative years can have a longlasting, detrimental impact.

From birth to age eight, early experiences shape the development of the brain's architecture, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behaviour and health. A strong foundation helps children develop the skills they need to become functioning adults. The time between birth and age three is a period of rapid brain development when billions of connections between neurons

are established. Mechanisms and interventions to support that development must be available beginning at birth.

Some children sail through primary and high school, while others struggle to find their groove. There are many factors involved in whether a child is happy at school and thrives, or slips to the bottom third of the class. Educators are starting to see a direct correlation between the physical and mental wellbeing of children and their ability to excel in school. Do the roots of whether a child will thrive at school start in preschool, and perhaps even before? The science certainly suggests this, but what can we do about it?

Joanna Boxall, owner of Little Trotters Farm & Nursery in George Town, was thinking about this problem when she learned about Think Equal, a new programme being introduced in early childhood education worldwide. The innovative curriculum, designed to foster social and emotional development in young children, has strong evidence of supporting students' mental

and physical wellbeing.

According to neuroscientists, there is an optimal window of opportunity during which to help children construct neural pathways, become empathetic, control emotions and form pro-social habitual ways of responding that endure through adulthood. While there are further opportunities, notably a 'second window' in adolescence, the foundation for this development must be set early.

Rooted in mental health and social justice, Think Equal is a 30-week programme that teaches 25 skills and competencies to help children through their Early Childhood Education. The world's top global experts in psychology, neuroscience and education designed the curriculum around the concept of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

Early experiences of stress, anxiety, anger and depression can have profound lifelong impacts. SEL teaches children how to deal reflexively with these feelings by incorporating simple and effective tools. These tools help ensure that when negative feelings emerge, they are immediately controlled and are not allowed to develop into habits of mind or patterns of emotional behaviour.

The Think Equal programme helps children:

• manage emotions and impulsive behaviours

• build confidence and self-esteem

• have empathy and show consideration for others

• solve problems effectively and learn to resolve conflicts peacefully

• build critical thinking skills and make responsible decisions

• maintain healthy relationships and learn to collaborate.

Level 1 of the course begins with children discussing themselves and their physical attributes. These conversations enable them to demonstrate a positive sense of identity, develop self-confidence and self-esteem, and recognise and value similarities and differences between themselves and others.

Level 2 reviews and expands on these topics. During these sessions, children will talk about recognising their feelings and work on coping strategies for when they are angry or anxious. Each level will also touch on how neurons work, including how they pass information through our brains to our bodies and how that affects our feelings.

Further levels move on to celebrate individuality and uniqueness, mindfulness and attention to breathing, friendships, reading emotions in themselves and others, compassion for all creatures (animals and humans), behaviour, looking after our environment and celebrating diversity. The Think Equal resource booklet also provides exercise ideas to calm, relax or focus the class, such as hot drink breathing or belly breathing.

Each of the Think Equal books is beautifully written and illustrated, and they serve as valuable tools for teachers, enabling them to utilise practical examples and relatable stories

to impart the programme’s key messages to young learners. They inspire the children to be kind and empathetic to others. Different characters feature in each book, with all cultures and races represented. Animals are the stars in some of the stories, and each one teaches the children about something important to consider and discuss in class together.

Both levels have a strong focus on mental health and wellbeing. They teach that it is okay to feel sad or angry and explain how to manage those feelings. Think Equal also teaches children selfesteem, which is somewhat overlooked in the current education curriculum, recognising how important self-esteem is for the mental health and physical wellbeing of children.

The founder of Think Equal, Leslee Udwin, is a huge believer in the programme, explaining that the cost of books is a lot less, and a much better investment, than having to incarcerate someone for antisocial and dangerous behaviour.

She goes on to add that "For me, it's simple: by investing in our children's emotional and social wellbeing, we will reduce many of the harmful behaviours that can wreak havoc in our society. This is the best social investment we can make. I took inspiration from Nelson Mandela, who proclaimed education to be "the most powerful weapon we have to change the world"."

Leslee understands that education is the only possible way to change a mindset. She has come to realise that the sort of education Mandela was referring to was not just numeracy, literacy and testing, but education of the heart, of the moral compass, and teaching children to love and value every human being regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion or economic background. This also includes care for our common home, our neighbourhood, our country and the Earth.

When asked if children have different needs depending on where they live, Leslee explained, “Social and emotional outcomes are universal. As Maya Angelou wrote, “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike," and we have not had a single teacher to date who has said that the materials don't apply to their children. There are certain books, especially ones dealing with self-esteem, that we re-illustrate for every country we go into. We offer each country some contextualisation if they want it (more so because we like countries to feel an ownership in the materials than out of a necessity to adapt the materials culturally), but we are also very careful not to over-contextualise because we actively celebrate diversity and global citizenship in the programme.”

According to the Think Equal website, the programme has been successfully introduced into the Early Years curriculum in countries across five continents, including Mexico, Belize and Trinidad and Tobago.

Leslee Udwin’s passion for social and emotional development is shared by Michele Borba, Ed.D., an internationally renowned educator, award-winning author and parenting expert recognised for her solution-based strategies, which strengthen

children's character and resilience and reduce peer cruelty.

"I have interviewed hundreds of school-age students and educators and there is strong evidence that our kids are striving but not thriving. My research has shown that if the curriculum and parents were to concentrate on some essential traits from an early age, then we would be looking at a new generation of thriving children who are happier and more successful, rather than young people feeling burnt out and plagued by the mental health issues we have been seeing in greater numbers over the past few years," said Dr Borba.

Dr Borba believes that the seven essential traits she talks about in her best-selling book, 'Thrivers', confidence, empathy, selfcontrol, integrity, curiosity, perseverance and optimism will allow children to roll with the punches and succeed in life.

Dr Borba begins 'Thrivers' by quoting Aristotle: "Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all."

As part of her extensive research, Dr Borba interviewed more than 100 young people from all walks of life, and she found something surprising: the difference between those who struggle and those who succeed does not come down to grades or test scores. Instead, the difference is directly linked to the seven characteristics that she claims set thrivers apart and sets them up for happiness and greater accomplishment later in life.

Dr Borba agrees that these essential traits are very similar to those that the Think Equal programme concentrates on.

"The Think Equal programme really aligns well with the seven essential traits outlined in Thrivers and also the early years advice I have written about in my new book 'I Got This!'. How wonderful to provide a programme for early years educators that can be introduced into the curriculum and also involves reading and exercises that children can work on at home with their families."

MacDonald Machingura is the Pastoral Lead at Cayman’s newest school, Island Primary. He has looked at Think Equal and is very impressed with what the programme has to offer.

“We could look at introducing Level 2 of the programme if Level 1 had already been introduced at preschool age here on-Island that would be really beneficial. It is very clear to us that when the children start school, a few do not have much social and emotional education for us to build on,” says MacDonald. At Island Primary, MacDonald already teaches social and emotional skills through play twice per week, and as a school, they are very aware of how crucial it is.

The important thing, though, is that social-emotional learning is taught in preschool. Unfortunately, we have not, as a world, until very recently, valued early childhood education as the key foundational stage and gateway to a life with positive outcomes, which it is. As a result, we have undertrained, undervalued and underpaid our early years practitioners for years. In the US,

the top 25 hedge fund managers are paid more than all the kindergarten teachers in the US put together.

Many problems are systemic, passed down generationally and cyclically by parents to their children. Michael Myles, a previous social worker in the Cayman Islands Department of Social Services, and the founder of Inspire Cayman Training, has seen this first hand. The problems that affected the parents are, 30 years later, affecting their children. It caused him so much concern that it has inspired his life's mission to find a solution through education. While there are many people in early childhood working to change things for the better at the beginning of a child's education, Michael Myles is working to help young adults who never received this learning in their early years become employable and find a purpose.

The Think Equal programme works prescriptively. There are already many preschool teachers in Cayman who are trained, talented and confident in their Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) expertise, but for those teachers who are starting on their preschool educaiton journey, or those that don't feel so confident, the Think Equal programme can give them a firm base of ready, curated materials and best practice tools to 'plugin and play'. The programmatic tools have been sensitively and brilliantly created by experts in this field and gathered from programmes like the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence RULER programme, the Wisconsin-Madison Center for Healthy Minds Kindness Curriculum, and Emory University's SEE Learning programme.

Teachers are given a free narrative picture book written by Sir Ken Robinson, for example, created specifically for Think Equal to teach global citizenship and how to love our Earth. Teachers are relieved and excited to use it and its accompanying activities and lesson plans in their classrooms.

This way, teachers know that no matter how short on time they might be and no matter what the vagaries of the day throw at them, they have excellent resources to rely upon. These resources enable them to systematically, comprehensively, and repeatedly teach social and emotional competencies and skills to their children and witness their transformations and development into responsible global citizens.

It is simple, relatively inexpensive, replicable and scalable. The 2024 cost of a full set (about 150 books) of the Think Equal programme is US$664 which includes DHL shipping to the Cayman Islands.

We have all the understanding, measurement and evidence we need. We even have the tools and the programmes to implement changes with active, tangible, universally impactful and prescriptive steps. What we now need is to spend more time supporting the teachers in this new learning and encouraging parents to support this learning as best they can at home. For more information on the Think Equal programme, see www. thinkequal.org.

The Different Stages of a Child's Personality Development

While the development of personality is a gradual process, its foundations are laid during the first five years of life. The way a baby's brain gets wired determines their emotions and behaviour, which, in a nutshell, is their personality. While genetics (that define temperament and physiology) play a significant role, the quality of a child's experiences in the first few years of life also helps shape their personality. These experiences, therefore, have a lasting impact on a child's health, happiness and ability to learn and succeed in life.

According to Erik Erikson, who was a German psychologist, there are eight stages of human personality development, three of which occur in the first five years. At every stage, the child needs to deal with and successfully overcome an existential crisis to facilitate the formation of a well-rounded personality. Let's look at each of these stages and how they shape a child's personality.

Infancy: (0-18 months)

This is the age of trust versus mistrust. An infant's basic need is nourishment. A parent/caregiver anticipating and fulfilling the baby's needs in a timely manner helps her/him learn to trust others, which also develops their confidence and helps the infant blossom into a happy toddler. However, when the parent/caregiver does not respond to the baby's needs, it makes the baby feel anxious and fills them with doubt and mistrust. So, a parent/caregiver should respond warmly to the baby, and promptly attend to their needs at all times.

Early childhood: (1.5-3 years)

The second stage of socio-emotional development is autonomy versus doubt or shame. The child is ready to explore their environment independently as his/her nervous and motor skills are developing quickly at this time, although their judgment is still a work in progress. At this stage, the child should be observed and guided as needed. Allowing a child to have a say in making decisions related to them will increase their confidence and independence. However, 'helicopter parenting' or not allowing age-appropriate freedom to do things on their own can dent the child's confidence and fill them with a sense of selfdoubt. A safe middle ground for the parent is to be attentive and involved, and guide the child as and when required. Let the toddler experience guided exploration and develop their own judgment.

Middle childhood: (3-5 years)

The third stage is initiative versus guilt. During this time, a child learns to function independently. They become more assertive, eager to explore and want to try new things. The child also tries to establish relationships with other children and do things together. Doing these things fosters a sense of initiative and self-confidence in a child. It also helps the child channel their energy in a constructive manner and makes their experiences happy and engaging. Criticising a child's initiatives or not allowing them to take up initiatives (assuming you are protecting him/her) can stifle their development and prevent them from successfully completing the third stage. This can fill the child with a sense of guilt.

Late childhood: (5-12 years)

Industry versus inferiority is the fourth stage of development. As the child's attention span and strength increase, they want to acquire new skills. They begin comparing themselves with others to understand where they stand. The child is filled with a sense of pride in successfully accomplishing a task. At this stage, if a child is made to feel competent, they will showcase further industrious behaviour and strive to achieve the goals set for them. But, if industriousness is not encouraged, the child may begin to develop an inferiority complex and self-doubt. This can prevent them from realising their true potential.

Adolescence: (12-18 years)

The fifth stage is identity versus confusion. During this phase, teens try to find their place in society as well as their personal identity. They seek greater independence and develop their own outlook towards life. They try to find the role they would play in the family, in the professional arena and in society. To successfully pass through this stage, teens need the support and encouragement of their parents and peers.

Protect Our Future: Advocating for Sustainable Development

In February 2024, a strong nor’wester swept across the Cayman Islands, bringing stormy swells and high winds. Almost immediately, photos and videos began circulating on Facebook and Instagram. There were splintered docks, flooded buildings and totalled cars. It was a stark reminder of Mother Nature’s power and the great body of water that lies right on our doorstep.

Weeks later, a new photo appeared on social media — two students standing on a battered section of Seven Mile Beach, the shell of a large building development looming behind them. Together, the two young men held a white sheet with a simple but powerful message: Ignorance Decides Our Future.

gathered at other locations across Cayman to snap similar photos with phrases like 'Mangroves Secure Our Future' and 'Our Future is Not Single-Use'.

February 2024's passing storm illustrated some of POF’s greatest concerns. For example, the more we prioritise larger builds and overdevelopment, the more damage these storms will cause. Simply put, when we build close to the coastline and disrupt our native mangrove forests and trees, we deplete our natural barriers against the wind and sea. “While the impacts of climate change vary across the globe, scientists agree that overall, human-caused warming is supercharging these extreme events,” AP News shared in an article on severe weather. If we don’t take action now, later generations of Caymanians will suffer the consequences. As Protect Our Future has been determined to show us, some of these repercussions have already begun.

What is Protect Our Future?

In 2018, four passionate students decided to create a campaign against overdevelopment in Cayman. What began as a small school project quickly evolved into a buzzing conservation group – one that now hosts island-wide events and is often featured in the local news. From humble beginnings, Protect Our Future was born, and today, it stands over 60 members strong.

The photo was posted by Protect Our Future (POF), a studentdriven activist group that champions Cayman’s ecosystems and advocates for sustainable legislation. Over the years, they’ve

Photo courtesy of Protect Our Future (POF)

POF provides a platform for the Island’s youth to discuss Cayman’s growing environmental changes, offering a voice to those with questions or concerns. The group meets weekly to brainstorm solutions for local issues. They also plan eco-friendly events, like beach clean-ups, work on environmental social campaigns and draft letters and press releases to help educate people in the community.

Protect Our Future’s work can be divided into three key areas: Protecting Cayman’s natural habitats through changes to legislation, promoting cooperation within the community, and educating people on how their behaviours influence the world around them. The driving force behind these goals is the concept of sustainable development. But what does that mean?

Sustainable development aims to balance economic, social and environmental factors to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It means considering the broader scope of each idea or decision and factoring in the potential ripple effects of every action. As the POF Handbook states, “We take a proactive approach to preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings.”

Projects & Campaigns

Coastal Erosion & Development

One of POF’s biggest topics of concern is unregulated coastal development, which can lead to severe cases of erosion. It can

have serious repercussions for those living on the beach and will affect Cayman’s tourism industry in the coming years. Most importantly, though, erosion disrupts the vital ecosystems that allow our native flora and fauna to thrive.

Turtles, in particular, often suffer the consequences. Erosion can significantly affect their hatching zones, leading to large areas of habitat loss. Light, noise, vibrations and dangerous equipment involved in coastal development can impact their life cycle, harming conservation efforts.

POF has also noted that current planning regulations in Cayman require a single survey to establish the mean high water mark. This limited information is used as a reference point for identifying coastal building lines. The process is problematic because Cayman’s coastlines are dynamic and constantly changing, especially along Seven Mile Beach. Ensuring building lines are at the correct distance from the water is imperative for the health of our shorelines, and decisions should not be rushed. Changes to our coastline will only worsen as thirst for coastal development persists, so taking action is crucial.

Mission Blue

Protect Our Future recently had the honour of working with Dr Sylvia Earle, a renowned oceanographer and marine biologist. Earle founded the organisation Mission Blue in 2009, and it now consists of more than 200 ocean conservation groups and like-minded organisations from around the world. Mission

Recycling Depots

Blue aims to create a wide-spread network of marine protected areas or 'Hope Spots'.

George Town Harbour was designated a 'Hope Spot' in 2019 after plans for a new cruise ship pier fell through following a stream of local backlash. The pier would have damaged George Town’s intricate reef system, and Protect Our Future was at the forefront of the campaign against its creation.

POF now serves as the champion of the Mission Blue Hope Spot in George Town, and members of the group even joined the founder of Mission Blue for a dive beneath its rich waters.

Conservation

The conservation of Cayman’s natural habitats is always topof-mind for Protect Our Future. Three main areas of focus are seagrass, coral and mangroves.

Seagrass is crucial for many of Cayman’s creatures, especially sea turtles. Aside from being an important food source, these underwater meadows also improve our water quality by trapping sediment and absorbing nutrients. What's more, patches of this grass can store carbon, helping to mitigate climate change. Beyond that, seagrass helps create lively marine life ecosystems, supporting Cayman’s tourism and fishing industries. Protecting seagrass ensures biodiversity, sustains livelihoods and safeguards environmental threats.

Cayman is world-renowned for its beautiful dive spots and coral reefs, but threats like disease and degradation can harm the health of these marine environments. When a coral reef suffers, the entire ecosystem does. To help keep our reefs safe, POF has invested time in educating the public on the importance of reef-safe sunscreen. Regular sunscreen often contains harmful ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals can disrupt the growth cycles of coral reefs, promote coral

bleaching and lower defences against devastating diseases like Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD).

Finally, mangroves are one of Cayman’s most important assets. These tropical plants not only act as nurseries for our marine life, but also provide important safety nets for our communities during storms. As climate change issues continue rising, hurricane seasons are expected to worsen. Mangroves are a vital method of protection and naturally help with flood control. POF feels very strongly about the safeguarding of these precious forests and protests against developments that seek to remove them.

Wide Reaching Impacts

Over the years, Protect Our Future has partnered with countless organisations. These include local environmental groups like Plastic Free Cayman, the Cayman Islands Mangrove Rangers and the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), as well as international establishments like the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance, the Captain Planet Foundation and Lonely Whale. Each of these organisations understands the importance of intergenerational discourse.

Photo courtesy of Protect Our Future (POF)

Some of POF's most impactful partnerships have been with the National Trust of the Cayman Islands and the International National Trusts Organisation. These groups have supported POF's efforts to attend and present at major international conferences, including COP25 in Spain, COP26 in Scotland, COP27 in Egypt and COP28 in the UAE. These opportunities have allowed POF students to reach the international stage, and they have received dozens of awards and accolades in honour of their environmental outreach and advocacy. Most recently, former Protect Our Future leader Dejea Lyons became the first Caymanian to receive the Diana Legacy Award presented by the crown.

How to Get Involved

Want to fight for a better Cayman? Membership is open to all high school students. Regular Friday meetings are held weekly on the third floor of the Cayman International School (CIS) high school building from 3.15pm-4pm. Students outside the CIS student body are welcome to attend but must register with POF first to gain access to the campus. Email: protectourfuturecayman@gmail.com for more information. POF also encourages other schools to create their own divisions and join the movement.

For others looking to create change, Protect Our Future suggests starting in your own community. Educate yourself and your loved ones on sustainable practices, support politicians who prioritise environmental issues, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship in your neighbourhood. Finally, follow Protect Our Future on Instagram @protectourfuture.eco to stay up-to-date on local issues and get notified about upcoming events.

Climate change is a fact of life. The decisions we make now will define the years to come. The POF Handbook states: “We appeal to our fellow Caymanians, from this generation to the next, to join us in making a change. Our future is not singleuse; it is filled with promise and sustainability. Together, we can protect our environment, ensure a vibrant future for Cayman, and create a legacy that our children and grandchildren will cherish.”

Best Green Practices Checklist

Use reef-safe sunscreen. The chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate contain particles that can disrupt coral reproduction and lead to coral bleaching. You can buy reef-safe sunscreen at Foster's and Kirk Market.

Bring reusable shopping and produce bags with you when shopping. Thousands of plastic bags end up in the landfill every year.

Recycle where possible. There are currently eight recycling depots across Grand Cayman. The following items can be recycled: paper and cardboard; metal food cans (steel and aluminium); household, rechargeable and car batteries; PET/PETE and HDPE plastics (numbers 1 and 2). Be sure to check the bottom of containers for codes such as PET, PETE and HDPE or the 1 and 2 symbols.

Use a reusable cup or a glass jar for your daily coffee or smoothie and take reusable containers when you get takeaway food.

Volunteer together as a family by taking part in a beach clean up. Plastic Free Cayman hosts beach cleans ups each month or you can organise your own twominute beach clean when you visit the beach.

Reuse where possible and share things with family and friends. Pass clothes, toys, books and games around households or donate to charity shops.

Introduce children to environmental books, TV programmes and movies. If you can't quite find the right words to help your child understand what our carbon footprint is, why the world is getting hotter, or why fish are disappearing from our oceans, books, films and TV shows are invaluable. Top choices include:

• WALL-E A film about a robot on a future, uninhabitable Earth in 2805 left to clean up all our rubbish.

• Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth A TV adaptation of Oliver Jeffers' book.

• Our Planet: The One Place We All Call Home The children's book to accompany David Attenborough's documentary.

• Greta and the Giants A book inspired by Greta Thunberg's stand to save the world by Zoë Tucker.

• Clean Up! This book follows a little girl whilst on holiday as she discovers the pollution that’s spoiling their island home, by Nathan Bryon.

For more info on Protect Our Future, email: protectourfuturecayman@gmail.com or visit www.protectourfuturecayman.org.

Photo courtesy of Protect Our Future (POF)

NOURISH THEIR FUTURE WITH EVERY MEAL!

Teach your kids the importance of a balanced diet through our fun, interactive coloring activity on how wholesome foods can fuel their development. Color together for a healthy future!

GoodFats

Nutrition

Prenatal nutrition, artificial sweetners & the key to longevity...

The Importance of Prenatal & p34 Early Years Nutrition Are Artificial Sweeteners p37 Harmful for Kids? Blue Zones: Living Longer p39 & Living Better

The Importance of Prenatal & Early Years Nutrition

The human body does amazing things during pregnancy, and it's a time when many women think more carefully about their diet. What you eat (or don't eat) can affect the long-term health of the new human you are creating, so it's important to eat a healthy, balanced and varied diet throughout your pregnancy and avoid some things that can affect the development of your baby.

Being pregnant, going through labour and then breastfeeding a baby is hard on a woman's body, and it needs to be supplied with the nutrients to not only grow your child but replenish itself. The following list includes the vitamins and minerals that play a key role in supporting your baby's growth and development:

Folate Also referred to as folic acid, this is a vital supplement to incorporate into your diet during early pregnancy. Folate aids in cell growth and function and significantly reduces the risk of serious birth defects, particularly those affecting the spine, spinal cord and brain. The recommended daily dose is at least 600 micrograms during pregnancy.

Iron Our bodies require 27 milligrams of iron daily during pregnancy to prevent a deficiency. This mineral helps create more blood cells, which carry more oxygen to the baby.

Calcium This is the key to helping your baby build strong bones, teeth, muscles and nerves. Aim for 1,000 milligrams daily to

ensure your baby is getting enough. If you don't supplement with calcium, your body will actually start to draw the mineral from your own bones and teeth! Always take calcium an hour after breakfast in the morning, as moving your body around and being exposed to sunlight during the day will help it be absorbed. Taking vitamin D and magnesium can also help with calcium absorption, and these supplements have added bonuses, like preventing muscle cramps and helping boost energy levels.

Vitamin D This vitamin is critical during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Your body needs vitamin D to keep your heart, bones and teeth healthy, and your baby needs it for the same reasons! Vitamin D is also great at keeping your immune system strong. A daily measurement of 600 IU (International Units) is recommended.

DHA An omega-3 fatty acid, DHA plays a crucial role in your baby's brain and eye development. You need 200-300

milligrams per day.

Iodine This mineral helps promote your baby's brain and nervous system development. Iodine deficiency can be defined as the world's greatest single cause of preventable brain damage in infants, and unfortunately, it's not reversible. You should be getting 290 micrograms daily. For those that only use sea salt when cooking, you must either take an iodine supplement while pregnant and lactating or switch to ionised table salt.

Choline This dietary supplement is vital during pregnancy. It helps prevent neural tube problems and supports your baby's cognitive development.

Vitamin C This is a fantastic supplement for both mother and baby. There are many benefits, from tissue repair and wound healing to helping your baby's bones and teeth develop. This vitamin also aids with collagen production, helps bolster immunity and, to top it all off, improves your ability to absorb iron, another essential mineral.

We asked Henrietta Norton, one of the UK's most highly regarded nutrition practitioners, for her essential pregnancy and postpartum vitamin and nutrition advice. Norton, who also specialises in fertility and pregnancy, is the founder of Wild Nutrition, a natural supplement company whose products are sold in over 50 countries worldwide. Keep reading for her expert advice.

During Pregnancy

When thinking about maternity vitamins, it's interesting to note that many of them work best together. When taken in unison, our supplements are often better absorbed. During pregnancy, some common symptoms are muscle cramps and a lack of energy. Calcium, vitamin D and magnesium can work together to help relieve some of these issues.

"Cheese, nuts, green vegetables and wheat germ all provide calcium and magnesium," says Norton, "and vitamin D is made in the skin, mostly from sunlight, but sometimes from oily fish and eggs, too."

These vitamins are pretty easy to consume naturally—just make sure to avoid unpasteurised cheese, as it may contain listeria that can harm your baby. Zinc, B vitamins, iodine and essential fatty acids also remain important throughout pregnancy.

During this stage, it's also essential to maintain a healthy balance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. When this balance is off, our bodies become stressed. Dangerous free radicals can be disarmed with antioxidants like vitamin A, C and E, selenium, zinc and phytonutrients, all of which can be found in vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.

"When considering how to choose pregnancy supplements, it’s also important to have safety in mind," says Norton. "For example, vitamin A must be in the form of beta-carotene, as

retinol can be toxic to your baby. For this reason, avoid eating liver that can be high in retinol."

It's very important to conduct research on supplements before you take them, even if it's just to be aware of some mild side effects. For example, many women find they have to take iron supplements throughout their pregnancy, but it's also common for women to struggle with constipation during this time.

Unfortunately, iron supplements can sometimes cause these issues to worsen. In this case, Norton recommends boosting your iron stores with food that is naturally rich in iron, like dried fruits, nuts, seeds and lean red meat. Knowledge is power, and when you are well-versed in your supplements, you can make the right decisions for your body. Speaking with a nutritional specialist can also help.

During pregnancy, two things to avoid completely are caffeine and alcohol. While the removal of alcohol consumption is obvious, the dangers of caffeine are still relatively new to some expectant mothers.

That being said, new research from the British Medical Journal states that there is no safe level of caffeine consumption for pregnant mothers. Having reviewed 48 original observational studies, they found that maternal caffeine consumption was associated with an increased risk for four adverse outcomes: miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight and/or small for

gestational age, and childhood acute leukaemia.

Post-Birth (Fourth Trimester)

Navigating nutrition post-birth can be tough. "Your body will have been depleted by pregnancy and labour, yet needs to be in peak physical condition for the challenge of nurturing an infant," says Norton. "You will need to support your body with a wide range of nutrients."

Early Years

As your baby continues to grow, the early years are just as important when it comes to nutrition. According to a UNICEF report published last year, across the world, 5.6% of children under five were overweight. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the numbers were even higher, with 8.6% listed as overweight.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that, "At the individual level, people may be able to reduce their risk by adopting preventative interventions at each step of the life cycle, starting from pre-conception and continuing during the early years."

In general, extra antioxidants will nourish stretched skin and help damaged tissues recover from tearing or a caesarean. Iron supplements can help quickly replenish stores after blood loss, and calcium and magnesium will need to be replaced after having been used up during muscle contractions.

Childbirth can be a stressful experience, and B vitamins will help you regain a sense of calm and relaxation. These vitamins are often depleted during the high energy expenditure of birth, so peas, bananas, nuts and whole grain breads can help you restore them.

Postnatal depression can significantly affect a new mother, and cases range from mild to severe. Mental health support is often crucial, but a diet rich in zinc, vitamin D and essential fatty acids can also help protect against this type of depression. Recommended foods include red meat, eggs, beans, pumpkin seeds, salmon, sardines, mushrooms, fish oils, chia seeds, walnuts and spinach.

Most mothers will begin breastfeeding soon after giving birth. "Breast milk contains essential fatty acids," explains Norton, "so it's important to replenish these in your diet. They are needed for healthy hormone balance and to protect against fatigue, allergies and the memory loss and confusion often attributed to tiredness after birth."

Breast milk will provide your baby with gut-friendly bacteria that will make vitamin K once they have a fully populated digestive system. Formula-fed babies may benefit from infant probiotics and essential fats to protect their digestive systems from infection and strengthen their immune systems.

"By the time most couples conceive, their bodies are already low in many of the nutrients vital to make and grow a healthy baby," says Norton. "Fortunately, we know which nutrients are particularly important for conception, pregnancy and post-birth, so parents can choose foods that are rich in these vitamins and minerals.

It is also good to take a quality supplement, preferably in a food-grown form, to be sure that you are getting enough for your health and for your baby's optimum development."

These preventative steps include:

• Ensuring appropriate weight gain during pregnancy

• Practising exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months after birth

• Supporting healthy behaviours of children around eating, physical activity and sleep, regardless of their current weight status

• Limiting screen time

• Limiting consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and energy-dense foods, and promoting other healthy eating behaviours

• Enjoying a healthy life (healthy diet, physical activity, sleep duration and quality, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, emotional self-regulation)

• Limiting energy intake from total fats and sugars and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts

• Engaging in regular physical activity.

Growing children need plenty of energy (calories) and nutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals) to ensure they grow and develop well. A good appetite will usually ensure they get enough energy from the food they eat. However, research shows that in many countries, the diets of children under five are too low in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and zinc.

Far too often, their diets contain too many of the sugars that contribute the most to tooth damage, along with too much salt, which can lead to higher blood pressure. Fortunately, in the Caribbean, children do not generally display the low vitamin D levels seen in northern hemisphere countries.

In general, the intake of meat, fish, vegetables and fruit among 1-4-year-olds is fairly low. An increase in these foods would help ensure that children have the right amounts of vitamins, minerals and other dietary components for healthy growth and development. Children who eat well and are active will likely be the right weight for their height.

"Eating is an important part of everyone's life," says Norton. "Encouraging children to eat healthily does not mean denying them food they enjoy. Healthy eating is about getting a varied, balanced diet and enjoying lots of different foods."

Recommended reads: 'Your Pregnancy Nutrition Guide: What To Eat When You’re Pregnant', by Henrietta Norton.

Are Artificial Sweeteners Harmful for Kids?

Artificial sweeteners have become a staple for many brands today. They're popular because they give the illusion of sugar but have fewer or no calories. Because their flavour is much sweeter than natural sugar, less sweetener is required overall, and brands can market their products as 'low sugar' or 'sugar-free'. –

By Lauren Hazlewood

Today, these sweeteners are found in everything, from diet sodas and sports drinks to yoghurt and breakfast cereals. But they also appear in less obvious places, like kids' toothpaste and vitamin gummies.

You've probably heard of a few of these ingredients before. Some of the most popular ones include aspartame, stevia, saccharin and sucralose. But while we've grown accustomed to seeing these terms on our food and drink labels, many wonder whether these sweeteners also come with long-term side effects. After all, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) stated in July 2023 that aspartame is now classified as "possibly carcinogenic to humans."

Statements like this can be alarming, but reading beyond the headlines is important. Below, we've gathered the latest information on artificial sweeteners, including advice from Anna Zuchniak, a paediatric dietitian at Cayman Nutrition.

What

are the Benefits of Artificial Sweeteners?

Kids are naturally drawn to sugar, so don't be alarmed if your little one has a sweet tooth. Children actually have a much higher tolerance for sweets in comparison to adults. Think about some of the snacks and drinks you loved as a kid… they're

probably way too sugary for you now! It's clear that our taste buds change over time, but during childhood, kids' brains are often hard-wired to go for something sweet.

With that in mind, artificial sweeteners do have their benefits. They offer the sweetness kids crave but remove high amounts of sugar. This can help lower the risk of things like tooth decay and cavities. They can also help children with weight management, as high-sugar items can lead to obesity and the development of other health concerns over time.

Turn to page 138 to read our Childhood Obesity article, where you can learn more about Cayman's alarming statistics on the health of our young ones and how you can improve your child's health.

In general, the NHS recommends that sugar should not make up more than 5% of our daily calories. That means children ages 7-10 should have no more than 24g of sugar per day (around six sugar cubes), and children ages 4-6 should have no more than 19g (five sugar cubes). There are no guidelines for children under four years old, as sugar should be avoided at this age.

However, it's important to note that today, many children consume much more sugar than what is deemed healthy a can of soda alone can have up to nine cubes of sugar! From 2017 to 2018, the US Department of Agriculture conducted a study on food patterns across America. They concluded that the average daily sugar intake for children and young adults was a whopping 17 cubes of sugar almost three times the recommended amount. Now, obesity is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions in the US, with 19.7% of kids affected. Hence, artificial sweeteners can be very helpful in that they help kids cut back on sugar. However, a balanced and nutritious diet is the key to real results and optimal health.

Concerns Surrounding Artificial Sweeteners

In general, artificial sweeteners are very safe in smaller quantities. Everything on the market has gone through a series of testing and safety assessments, and while there are a few concerns about long-term effects, research is still ongoing. For example, aspartame (a type of artificial sweetener found in many products) was first introduced to the public in 1981. However, in July 2023 (over 40 years later), the IARC labelled it 'possibly carcinogenic to humans.'

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disagrees with this conclusion and stresses that aspartame is "one of the most studied food additives in the human food supply." It's a key ingredient used worldwide, and regulatory and scientific

Authority consider it safe.

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), which was also involved in this research, reaffirmed that aspartame is still safe to consume in limited quantities. For example, WHO states that "with a can of diet soft drink containing 200mg or 300mg of aspartame, an adult weighing 150lbs would need to consume more than 9-14 cans per day to exceed the acceptable daily intake". To put that in perspective for kids, a 40lb child would need to drink four 12oz cans of diet soda every day to reach these dangerous levels.

That being said, there are still other concerns about artificial sugars. Because these additives are so sweet, kids may develop even bigger cravings for sweet foods and drinks. If they become accustomed to these flavours, they may even refuse water or nutritious snacks that are less sweet.

In fact, some new studies suggest that sweeteners can also affect gut health and metabolism. Researchers are currently investigating whether these additives promote food cravings, and some believe they may even affect how our bodies manage blood sugar levels.

Should Children Have Artificial Sweeteners?

With so much information, making a choice about artificial sweeteners can feel daunting. We asked Anna Zuchniak, a Paediatric Dietitian at Cayman Nutrition, for her opinion.

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In general, Zuchniak says that the approach to artificial sweeteners should be the same as sugar: "Try to limit the intake as much as possible for kids but allow some wiggle room for special occasion treats." That said, she notes that children ages two and under should never consume artificial sweeteners. "Young children require a lot of nutrition to grow optimally," she says, "so they shouldn't be filling up on products that contain no or low nutritional value."

Zuchniak emphasises that artificial sweeteners aren't inherently dangerous for older kids. "No high-quality study has shown that artificial sweeteners in the amounts found in food products can cause cancer, birth defects or behavioural issues," she says. “However, as foods that contain artificial sweeteners aren't typically very nutritious, I would again advise limiting their consumption in order to optimise nutritiously dense foods in a child's diet."

There are some unique instances where children should never have artificial sweeteners. For example, children diagnosed with phenylketonuria or PKU (a rare genetic condition) are not able to metabolise phenylalanine, an amino acid found in aspartame. But for the vast majority of us, artificial sweeteners are safe in the quantities we consume them.

"The research and information on artificial sweeteners can be quite overwhelming and confusing," says Zuchniak. "When in doubt, speak with a registered dietitian to figure out a tailored approach for your child's nutritional needs!"

Blue Zones: Living Longer & Living Better

“I have found that most of what people think leads to a long, healthy life is misguided or just plain wrong. What if we could reverse engineer longevity? I’ve spent the last 20 years trying to do just that.”

– Dan Buettner, ‘Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zone’

In an attempt to uncover how to live better and live longer, National Geographic Fellow and Author, Dan Buettner began exploring pockets of the world where populations were living much longer and healthier lives than the rest of the globe.

In his now famous 2023 Netflix documentary, 'Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zone', Buettner searches for an explanation for the longevity of populations living in areas he terms, ‘Blue Zones’.

Coined by Buettner and his team, Blue Zones are areas in the world where people, on average, are living exceptionally longer lives. Unlike around the rest of the world, where 90- and 100-year-olds do exist, Blue Zones represent areas with such a high concentration of nonagenarians (90+) and centenarians (100+) that their entire populations are thought to be living longer.

Super Agers

More often than not, ageing is associated with deterioration. Generally speaking, with age we tend to become weaker, more frail and more susceptible to chronic diseases and disabilities. But in Blue Zones, this is not the case. Even though these populations are living longer lives, their quality of life remains high, so much so that they’re considered ‘super agers’.

In his research, Buettner cited The Danish Twin Study (1996), which found that genetics only account for about 20% of longevity. Rather, environmental influences, such as diet and lifestyle, play a much greater role in a person’s life span. So, what are these populations doing and eating that is having such an influence on their longevity?

The Power 9

In his effort to reverse engineer longevity, and following his exploration of these five Blue Zones, Buettner established nine lifestyle and diet habits of the world’s longest-living people. He calls them the Power 9.

Move Naturally Rather than running a 5k every day or spending hours lifting weights, Blue Zone populations take advantage of their natural environment. They have vegetable patches in their gardens, they live in walkable towns to fetch

their groceries and they perform manual labour around the home.

Purpose They have a sense of purpose in life and wake each morning with a determination to fulfil their purpose. Buettner says in order to find your purpose, you must look within yourself and find your passion, what you’re good at, what would benefit your community and what fills your life with worth.

Down Shift Of course, Blue Zone populations still feel stress, just as we do. However, they have created a routine that aids stress relief and enables them to take moments in the day to be thankful, reflect and indulge in time for themselves.

80% Rule When it comes to eating, they do not eat until they’re completely full, stopping at about 80%. The other 20% could be the difference between gaining and losing weight. Eat slower and practice mindful eating. This helps you intuitively understand how full you actually are.

Eat Plants Adopting a plant-based diet is proven to be an effective way to prevent various chronic conditions, so it’s no surprise that the diets of all Blue Zones are largely plant-based. Meat is eaten, but very irregularly and is always a much smaller portion.

Wine at 5 Most of the Blue Zone populations regularly drink alcohol (yay!). Gathering with friends or family, they drink one or two glasses each day. Happy hour isn’t just a time for discounted drinks. It’s treated as a social experience.

Right Tribe Being in a social circle is very common. The commitment of a friendship promotes happiness and steers you away from loneliness. It’s not enough to stay connected with friends digitally. In-person contact offers much greater health benefits.

Loved Ones First Family always comes first. Blue Zone families live with, or near, their grandparents or parents and often commit to a life partner and invest time and care in their children.

Belong Many subscribe to a faith-based community, the denomination of which does not seem to matter. It could be that you join a sports team or a social club. What matters is that you feel a sense of belonging.

What to Eat: Diets of the Blue Zones

As you can see, there are many elements to the longevity of Blue Zone populations, and diet is a huge reason why Blue Zones have earned their title. It's easy to eat like the healthiest people in the world once you know how.

TOP TIP: For delicious and healthy recipes, turn to the Nutrition Book Club on page 42 for a book to get you started: Dan Buettner's '100 Recipes to Live to 100'.

Reduce Your Fish You may be surprised at the lack of fish in the diets of the Blue Zones. If you do choose fish, pick those that are abundant — sardines, snapper and anchovies — they're inexpensive and are not exposed to higher levels of mercury.

Eat Beans Whether it's black beans, lentils, garbanzo, white beans, soybeans or any other, it's great to get a daily dose of legumes. They're a great source of protein, carbohydrates and fibre and have very little fat.

Eat Whole Foods A good way to think about ‘whole foods’ is to think of them as one ingredient that is raw, cooked, ground or fermented — they are not highly processed. This isn’t always easy in Cayman, so when buying foods, choose ones with few ingredients, all of which should be recognisable. Reduce artificial preservatives and additives.

Only Eat Sourdough Much of the bread available in Cayman and across the world starts with bleached flour and contains many preservatives. Blue Zone bread is either sourdough or whole grain, both of which are nutrient rich.

Go Nuts Eat a mixture of almonds, peanuts, Brazil nuts, cashews and walnuts, as they are each a source of various nutrients. Many of these nuts are also likely to lower your cholesterol. Try to consume a couple of handfuls of nuts per day.

Cut Sugar Avoiding sugar is difficult as it occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables, but the problem is added sugar. Hidden sugars appear in almost everything, including yoghurts, sauces, fruit juice, breakfast cereals, flavoured coffees and premade smoothies. Small amounts of added sugars are fine, but they can cause harm when eaten in large amounts or regularly.

Drink Mostly Water Give up drinking your favourite soft drink or soda, including the diet versions! Water is by far the most consumed beverage in the Blue Zones, but tea, coffee and wine all appear in the diets of the Blue Zones, with a few exceptions, and all are enjoyed in moderation.

Interview with a Nonagenarian: Francine Jackson, born 13th August, 1928.

What is the secret to your longevity and good health? "Love, laughter and lipstick. Love for everyone: visibly given by the way I greet people and show my appreciation for their love and care. Laughter: being positive and grateful for the life I have been given and the opportunity to share it with the people who mean the most to me. Lipstick: I take care of myself and pay attention to my appearance, to my physical health and my mental wellbeing."

What things have kept you going for over ninety years? "First of all, my faith. God is special in my life. I commune with Him and I rely on Him to guide my life. Secondly, my children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. My memories of my husband Vernon, and the life we shared for 65 years. And also my church family, and my many friends here and all over the world."

What do you do to stay young and how do you take care of your mind? "I stay active, read, take part in many community events, visit shut-ins and other senior citizens, go to art shows, the theatre and concerts, play Scrabble and Words with Friends, and watch the news and other world events."

What do you do when you are stressed out? "I pray and reach out to my nearest and dearest to talk about it. I don’t believe in stressing out and worrying about things or keeping things to myself."

How do you spend your days now? "I start my day with Devotion. I can still do most of the chores around the house. I still make bread, which my grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoy. I might go out shopping or to the salon to get my hair or nails done, go to lunch or spend time with my children, grandchildren or my niece. I also enjoy time alone, and I am seldom lonely. I look forward to visits from friends and also FaceTime with family who are overseas. I sort out photos and memories. I look forward to my Sunday teas when many of my friends and my family come over to spend the afternoon together."

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Davidson

Public health is the and of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organised efforts of society. Your health is public health.

Nutrition Book Club

Best for Parents Best for Children

Now you know the secrets of the world's Blue Zones, you can adopt 100 recipes to help you live to 100. Buettner's time spent in the kitchens of the Blue Zones informs the stories and recipes in this beautiful book that's rich with dietary traditions.

Daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Marie Mitchell introduces family recipes passed down through generations from the Caribbean. Celebrating the way food connects us to family, culture and our roots, 'Kin' is perfect for home cooks and lovers of food.

Why do we crave ultraprocessed food? And do we really understand what we're feeding our bodies? Chris van Tulleken explores food science in an attempt to uncover what ultra-processed food is doing to our health, our weight, our bodies and the planet.

Dish Join Michelin star chef Angela Hartnett and broadcaster Nick Grimshaw for a weekly dinner party and enjoy funny, unfiltered chat with celebrities, plus foodie tips. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

A banquet of colour, 'Off to the Market' encourages experimental eating and opens little ones up to healthy produce. Learn what can be made with ingredients at the market and find out about its journey onto our tables.

This is a lovely and amusing book for little picky eaters. In this playful and topsyturvy tale, a pea must eat all of their sweets if they'd like vegetables for dessert! The sweet illustrations only add to this charming picture book, which will have young ones giggling.

Over 70 child-friendly recipes for every meal of the day! The expert tips will inspire kids to cook and eat yummy, healthy meals. Easy-to-follow, nourishing and delicious, 'The Healthy Junior Chef' provides the perfect start to any teen starting their cheffing journey.

Kidstir Don your apron, roll up your sleeves and cook along with some kidfriendly recipes that the whole family can enjoy. It's the perfect digital cookbook for budding young chefs. Free on Android and iOS.

Best Digital for Parents

Best Digital for Children

the Listings

Dieticians, Supermarkets, Farmers Markets and Supplements

Allergy Specialists

There are two different types of allergy testing done in the Cayman Islands. There is environmental allergy testing for things like dust, grasses and pet hair, and food intolerance testing for which you have two options: the ALCAT Test and the MRT Mediator Release Test. Both uncover food and chemicals that trigger chronic inflammation internally.

Cayman Clinic

439 Crewe Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 7400 Email: info@caymanclinic.ky Web: www. caymanclinic.ky. Cayman Clinic conducts the ALCAT food intolerance test.

Dr Louis A Cona MD

The Strand Medical Centre, The Strand Shopping Centre, off West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 945 7077 Email: thestrandmedicalcentre@candw.ky Web: www.caymandoctor.ky. Dr Cona conducts the ALCAT food intolerance test.

Dr Ulrich Ecke MD ENT Head & Neck, Otolaryngology

ENT in Cayman, Pasadora Place, 94 Smith Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 745 3253 Email: info@ entincayman.com Web: www.entincayman.com. ENT in Cayman offers the skin prick allergy test.

Dieticians & Nutritionists

Andrea Hill BCHN MS BASc

Tel: (345) 938 4246 Email: andreahill.nutrition@ gmail.com Web: www.andreahillnutrition. com. Specialises in women's hormone health for perimenopause and menopause. Helps individuals optimise their health and wellbeing through personalised, holistic approaches to nutrition and lifestyle.

Cayman Nutrition

227 Smith Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 525 2019 Email: caymannutrition@gmail.com Web: www.caymannutrition.com. Offers the SpectraCell Micronutrient Test and the Mediator Release Test (MRT) for food intolerances.

George Town Hospital

95 Hospital Road, George Town. Simone Sheehan, Tel: (345) 949 8600 Web: www.hsa.ky.

Dr Joan Harriott MBBS MD ABOM ABIM

Cayman Wellness & Medical Center, Unit# 5-101 Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay Ave, Grand Cayman. Tel: (345) 943 4500 Email: info@caymanwellnessmedical.ky Web: www. caymanwellnessmedical.ky.

Kristen Lomas RD MBA

Seven Mile Medical Clinic, Queens Court Plaza, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 949 5600 Email: klomas@sevenmileclinic.ky. Seven Mile Medical Clinic offers the ALCAT food intolerance test.

Total Health

Grand Pavilion Commercial Centre, 802 West Bay Road, SMB. Tel: (345) 333 2222 Email: info@totalhealth.ky Web: www.totalhealth. ky. Nutritional management for weight loss, diabetes management, inflammation and sports and exercise nutrition.

Meal Prep & Juices

Boxed

Tel: (345) 326 3937 Email: wholesale@catering.ky Web: www.boxed.ky. Healthy, freshly prepared, frozen meals made in Cayman. Chefs only use ingredients you would find in your home pantry and are sourced locally where possible.

Green2Go

116 Cannon Place, Industrial Park, George Town. Tel: (345) 516 3286 Email: letstalk@green2go.ky Web: www.green2go.ky. Sells cold-pressed juices, shakes and smoothies at various outlets across the island. Also offers a subscription service.

Tiny Spoons

Email: orders@tinyspoons.ky. Offers freshly prepared food for your baby and toddler delivered to your door. Food is created with paediatric therapists using local produce and contains no preservatives and no added sugar.

Supermarkets

Chisholm's Grocery

Tel: (345) 947 9418. A family-owned grocery store open seven days a week, selling a wide range of groceries and essentials.

Foster’s – Five locations:

> Airport Centre, GT. Tel: (345) 949 5155

> Camana Bay, SMB. Tel: (345) 945 4748

> Republix Plaza, WB. Tel: (345) 949 3214

> Countryside, SAV. Tel: (345) 943 5155

> Morritt’s Express, EE. Tel: (345) 947 2826 Web: www.fosters.ky. Offers a friendly instore experience with all the food options needed for a growing, healthy family. They also carry Waitrose products.

Hurley’s Supermarket

Grand Harbour, Red Bay. Tel: (345) 947 8488 Web: www.hurleys.ky. A good choice of baby food, children’s food, child and baby essentials.

Kirk Market

413 Eastern Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 7022 Web: www.kirkmarket.ky. Sells a selection of baby and children’s food, with a good choice of organic options and childcare essentials such as nappies, formula and bibs.

Farmers Markets

Camana Bay Farmers & Artisans Market

The Paseo, Camana Bay. Web: www. camanabay.com. Every Wednesday 10am4pm, local purveyors offer fresh produce, as well as a selection of artisanal products and handicrafts.

The Market at the Cricket Grounds Huldah Avenue, next to the cricket pitch, GT. Web: www.caymanfarmersmarket.com. Every Monday-Friday 7am-6.30pm, Saturday 6am-7.30pm. Fresh local produce, including fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and eggs.

Vitamins & Supplements

Health Care

Pharmacy

Governors Square, SMB Tel: (345) 949 8900 and Grand Harbour, GT Tel: (345) 947 8900.

Everything from prescriptions to baby formula. Stocks vitamin and mineral brands that accommodate vegan and gluten-free lifestyles.

Island Naturals Retail

Earth Close, off West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 946 3321 Email: info@islandnaturals.ky. Sells a range of high quality, chemical free and organic products from the industry’s leading health and nutrition brands.

them you saw it in

VACATION IN CAYMAN

Cayman Villas goes the extra mile to create a unique vacation experience. Our on-island Specialists are here to help make your home away from home the vacation that you deserve.

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Wellbeing

The menopause, self-care, aesthetic treatments & more...

Rest Easy: The Importance of p46 Sleep

Aesthetic Treatments to p48

Rejuvenate & Refresh Your Appearance

Somatic Spinal Energetics: p52

A Path to Holistic Health & Wellbeing

The Menopause: Demystified p53

Smell Good, Feel Good: p56 The Power of Perfume

15 Steps to Self-Care Success p58

Transform Your Wellbeing: p61

Photo courtesy of Daria Keenan

Rest Easy: The Importance of Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for both mental and physical wellbeing, comparable in importance to a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, it's often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets hectic. Prioritising sleep equips us to better handle life's challenges by allowing our brains to repair and restore themselves. Lack of sleep can impair brain function and increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.

A Great Night's Sleep

The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep for adults, eight to 10 for teens, and up to 17 for babies. But quality matters just as much as quantity. Throughout the night, our bodies cycle through four sleep stages, with deep sleep being the most restorative. During this phase, the heart rate slows, muscles relax and brain waves decrease. Deep sleep is crucial for releasing human growth hormones, repairing tissues, consolidating memories and bolstering immunity. As we age, deep sleep naturally declines, emphasising the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and sleep habits for a good night's rest.

Improve Your Sleep Quality

Our internal body clock, known as the circadian rhythm, regulates our sleep-wake cycle and can be influenced by lifestyle habits. For better sleep quality, consider the following:

Develop a consistent sleep routine

Sleep experts emphasise the importance of a consistent sleep routine for optimal sleep quality. Setting a regular wake-up time, even on weekends, can be challenging, especially with the allure of the snooze button. However, over time, you should find yourself waking up naturally without the need for an alarm.

If mornings are tough, consider adjusting your bedtime earlier. Avoid extended lie-ins and keep daytime naps short, ideally 20 minutes or less. This helps maintain a healthy internal body clock and promotes better sleep pattern.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol and too much liquid Caffeine is a well-known stimulant, and for many it’s essential for starting the morning. However, its effects linger in the body for six to eight hours, so avoid caffeinated products after 4pm. Alcohol can also cause interrupted sleep. Although a nightcap can act as a sedative and help you fall asleep faster, as it wears off, it has the opposite effect. This is why so many people report falling asleep fast but waking up at 2am or 3am after drinking. According to Dr Matthew Walker, a well-known sleep scientist, as a by-product of your body metabolising alcohol, the chemical 'aldehyde' is created, and aldehydes are known to block your brain from entering REM sleep (also known as dream sleep). For a restful sleep, avoid alcohol several nights a week and don't drink in excess.

Waking up in the night to use the bathroom and not being able to get back to sleep is also a common complaint. If this sounds

familiar, try not to drink fluids of any kind for at least two hours before bed to minimise your chances of waking up in the night. If you do wake up, try to get to the bathroom and back without looking at any light, even the clock on your bedside table.

Exercise early

Exercise is important for health and can help you fall asleep faster by tiring you out physically. But remember, the timing of your exercise matters. Intense workouts before bedtime can elevate your heart rate and metabolism, making it harder to sleep. Aim to exercise earlier in the day and opt for relaxing activities, like breathing exercises or gentle stretches, in the evenings.

Reduce blue light exposure before bed

Because our circadian rhythm is heavily influenced by light, exposure to bright lights before bedtime can trick our bodies into being more wakeful. Blue light, in particular the light emitted by TVs, tablets and phones is known to suppress the release of melatonin, which is the hormone that causes drowsiness. Of course, we all like to wind down at the end of the day by watching a movie or scrolling through social media but consider dimming lights and imposing a blue light curfew whereby electronic devices must be switched off one to two hours before you go to sleep.

Relax and wind down for bed

After pausing screen-related activities, dedicate the next hour or two to relaxation and sleep preparation. This could

involve reading a book, listening to music or enjoying an audiobook. Some find a warm bath or shower particularly soothing. Alternatively, tasks like planning for the next day, laying out clothes or preparing packed lunches can help you feel organised and less likely to mentally run through to-do lists when you're in bed.

Make your room a sleep sanctuary

Transform your bedroom into a welcoming sanctuary, a place where you can retreat to after a busy day. Create an inviting space with beautiful bed linens made with quality fabrics that feel cool on the skin. Add cushions, mixing sizes and textures for a hotel-like feel. See Bedside Manor for expert advice on bedding. Keep the space cool, dark and quiet, aiming for an ideal temperature of 24°C/75°F. Invest in heavy curtains or blackout blinds to block light and reduce distractions.

Still struggling to sleep?

You might have sleep apnoea, a disorder where breathing is interrupted repeatedly during sleep, affecting the quality of your sleep and health. Types include obstructive (throat muscle relaxation) and central (brain signal failure). Symptoms include snoring, gasping, dry mouth/headache upon waking, daytime sleepiness/irritability, and concentration issues. Diagnosis involves a sleep study, and treatments vary from a CPAP machine to wearing a band to close your mouth at night. Left untreated, it can lead to health complications. Seek advice from a GP or see the list of medical professionals on page 168.

Aesthetic Treatments to Rejuvenate & Refresh Your Appearance

Time, stress, lifestyle choices and sun exposure all take a toll on our faces and bodies so much so that sometimes what we see on the outside doesn’t match how we feel on the inside.

If your appearance is affecting your outlook and your overall happiness, or if you would simply like to look as young as you feel, it might be time to consider rejuvenation treatments.

Whether you want to erase lines and wrinkles, tighten loose skin, restore volume or regain that youthful glow, there are various treatments available that target the different signs of ageing. Unlike the invasive facelifts of old, many of these procedures are non-surgical and don’t require extended, or indeed any, downtime. Often, they can be performed in under an hour, so it’s possible to get a treatment on your lunch break and get right back to your life without anybody needing to know.

For a list of aesthetic treatment providers in Grand Cayman, please turn to page 63.

What Non-Surgical Treatments are Available?

Botox

One of the most commonly performed rejuvenating procedures worldwide, Botox is a quick, safe and effective way to reduce visible lines and wrinkles. Botox (botulinum toxin) is a neurotoxin that, when injected into muscles, weakens or paralyses them. It is typically injected into muscles in the upper portion of the face, where it softens frown lines, crow’s feet and the lines between

the eyebrows. It is administered using very fine needles and is relatively painless. Because Botox prevents your muscles from contracting to form the creases that eventually become permanent lines, when used consistently, it can prevent new wrinkles from forming. Results will be noticeable within 1-2 weeks.

Procedure time: 15-30 minutes

Downtime/side effects: Some light bruising is possible Duration of result: 3-4 months

Approximate cost: CI$250-CI$500

Dermal Fillers

As we age, facial tissue thins out and volume is lost, giving a hollowed-out look. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to plump it up, smooth out lines and restore the contours of the face. Fillers are most commonly injected into the cheeks, nasolabial folds and lips.

Most fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and plump, so it is well tolerated. There are numerous brands of dermal filler on the market, including Juvederm, Radiesse and Restylane, each offering different product lines for different applications. Your aesthetician can help you decide which is the most suitable for

your skin type, age and areas to be treated. Some results are visible immediately, but it can take up to four weeks to achieve the full effect. It is worth noting that some fillers are reversible if needed (i.e. they can be dissolved by injecting another substance). For those that are not reversible, the body will reabsorb them over the course of several months.

Procedure time: 30-60 minutes

Downtime/side effects: Localised redness, bruising and swelling is possible, but will settle in a few days

Duration of result: 6-24 months, depending on the filler

Approximate cost: CI$500-CI$650

Profhilo

The most highly concentrated hyaluronic acid formulation on the market today, Profhilo is an injectable gel that works on a deeper level than dermal fillers. Rather than adding volume, it stimulates the production of four types of collagens and elastin to improve the quality and laxity of the skin over the long term, resulting in a lifting effect.

Profhilo is administered using ultra-thin needles at specific points on the face. It can also be used on the neck and décolletage. It requires two treatments spaced four weeks apart, and full results are not seen until four weeks after the second treatment.

Procedure time: 30 minutes

Downtime/side effects: Small bumps and/or bruises at the injection site may persist for a few hours

Duration of result: 6 months

Approximate cost: CI$500-CI$600

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Originally developed to treat sports injuries and wounds, PRP uses your own platelets to accelerate the healing process. The treatment involves drawing a small vial of your blood, which is placed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the growth factors. These are then injected back into the area to be treated, triggering the body to repair damaged tissue. The treatment is sometimes combined with micro-needling (known as a 'vampire facial'), which makes multiple tiny perforations in the skin that induce collagen production and help the PRP penetrate the skin. PRP is typically used to reduce scarring, uneven skin tone and fine lines, and can be used on the face, décolletage and stretch marks. It has also been found to be effective in preventing hair loss. Because it uses your own blood and no pharmaceuticals are involved, there is no risk of rejection, making it very safe. Results are visible after three weeks, with the best results appearing after three months.

Procedure time: 30-45 minutes. 2-3 sessions may be needed

Downtime/side effects: Small bumps or bruises at the injection site may persist for a few hours. Bruising and redness when combined with micro-needling may last several days

Duration of result: 6-18 months

Approximate cost: CI$400-CI$550

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve painting an acid solution onto the area of skin to be treated, usually the face, which removes the top layers of skin to reveal fresh, younger skin underneath. They are most effective at treating acne-prone and scarred skin, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation and enlarged pores. The chemicals used depend on the depth of the peel: light peels use salicylic acid, medium peels use glycolic or trichloroacetic acid and deep peels use phenol.

After a light peel, some flaking of the skin during the first week is normal as old skin is shed and new skin is uncovered. The procedure is usually repeated five or six times, two to four weeks apart, to achieve the desired results. For deeper peels, the results are much more pronounced, so one treatment is often sufficient. Recovery time, however, can take up to a month or more and may involve soreness, redness and crusting.

Procedure time: 30-90 minutes depending on the strength (deeper peels take longer)

Downtime/side effects: 1-4 weeks. Deeper peels result in more extreme after-effects

Duration of result: 2 months to several years, depending on the depth of the peel

Approximate cost: From CI$150

Polydioxanone (PDO) Thread Lift

A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive alternative to a surgical facelift. PDO threads are made from medical-grade suture

material, which is engineered to be reabsorbed by the body over the course of several months. The procedure involves inserting a mesh of these ultra-fine, barbed threads below the skin, and pulling them to tighten the skin. The threads have a twofold effect, as they also stimulate collagen production, which in turn restores volume and elasticity. PDO threads can be used to lift the face, jawline, breasts, upper arms and abdomen. Results appear around three weeks after the procedure.

Procedure time: 45-60 minutes

Downtime/side effects: A little bruising is possible for up to a week

Duration of result: 1-2 years

Approximate cost: CI$500-CI$1,500

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 is a radiofrequency microneedling device, meaning it combines the benefits of both radiofrequency technology and microneedling treatments. During the treatment, ultra-thin needles that emit radiofrequency energy pierce the skin to create little wounds which, in turn, prompts collagen and elastin production. The treatment is often used to help reduce lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and acne scars without changing the face. A numbing cream is applied before the treatment, though some individuals may still experience discomfort. It is common to have a red face afterwards, but this usually subsides within a few days for most people. Morpheus Body is a more powerful version of the treatment and is used on areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, chest, arms or above the knees to reduce cellulite, crepey skin and body fat. For both treatments, up to three sessions might be needed to achieve the full effect.

Procedure time: Up to 120 minutes

Downtime/side effects: 2-4 days. Mild redness and swelling is possible

Duration of result: Between 1-2 years

Approximate cost: From CI$700, varies by treatment area

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to address various skin conditions. IPL works by emitting multiple wavelengths of light onto the skin, which are absorbed and converted to heat energy. This triggers a process called photothermolysis, effectively destroying targeted tissues such as pigmentation, age spots, sun damage, blood vessels, or hair follicles without harming the surrounding skin. During the treatment, you might feel a mild pricking or snapping sensation, but it is not particularly painful. Afterwards, your skin may resemble a mild sunburn and your pigmentation might appear darker. However, this will peel away after a couple of weeks, revealing healthy, smooth new skin. Three to six treatments are recommended.

Procedure time: Around 30 minutes, depending on treatment area

Downtime/side effects: 1-2 days, may experience mild redness and sensitivity post-treatment

Duration of result: Long-lasting with regular maintenance

Approximate cost: From CI$600 for the whole face

Endosphères Therapy

Endosphères Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that delivers noticeable results from the very first session. With minimal to no side effects, this clinically proven therapy increases blood flow, releases muscle tension and stimulates lymphatic drainage, targeting problem areas such as the arms, back, waist, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks to help reduce stubborn cellulite and tighten the skin, resulting in a smoother and more toned body and face

The technology behind Endosphères Therapy uses compressive micro-vibrations generated by a roller composed of 55 silicon spheres. This process breaks down fibrous septae and promotes lymphatic drainage, eliminating stubborn fatty deposits that are often difficult to remove through other means. These gentle yet powerful vibrations and compressions work on both the skin and underlying tissues, providing a sensation akin to a deep-tissue massage.

In addition to its aesthetic benefits, Endosphères Therapy also offers advantages for athletic recovery. It helps reduce muscle pain and discomfort, alleviate inflammation and accelerate the recovery process.

Procedure time: 40-70 minutes per session, depending on individual needs and area being treated

Downtime/side effects: No side effects, some may experience mild redness and sensitivity post-treatment

Duration of result: Results can last up to eight months, with regular maintenance

Approximate cost: From CI$170-CI$300, varies by treatment area

Before You Book, Do Your Research

Although these treatments are non-surgical, that does not mean they are totally risk-free. To avoid dreaded 'botched' cosmetic

procedures, do your research before booking any kind of procedure.

Once you know what the potential risks or complications of any treatment may be, choose a reputable, well-established clinic. Most treatments (with the exception of some peels) can only be performed by medically qualified individuals, such as a surgeon, doctor, dentist or nurse, so make sure you know who will be administering the treatment and that they have the appropriate experience.

Before going ahead with a procedure, book a consultation. Reputable clinics generally offer free consultations so that you can discuss your desired results and the medical professionals can advise on the right treatment or combination of treatments. Don’t assume you know which treatment will work best for you, as it may depend on your age, skin type, body type, health and other factors.

Remember to keep your expectations realistic. These are not full face-lifts and you are not going to emerge from a one-hour treatment looking 20 years younger. Results are subtle and natural, and the full effect of the treatment may take several days or weeks to show.

While non-surgical treatments are relatively affordable hence their widespread popularity it’s important to note that the results are temporary, so maintaining the results will require regular touch-ups.

ENDOSPHERES THERAPY For Body and Face

• Lymphatic Drainage

• Body Contouring & Toning

• Inflammation Reduction

• Cellulite Reduction

Non-invasive, 100% clinically proven

Somatic Spinal Energetics: A Path to Holistic Health & Wellbeing

Spinal flow targets physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, offering a unique path to healing through touch and mindfulness, recognising the deep connection between mind, body and spirit.

Holistic Healing with Spinal Flow

As we navigate a world where the pace of life can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves, our friends or family, holistic approaches to health are becoming more popular. The concept of holistic health is that all aspects of a person are connected—physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. If one aspect isn't doing well, it affects the others. Spinal flow provides a comprehensive approach by addressing imbalances in those areas to improve overall health and wellbeing. It focuses on aligning and balancing the energetic connection along the spine, using techniques such as light and precise touch, breathwork and sound. This process naturally releases stored tensions, stress, trauma and various emotional, mental and physical issues.

Our bodies can hold a lot of ‘emotional baggage’; unresolved issues and stressors that weigh us down mentally and physically. These experiences can leave imprints on our minds and bodies, shaping how we feel and behave in our daily lives.

Combining natural and energy medicine, with cutting-edge modalities to

gary@ssefit.com www.ssefit.com

Us Coconut Place, Seven Mile Beach

Renowned psychiatrist, Bessel van der Kolk, notes that trauma is not just an emotional or psychological experience but also a physical one. Holding on to unresolved trauma can manifest into physical symptoms like chronic pain, muscle tension and headaches, often accompanied by mental health challenges like PTSD and anxiety. These traumatic memories often trigger physical sensations such as pain or sweating, known as 'somatic flashbacks'. Spinal flow recognises the holistic nature of trauma and addresses it in a unique way by targeting these underlying factors. Spinal flow aims to provide a more comprehensive and lasting form of healing.

A person's experience of spinal flow is unique to them and it can vary between each session. Individuals may feel joy, relaxation or emotional release, often with involuntary movements. Spinal flow aims to expand one's being, fostering inner peace and vitality as energy flows harmoniously. People may experience a variety of benefits, including improved physical health, reduced stress and anxiety, enhanced emotional balance and resilience, better sleep quality, increased energy levels, and improved mental clarity and focus.

Somatic Spinal Energetics Brought to Cayman Gary Montemayor, the expert behind Somatic Spinal Energetics, brings extensive knowledge and experience to each session. With licensing in holistic health coaching and a soon-to-becompleted PhD in Natural Medicine, Gary offers guidance in understanding the human energy system and a variety of modalities to rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit. Somatic Spinal Energetics specialises in energy medicine, spinal flow, biofeedback meditation, holistic nutrition and natural remedies, all guided by expert practitioners.

Treatment is designed to restore balance and promote wellness. Somatic Spinal Energetics specialise in three areas:

Healing Touch: Gentle energy work that promotes relaxation, stress reduction and overall wellbeing by releasing blockages and stimulating the body's natural healing response.

Spinal Flow: Precise and gentle adjustments to restore spinal alignment, improve posture, reduce back pain and enhance physical health.

Biofeedback: Utilises advanced technology to achieve deep relaxation and mindfulness, fostering emotional balance and reducing stress.

Led by expert Gary Montemayor BSHH, Somatic Spinal Energetics specialises in energy medicine, spinal flow, biofeedback meditation, holistic nutrition and natural remedies, all guided by expert practitioners.

rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit.

The Menopause: Demystified

The two great transitions in a woman’s life — puberty and menopause — are fraught times when our bodies do strange and unpredictable things and our moods can take us completely by surprise. But unlike puberty, menopause is often regarded as somehow unsavoury — an issue best kept under wraps. The taboo surrounding menopause means many of us are woefully ill-informed about an unavoidable phase in our lives.

Not only do women not talk about the more difficult aspects of the menopause amongst themselves, but it’s so overlooked that medical practitioners in the US and UK receive no mandatory training in it, and employers generally offer no support to women going through it.

Granted, some women will sail through the menopause with no adverse effects, but at least 30% suffer debilitating symptoms both physical and mental that seriously impact their quality of life and sometimes their ability to continue working. However, because it’s not talked about, many women don’t know that they can safely get relief from the symptoms and decrease their risk of other diseases at the same time. Dr Pooja Monteiro, a consultant OB/GYN at Total Health, spends a significant amount of time helping and advising women with their menopause symptoms and is often surprised at how little women know about menopause. She notes that many aren’t aware of the wide variety of symptoms that can occur when their hormone levels start to change.

Thankfully, that wall of silence is starting to crack. Celebrities and TV personalities are opening up about their experiences of the menopause, how it affects their lives and the challenges in getting treatment. This is also sparking a wider conversation and reassuring women all over the world that there is no shame in talking about this inevitable experience.

What is the Menopause?

Quite simply, the menopause refers to the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. A woman is considered menopausal when she has not had a period for 12 months in a row. The average age for this is 51, although it can vary by several years earlier or later. Menopause usually lasts between five and seven years, but again, it can be longer or shorter. Once 12 months have passed without seeing a period, a woman is considered postmenopausal.

For some women, their periods will stop suddenly. Many others will experience irregular periods that may be heavier or lighter than normal, some years before they stop completely. This phase, when hormone levels are fluctuating, is perimenopause and is often accompanied by menopausal symptoms. Perimenopause usually begins in your 40s.

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is driven by hormones, or rather a lack thereof. As we approach the end of our fertile years, our ovaries slow down and eventually stop functioning; not only do they stop producing eggs, but they also stop producing the hormone oestrogen. Because there are oestrogen receptors in every tissue and organ in the body, oestrogen affects not only our menstrual cycles and reproductive organs, but also our urinary tracts, heart and blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles and brains.

So, when levels of this vital hormone decrease, we feel it in a perplexing variety of ways so much so that many women fail to connect the symptoms they are experiencing with the menopause.

The most recognised physical symptom and for many, the most debilitating is the hot flushes. Dr Pooja estimates that 8 in 10 women experience these, describing them as if feeling like they are “being set on fire”. Hot flushes tend to affect the upper part of the body and usually occur later in the day, but they can also occur during sleep as night sweats. This can end up causing fatigue and, in turn, lead to a low mood and irritability.

However, the symptoms women experience varies widely and present in different combinations. Other physical symptoms include aching joints, weight gain, tingling skin, headaches and heart palpitations. Because the tissue of the bladder thins during menopause, symptoms can also include frequent UTIs,

overactive bladder and incontinence. More difficult for many to talk about are the loss of libido and vaginal dryness, which is also caused by thinning tissue and, if not treated, can make sex painful and day-to-day life uncomfortable.

In addition to these unquestionably unpleasant physical symptoms, are the severe mental and psychological symptoms that can accompany this time. An estimated 40% of women do not even know about these, so when gripped by extreme mood swings, anxiety, anger, poor memory and mental fog, they think they are losing their minds. These symptoms don’t only impact relationships, but also leave some women feeling unable to continue in their jobs or to pursue more senior career roles.

TOP TIP: Set up a support group with friends so that you can share symptoms and grumbles about the menopause. There is also a Facebook group called 'Cayman Hot Flush Menopause Support' which is a kind and friendly support group for women wanting to know or share information about menopause.

When to See a Doctor

Too many women soldier on, ignoring the symptoms as best they can, looking forward to the calm after the storm. However, by not seeing a medical professional, women are not doing themselves any favours, as treatments can dramatically improve one's quality of life.

The best time to see someone is as soon as you start to feel symptoms, but if your doctor is not knowledgeable about menopause, seek out a medical professional who specialises in women’s health, for example, an OB/GYN.

GPs may hear the symptoms insomnia, low mood, weight gain, anxiety and irritability, and assume they are dealing with depression rather than menopause. Equally, perspiration, hot flushes, low mood and depression can also be signs of thyroid issues, so it’s essential to rule out other conditions.

The other reason to see a doctor, whatever your symptoms, is because certain health risks increase post-menopause. After the symptoms abate, low oestrogen levels stay with women for the rest of their lives as post-menopausal women are, in effect, living with a hormone deficiency. That deficiency can affect their health in multiple ways: most importantly, it dramatically increases the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and Alzheimer’s in women.

Up until a century or so ago, when life expectancy was much lower and women tended not to live long beyond the menopause, this hormone deficiency was not particularly significant. These days, however, many women will live up to a third of their lives after the menopause, so it’s essential to consider the long-term health impacts of low oestrogen.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

The single most effective treatment available for menopausal symptoms is Hormone Replacement Therapy. The aim of HRT is

not to delay or stop the menopause but rather to manage the symptoms by topping up hormone levels.

There are two main types of HRT: 1) oestrogen-only and 2) combined oestrogen and progesterone or progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone). Women who have had a hysterectomy can take oestrogen-only HRT, but because oestrogen can cause a thickening of the uterus and increase the risk of endometrial cancer, women who still have their wombs are also given progesterone to reverse that risk. Occasionally, testosterone is prescribed for sexual issues.

Oestrogen is best delivered through the skin so that it is not metabolised by the liver; this can be in the form of patches, gels or sprays. Progesterone is usually taken as a capsule, whereas testosterone mainly comes in gel form. A naturopathic nutritionist might recommend that you take a DHEA tablet, which is a hormone that helps your body produce other hormones, including testosterone and oestrogen.

There is no one-size-fits-all HRT treatment. Every case is treated individually and it may require trying different formulations to find the right dose and combination for the individual.

HRT is best started at the onset of symptoms. While the standard recommendation is to administer the lowest dose for the shortest possible time (not more than five years), a growing number of women’s health experts advocate taking HRT even if you have mild symptoms and, in some cases, staying on it long-term, to reduce your future risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

Risks of HRT

Available since the 1960s, HRT was widely prescribed until the early 2000s. Then, in 2002, a large-scale study by the Women’s Health Initiative, which evaluated the effect of HRT on health in post-menopausal women, published its preliminary findings. These showed a link between HRT and increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, heart disease and clots although it was the breast cancer link that made headlines. Almost overnight, millions of women stopped taking HRT and doctors around the world stopped prescribing it.

Those initial findings have been widely discredited, and investigators involved in the study now emphasise that it was poorly designed and that the risk identified was not statistically significant. But it is the sensational headlines that have stuck in people’s memories and kept women in fear of HRT. Twenty years on, only a minority of menopausal women now take HRT.

There have been several studies since, some of which show an increased risk of disease, and others that do not but that should not be cause for alarm.

Dr Pooja states that the benefits of HRT in healthy women with symptoms of menopause generally outweigh the risks when started before age 60 and within 10 years of menopause. The key points to bear in mind regarding the risks are:

• Women on oestrogen-only HRT do not have an increased risk of breast cancer.

• Starting HRT before age 60 and within 10 years of the

onset of menopause is preferable. Starting at age 70+ carries more risk.

• HRT does not increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and oestrogen-only HRT may offer protection.

• There is a very small increased risk of stroke associated with oral oestrogen, but most doctors now prescribe transdermal oestrogen.

• HRT is widely accepted as protecting against osteoporosis.

• Menopause specialists agree that the benefits of HRT far outweigh the risks.

Stopping HRT can cause menopause symptoms to return, particularly if you do so suddenly. It may be best to reduce the dosage gradually. If you’re on HRT and want to stop, discuss it with your doctor first and decide on the best approach.

Body-Identical HRT

Dr Pooja says that to reduce the risk of negative effects, the most preferred forms of HRT are the body-identical hormones (BHRT). These have the same molecular structure as the hormones in your body and mimic your body’s natural hormones. These are not to be confused with natural plant-based supplements derived from yams or soy.

Lifestyle Changes

Whether you choose to take medication to assist you through the menopause or not, certain lifestyle changes will also help to manage the symptoms:

Exercise At a time when low mood and depression can be a daily battle, physical activity is a great way to release endorphins and can also be a great sleep aid for those struggling with insomnia. Weight-bearing exercise strengthens bones and protects against osteoporosis and any aerobic exercise will help to protect against heart disease.

Diet It’s important to support your body through this change by giving it the nutrients it needs. Eat plenty of plant-based foods for fibre and lean proteins. Avoid excessive salt, which can adversely affect bone density, and make sure you eat calciumrich foods to keep your bones strong. To keep your heart healthy, avoid saturated fats.

Pelvic Floor Health Keeping your pelvic floor muscles strong is the best way to prevent or control urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse, which can be a distressing effect of menopause. A physiotherapist can create an individualised treatment plan for you.

Caffeine and Alcohol Both of these can contribute to hot flushes, mood changes, interrupted sleep and the need to urinate more frequently, so are best consumed in moderation.

Supplements To keep your bones strong, it may be a good idea to up your calcium and vitamin D intake with supplements once you enter menopause.

For those who prefer natural alternatives to HRT, there is a huge choice of supplements that claim to relieve mild menopause symptoms, particularly hot flushes. Black cohosh, red clover, soy, flax seeds and ginseng are some of the most popular ones. However, there is no solid evidence to support the claims. In

fact, black cohosh is not recommended for anyone with liver issues, and phytoestrogens, such as soy, may be risky for women who still have their uterus. Remember, herbal supplements can interact negatively with other medications or cause side effects, so consult your healthcare provider before using supplements.

Final Word

Menopause can be a messy, confusing and unpredictable time. The fact that it often coincides with a phase in women’s lives when they may also be dealing with grouchy teenage children, ageing parents, marriage breakdowns and reaching the peak of their careers, makes it all the more stressful. And the lack of conversation surrounding the topic also adds an unnecessary extra burden. But this transition isn’t one we have to grin and bear alone and in silence. We can and should be more open about it, both at home and at work. And rather than enduring it in ignorance, we should seek out medical professionals who are knowledgeable about menopause, and do our own research, so that we are armed with facts, not fiction.

Dr Pooja notes that she sees many women coming into her clinic suffering from menopause without realising it, and they are enduring symptoms that affect both their home and work lives. With the right care, symptoms can be controlled and women can get their lives back. “Menopause is not an end. Think of it as a new beginning, a reinvention of yourself!”

For a list of doctors and clinics in Cayman that specialise in women's health, please see page 63.

DISCOVER COMPREHENSIVE WELLNESS SERVICES FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN AT TOTAL HEALTH

We recognize and cater to the unique needs of women and children at every stage of life. That’s why we bring gynecology and pediatrics together under one roof. From health checks, ultrasounds and vaccinations to hormone therapy and adolescent care, we oﬀer comprehensive care for both you and your child.

Conveniently located in the Grand Pavilion along the Seven Mile Beach Corridor

Open 8 AM - 8 PM, Monday - Saturday

Book your appointment today appointments@totalhealth.ky

Smell Good, Feel Good: The Power of Perfume

Perfume has the power to evoke memories, boost confidence, uplift moods and make a lasting impression. Embrace the power of perfume and let your signature scent speak volumes about your personality and style.

Perfume is an invisible yet powerful accessory that can elevate any outfit, mood or occasion, making you feel your best wherever you go.

Perfume usage dates back thousands of years; civilisations such as ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire, were captivated by the allure of fragrance. A woman named Tapputi-Belatekallim is recognised as the earliest recorded perfume maker, dating back over 3,000 years. The Egyptians were the first to make perfume truly a part of their culture, making stone and glass vessels to hold their precious scented oils and balms. In ancient Egypt, perfume symbolised high status and luxury.

Today, we are spoilt with choice but finding your perfect scent can be overwhelming. Whether you're a perfume connoisseur or a curious novice, finding the right one can take time.

A Little Goes a Long Way

You might notice that your perfume's scent evolves after a few hours of wear. This is because perfume has three layers of scent: top, heart and base notes. Each layer adds to the overall smell, from the initial spritz to the lasting fragrance.

When you first spray perfume, you smell the top notes right away. These last for about 15 minutes and make a strong first impression. After that, the heart notes appear and linger for

three to four hours, giving the perfume its main scent. Finally, the base notes come out and last for five to eight hours, offering a deeper aroma. Make sure to apply perfume correctly and avoid vigorous rubbing as this diminishes the scent. Instead, lightly spray it onto your pulse points or mist in front of you, then walk into the fragrance for a subtle, yet effective coverage.

Enhance Your Style

Perfume is a powerful tool for personal expression. You might have a collection of perfumes that you love to switch up depending on your mood, the occasion or even your outfit. Having a few different scents on hand can be a great way to add some variety to your daily routine and make you feel like you're always wearing something new and exciting, whether you prefer bold and vibrant fragrances that exude confidence or subtle and elegant scents that reflect sophistication, perfume can be an extension of you, reflecting your personality and complementing your style.

Boost Your Confidence

When you smell good, you feel good. Perfume can make you feel confident in your own skin, with some people going as far as to say they feel naked without it! A well-chosen fragrance can evoke positive emotions and create a sense of comfort and self-assurance, empowering you to face the world with confidence.

Evoke Emotions & Memories

Perfume has the incredible power to evoke emotions and trigger memories. In fact, science suggests that smell and memory are more closely connected than our other senses. Certain scents can transport you to a specific time or place, bringing to mind feelings of nostalgia and joy.

Perfume can become part of your identity a signature that lingers in the minds of others, leaving a lasting impression on those around you. People will associate that scent with you, even after you have left the room.

Many couples now choose a special fragrance to wear on their wedding day. The perfume will act as a time capsule of the day evoking that perfect memory for the future.

Find Your Signature Scent

Perfumes smell different on different people and are dependent on factors such as diet, body chemistry, environment and lifestyle. That’s why it's important to try before you buy. It’s recommended to spray it directly onto the skin or blotter and let the scent develop for a few hours before deciding.

To simplify the buying process, you can explore different fragrance families. For instance, floral scents embody the delicate scent of flowers, while citrus fragrances are fresh and uplifting, with notes of lemon, orange and grapefruit. Oriental fragrances are warm and spicy, often featuring vanilla, amber and musk. Woody scents capture earthy tones with notes of cedarwood, sandalwood and patchouli, whereas aromatic fragrances have more herbal and refreshing undertones with notes like lavender, rosemary and basil.

Kirk Freeport offers a huge range of perfumes to sample and buy, with their stores stocking over 450 different fragrances from the world’s top brands. Among those are fragrances by Ted Green, which are inspired by the Cayman Islands and include perfumes, diffusers and candles.

Top choices for Ted Green’s perfumes include the Banana Orchid perfume, which offers top notes of citrus fruit, blackcurrant and citron, is complemented by notes of jasmine and lily of the valley and is anchored by warm base notes of sandalwood and musk. The Ghost Orchid perfume has top notes of bergamot, lychee and raspberry, heart notes of rose oil, Tahitian vanilla and peony petals, and a base of exotic musk's. A further two perfumes are yet to be released, giving you even more choice from this local brand.

What is the difference between Eau de Parfum (EDP) and Eau de toilette (EDT)? EDP has more stable and lasting qualities; you could spray it at 8am and 50% would be left on you in the evening. EDT (also translated as 'refreshing water') however, mainly consists of top notes, which give freshness and sharpness in a fragrance. It would smell stronger at first but by noon, expect 80% of it to have disappeared.

15 Steps to Self-Care Success

In a world that's always on the move, getting swept up in the whirlwind of life is practically unavoidable. While striving to keep pace with social engagements, work commitments and family responsibilities, it's easy to feel a little guilty for taking time for yourself. But the reality is that practising self-care and looking after your individual needs is one of the best things you can do to manage stress and find greater success in your life, work and relationships.

Caring for your physical, emotional and mental health is essential for a fulfilling life. Prioritising self-care isn't selfish it's an investment in yourself that can make you a better partner and parent. By taking time for yourself, you feel calmer, refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes next!

TOP TIP: If child-free time is an issue, consider reciprocal childcare: you watch a friend’s children for a couple of hours and they return the favour!

1. Mindful Moments

Incorporate meditation into your routine to clear your mind of thoughts. Initially, it may be challenging to switch off your brain, but practising for just five minutes daily can bring more calm and order to your life. Apps like ‘Headspace’ and ‘Calm’ provide guided meditations that will help you on your journey towards more mindful moments. Meditation is a fantastic self-care tool because it helps manage feelings of depression and anxiety

while also igniting important sentiments around gratitude and self-love.

2. Head Outside

Having an active lifestyle is important not just for our physical health but also for our mental wellbeing. We all experience moments of low energy and sluggishness, but taking a moment to get your body moving can make a world of difference. According to the NHS UK, a 10-minute daily walk is enough to boost your endorphins, improve your mood, reduce stress and lower anxiety. Once you’ve gotten into the swing of things, try working towards 150 minutes of moderately intensive activity every week (30 minutes a day). If you need extra encouragement, consider combining your exercises with a new podcast or music album you love!

3. Try Something New

If you’re feeling down, one of the best things you can do is try something new. Challenge yourself with a new hobby or learn

a brand new skill. Getting outside of your comfort zone doesn’t mean putting a ton of pressure on yourself. Keep it light and enjoy exploring new passions! Maybe you want to join a recreational sports team or take a drawing class. Perhaps you want to cross something off your bucket list, like learning how to dive. You can check out our list of ‘Social Clubs’ and ‘Sports & Fitness’ options on www.caymanresident.com for some inspiration. The possibilities are endless!

4. Rediscover Staycations

Cayman is a vacation destination, and we are lucky to have an abundance of hotels, condos and cottages on the Island. Choose from five-star hotels on Seven Mile Beach or escape to the tiny island of Little Cayman for a weekend away. If you’re looking for some peace and serenity, rent a cottage in the Eastern Districts. If you have adventure in mind, why not try rock climbing amidst the rugged beauty of Cayman Brac's caves? Escape the daily grind and re-create the best parts of a getaway without straying too far from home. No crazy airport transfers, no jet lag… just a little change of scenery and a moment to unplug and unwind.

5. Enjoy a Relaxing Spa Treatment

Pamper yourself with a massage, facial or reflexology at one of Grand Cayman's health and wellness spas. Try Zen Garden Spa, where you can choose from a variety of massages like a hot stone massage, a couples massage or a traditional Thai massage, to name a few. You can also target your most pressing skin concerns and improve the health of your skin with a professional

face treatment. Emerge more relaxed with healthier skin and a fresh appearance. You could even bring a friend to share the experience and use the time to reconnect.

6. Practise Gratitude

Research has shown that one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and improve your overall wellbeing is to write a list of the things you are grateful for. Keeping a gratitude journal helps you gain a new perspective on what is important to you and what you truly appreciate in your life. By noting what you are grateful for, you gain clarity on what you want to have more of in your life, and what you can cut from your life. At the end of each day, spend 10 minutes recording your appreciation; it can be as general or specific as you want. You will find lovely notebooks in Book Nook, Next Chapter and Kirk Market.

7. Self-Care at the Salon

Having your hair done is a real confidence booster and a great excuse to sit down and unwind for a few hours! Who doesn't love a hair wash and relaxing scalp massage? Uniko Eco Salon offers a wide range of services to help you look your best, including haircuts, colour and blow-dries. Additional treatments, such as 'hair botox' and keratin treatments are also available. Uniko uses natural hair products that are cruelty-free and vegan, so you are also doing your bit for animal welfare and the environment. Men don’t need to feel left out either and can take advantage of haircuts, grooming services and facials.

Escape to Tranquility at Zen Garden Spa

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a rejuvenating retreat, let us pamper you and your loved one with an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a simultaneous, side-by-side massage with a partner or friend in a serene setting, enhancing deeper relaxation and connection.

✿ Indulge in our signature packages designed to ensure complete relaxation from head to toe.

✿ Relax with a couples massage, traditional Thai, hot stone, foot spa and more!

✿ Renew your skin with our luxurious facial and beauty treatments.

8. Try a Yoga Class

Yoga is a workout for the body and the mind. Bring your focus back to your breath by participating in a restorative yoga class. Whether you prefer a heated yin session or vinyasa flow, yoga is the perfect way to add a bit of zen to your life. Practise at home with the 'Down Dog' or the 'Asana Rebel' apps, or head to a yoga class at one of Grand Cayman's many yoga studios.

9. Restful Nights

The average person will spend 26 years of their life sleeping and another seven trying to fall asleep. Sleep is a massive part of our lives and it’s not something that should be overlooked. Daily stresses, interrupted sleep and scrolling through our phones before bed can all translate to an empty tank. Dr Matthew Walker, the author of ‘Why We Sleep’, notes that we need at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep per night for our DNA to regenerate, and between seven and nine hours of sleep for optimal mental and physical health.

Turn to page 46 to read our Importance of Sleep article and find out how to improve your night's sleep.

10. Pick up a New Book

Whether you love thrillers, fantasy or romance, a good book can transport you to another world. Why not take your book on a date to the beach or coffee shop? Sit back, relax and sink into the story. Reading right before bed is also a great way to relax your mind and drift off to sleep. In each chapter of this magazine, you'll find

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some fantastic book recommendations. Head to Next Chapter in Camana Bay and choose a title from their vast selection.

11. Digital Detox

Social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) are wonderful in many ways, but the desire to constantly stay connected can also have a negative impact on mental health so why not schedule routine breaks? Whether it’s one day a week or every other weekend, stepping away from scrolling allows you to be present in the moment! Try turning your phone display to greyscale. This removes all colour from your screen, which is a simple idea but one that tricks our brains, which are attracted to anything bright and eye-catching. The idea is to make your phone less fun to use; social media becomes a stream of gloom, and games lose all their stimulating visual appeal.

12. Put Your Feet Up

Put on your cosiest clothes, wrap yourself up in a blanket, switch on the television and watch that new Netflix series everyone is talking about. Self-care doesn’t always mean finding new hobbies or developing new habits. Don’t feel guilty about not being productive during your time off. Sometimes what we need most is simply a night on the couch with a fun-filled movie, some popcorn and comfy lounge or sleepwear from Bedside Manor.

13. Get Creative

Kids are always expressing themselves creatively, but as we grow older, many of us spend less time making art. That being said, there’s a reason why adult colouring books have become hugely popular in recent years. Being creative helps our brain think in new ways and working on something that inspires us can be very meditative. Art helps take our minds off stress by helping us to fully focus on the task-at-hand. There are many ways to get artsy, from making beautiful paintings to experimenting with new makeup looks or recipes in the kitchen. No matter the canvas, try including creative time in your schedule at studios like Art Nest or 3 Girls & a Kiln.

14. Soak in the Bath

Consider incorporating a long bubble bath into your weekly routine. Create your own at-home oasis with candles and essential oils. Bedside Manor has a wide selection of beautifully scented products. If you can find eucalyptus leaves, hang them in your bathroom and enjoy their aromatic fragrance, which is often associated with stress relief. You can add peaceful music or even pour yourself a glass of wine. The most important thing is that you make it all about you! Having a bath can create the calm and serenity needed for a night of deep, restorative sleep.

15. Learn How to Say 'No'

Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is carve out time away from family and friends to invest in yourself. It can feel self-indulgent and guilt-ridden, but your mental health should be your priority. The next time somebody asks you to do something for them just as you are on your way out to a yoga class or the phone rings as you are sitting down with a good book, think to yourself: "Can I put myself first here?" Give yourself permission to say yes and reap the benefits.

Transform Your Wellbeing: The Revolutionary Quantum Experience

In today's fast-paced world, there's a growing desire for holistic wellbeing, covering both physical and mental health, aiming for balance and wholeness. A new cutting-edge technology called the Energy Enhancement System, has arrived in Grand Cayman, and promises rejuvenation, vitality and more!

A New Era in Wellness

Driven by a lifelong passion for holistic health, and determined to bring beneficial alternatives to Cayman, Avril Dawn has brought an innovative approach to wellness with the opening of 'The Light Room' in George Town. This sanctuary introduces technology known as the Energy Enhancement System (EESystem), offering a transformative experience for wellness seekers.

The Energy Enhancement System (EESystem)

Developed by world-renowned quantum physicist Dr Sandra Michael, PhD, DNM, DCSJI, the Energy Enhancement System uses custom-installed field engine generators to create multiple bio-energy fields, including 5th-dimensional scalar waves that benefit the body. Recognised at dozens of medical, scientific and professional conferences, this environmentally safe system is used globally by individuals, doctors and therapists to enhance human development. With over 400 centres worldwide, research indicates that EESystem technology aids in cell rejuvenation, enhances focus and stamina, balances blood sugar, reduces inflammation, restores DNA and slows ageing.

The Light Room

In our modern world, our bodies struggle to stay healthy amid the harmful environmental toxins we are often ingesting. The body is designed to heal itself and this technology helps it to do so by providing advanced energy technology.

The Light Room is equipped with a 16-unit EESystem designed to improve your wellbeing simply by immersing yourself in its frequencies. These frequencies induce theta brain waves, helping you relax, tap into your subconscious and kickstart your body's natural restoration processes. The 5D scalar waves produced by the room's fields raise the millivolts of your cells, giving your body the energy it needs to detoxify and repair itself. With various other frequencies, like the Schumann resonance and Fibonacci sequence, The Light Room creates an ideal environment for self-healing.

It's recommended to start your journey at The Light Room with a two-hour session for full benefits. The energy is cumulative, and the more often you attend, the more your body self-heals, although many people have seen 'miracles’ after only two hours. Users of The Light Room have seen notable physical and mental improvements; better sleep, fewer headaches, sharper eyesight, restored sense of smell, reduced anxiety, enhanced cognitive function, less back pain and increased energy to name a few.

The Light Room is a safe experience for all, including pregnant women, children, pets and people with medical devices like a pacemaker or stent. You will experience deep relaxation as you get comfortable with a cosy blanket, sit back and allow your body to absorb the restorative energy. After the session, it is important to detox to help facilitate the elimination of any builtup toxins. You can opt for detox foot soaks at the centre or enjoy a relaxing bath soak at home.

The Light Room offers various packages, including monthly specials and community events like kids' story time and Friday night sound bowls and yoga. Overnight stays can also be arranged. For booking and more information, visit www. thelightroom.ky.

This article was submitted by The Light Room

Quantum Scalar Technology Energy & Frequency Center

Offering True Holistic Self-Healing for Mind, Body, and Spirit

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This state-of-the-art technology uses multiple energy fields to recalibrate your body’s natural frequencies and charge the cellular voltage. This in turn, allows the body to repair and restore itself as it is naturally designed to do. The result is elevated health, consciousness and self actualization.

Safe for all ages and conditions.

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spiritual rejuvenation at The Light Room with our Energy Enhancement SystemTM

Best for Parents

Wellbeing Book Club

Offers expert insights to enhance sleep. As a sports sleep coach, Littlehales delves into sleep science, offering practical tips for better sleep. From optimising sleep cycles to crafting ideal settings, this guide empowers readers for improved health and performance.

Dr Louise Newson, the UK's leading menopause specialist, breaks remaining taboos with the definitive guide to menopause. Learn the key facts about hormones and their effects on our bodies, before delving into family histories, HRT, and mental and physical health.

Explores how trauma affects the brain, mind, and body. It discusses innovative treatments, emphasising the importance of bodycentred therapies and the integration of neuroscience, psychology, and personal experience to heal trauma and restore wellbeing.

Best for Children

Headspace is a sciencebacked app specialising in mindfulness and meditation. It provides unique tools and resources to help reduce stress, build resilience, and aid better sleep. Available on iOS and Google Play. US$69.99 per year.

A captivating story that revolves around a young boy named Tim and his loyal pet companion, Chippa. Together, they embark on thrilling adventures, discovering the scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage of Cayman.

Ruby loves being Ruby until, one day, she finds a worry. At first, it's not such a big worry, but then it starts to grow. How can Ruby get rid of it and feel like herself again? This is the perfect book for discussing childhood anxieties, no matter how big or small they may be.

Molly Lou Melon is a tiny girl with a big soul. Her grandmother told her to be herself, no matter what other people might say, and she is determined to do just that. Not even a new school and a bully named Ronald Durkin can stop Molly Lou Melon from shining.

Smiling Mind website and app has been developed by psychologists and educators. It provides free meditations and stress-relief programmes for all ages, including children, teens, adults and families. www.smilingmind.com. au.

Best Digital for Parents Best Digital for Children

the Listings

Gyms, Women's Health, Wellness & Aesthetic Treatment Providers

FitBabe

Aesthetics

Clinics/Therapy Rooms

Ageless Body Cayman

Park Plaza, inside Karv Gym. Tel/WhatsApp: (345) 936 0930 Web: www.agelessbodycayman. com. Endospheres Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates circulatory and lymphatic systems for smoother, more youthful skin and tones muscles for the body and face.

Da Vinci Centre

Park Place Plaza, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 943 2002 Web: www.davinciwellnesscentre.com. Botox, fillers, Carbossi Therapy, microneedling, laser services, Mesotherapy and more.

Dr Nadine Yammine MD MSc FRCSC

ENT, Unit 17, The Strand, Canal Point Drive, SMB. Tel: (345) 914 6484 Email: dhcarecentre@ doctorshospital.ky Web: www.doctorshospital. ky. ENT head and neck surgery, minimally invasive procedures and a modern approach to cosmetic procedures, including injectables, laser treatments, medical grade peels and more.

Dr Rebeca de Miguel MD PhD

Derma Ltd., The Grove, 1358 West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 233 1152 Web: www.derma.ky. Dermatological intervention and treatment for clinical and cosmetic issues and procedures.

Ted Green

Email: info@tedgreen.com Web: www.tedgreen. com. Offers premium perfumes and home fragrances. Inspired by the exotic flora of the Caribbean, Ted Green blends local influences with expert craftsmanship. Products are available at Kirk Freeport stores, TABS and Silhouette in Camana Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Pure Art, Pedro St. James and online.

Gyms/Pilates/Yoga Studios

Anytime Fitness

82 Market Street, Camana Bay and Harbour Walk, Red Bay. Tel: (345) 946 4748. Open 24/7.

Energy Pilates

171 Elgin Avenue, Cricket Square. Tel: (345) 928 2673 Web: www.energycayman.com. A fully equipped Pilates studio offering a range of group reformer, mat work and private/partner training

110 Cannon Place, George Town. Tel: (345) 328 2223 Web: www. fitbabe.ky. A women-only gym.

Fitness Connection

Glen Eden Road, South Sound. Tel: (345) 949 8485 Web: www.fitness.ky. A family fitness and aquatic facility offering a range of adult classes, including aerobics, boot camps, and personalised training sessions.

Form Pilates

Unit 2C, Buckingham Square, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 925 3207 Web: www.formpilates.ky.

Powerhouse Gym

861 Crewe Road, Red Bay. Tel: (345) 946 5464 Web: www.kingssportscentre.com.

Ryde Cayman

The Crescent, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 746 7933 Web: www.rydecayman.com.

The Performance Lab

68 Mary Street, George Town. Tel: (345) 929 4555 Web: www.fnsports.ky.

Holistic Wellness

Somatic Spinal Energetics

Park Place, Coconut Plaza, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 916 5843 Email: gary@ssefit.com Web: www.ssefit.com. A holistic health practice offering energy medicine, personalised nutrition, and natural remedies for optimal wellness, led by licensed practitioner Gary Montemayor.

The Light Room

38 Pasadora Place, Smith Road, George Town . Tel: (345) 938 4325 Web: www.thelightroom. ky Utilising a patented Energy Enhancement System that creates an optimal energetic and pristine environment, stimulating holistic self-healing. It is specifically designed for detoxification and cellular repair.

Salons & Spas

Uniko Eco Salon

3 Bay Harbour Centre, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 769 5400 Email: unikosalon@gmail.com Web: www.unikosalon.com. The salon, which offers plant-based hair colours, also has a program allowing clients to save money and reduce waste with products that can be refilled.

Zen Garden Spa

2nd Floor, 3 Carrington Place, West Bay Road (next to the Grand Pavilion Building). Tel: (345) 746 6789 Email: zenspa.ky@gmail.com. Offers a wide range of massages from traditional Thai and aromatic oils to hot stone, tension zone and more. Facials and additional beauty services are also available.

Women's Health Clinics

Andrea Hill BCHN MS BASc Tel: (345) 938 4246 Web: www. andreahillnutrition.com. Board-certified Holistic Nutritionist specialising in hormone health for perimenopause and menopause. Offers the DUTCH Complete Hormone Test and programmes that support metabolic and hormone health.

Cayman Clinic Medical Centre

439 Crewe Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 7400 Email: cayman.clinic@gmail.com Web: www.caymanclinic.ky.

Elzke Hoehler PT OMT & Certified Pelvic Health Therapist

Elevation Health & Physiotherapy, 2nd Floor, 1 Gecko Link. Tel: (345) 623 6663 Email: info@elevation.ky Web: www.elevation.ky. Assisting women and men with all aspects of personal healthcare at every stage of life.

George Town Hospital

Women's Health Clinic, 95 Hospital Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 244 2649 or (345) 244 7627 Web: www.hsa.ky.

Integra Healthcare Ltd.

Women's Health Suite, The Grand Pavilion Commercial Centre, Hibiscus Way, 802 West Bay Road Tel: (345) 745 7450 Email: team@ integra.ky Web: www.integra.ky. Offers a comprehensive range of women’s health services including fertility, obstetrics and gynaecological services.

Total Health

The Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 333 2222 Pharmacy: (345) 333 4444 Email: info@totalhealth.ky Web: www.totalhealth. ky. A personalised approach to preventative healthcare specialising in ophthalmology, physiotherapy, dental care, nutritional management, medical imaging, IV infusions and an onsite pharmacy and laboratory.

Fragrance

Education

Literacy milestones, boarding schools & scholarships...

Image Courtesy of Daria Keenan for Island Primary

How to Choose a Preschool

The preschool years from birth to age five see the most active period of development the brain ever undergoes, where neurological pathways are established for future learning, and patterns of health and behaviour that may affect the trajectory of a child’s life are laid down. All the more important, therefore, to find a preschool that will give your little one the greatest start.

If you are new to the Cayman education system, or this is your first child, you might want to check out a prospective preschool’s latest inspection report, produced by the Office of Education Standards (OES), a division of the Cayman Islands Government. This enables you to glean a wealth of insight about a school before you even book your tour! Judged according to various criteria, preschools receive a rating of Weak, Satisfactory, Good or Excellent and inspection reports detail recommendations to improve standards. However, there is a list of other factors to consider. Here are a few pointers:

Ten Markers of an Excellent Preschool

1. Qualified & Passionate Early Childhood Practitioners

Current Education Council Guidelines stipulate that only one member of staff (out of every ten) must possess a Teaching Licence — though not necessarily specific to Early Childhood Education. Excellent preschools invest in well-qualified early childhood teaching practitioners, experienced and passionate about this unique stage of learning and development. The socioemotional bonds and relationships that your child builds with teachers are central to nurturing positive dispositions to learning. It is important to look during your school visit for evidence of these connections. Check to see that the teachers are engaged with the children, involving them and participating in active conversations.

2. An Active, Hands-on Learning Environment

Quality preschools create engaging, developmentally appropriate, purposeful and enjoyable play-based learning environments that tap into the interests and fascinations of each child. Diversity should be reflected in all aspects of these environments and mirrored in displays, books, artwork and photographs. Offering a mixture of self-initiated and adultled activities, including exploratory play with open-ended resources (e.g. water play, role play and sensory play), fosters creativity, teamwork, independent thinking and a strong sense of self. Within the setting, the materials should be appropriate for the age group and do make sure that any equipment is in good repair.

3. Developmentally Appropriate Foundational Skills

Preparing children for the next stage of their learning journey is vital but beware of the trend towards ‘schoolification’ (introducing school standards earlier via increased teacherdirected pedagogies, less playtime, greater attention to academic content and isolated, technical instruction) as this can backfire, increasing stress hormones in the brain. Conversely, creating fun, purposeful language and print-rich environments that promote ‘serve-and-return’ interactions promotes curiosity and motivates children to read and write, and creates lifelong learners and creative, critical thinkers.

Photo courtesy of Daria Keenan for Little Trotters

4. Assessment & Evaluation

All preschools should have assessment processes in place to evaluate the children in their care. These assessments should be used to ensure that your child is developing at the expected pace. Each school is also required to have a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) to help those children who perhaps need a little more support to reach their goals by communicating with families, therapists and teachers on the best course of action. Many schools also host regular parent meetings to further develop the parent partnership.

5. Curriculum

Each preschool should follow a curriculum. Most preschools in the Cayman Islands follow the Cayman Islands Early Years Curriculum Framework, which has the ‘Key Focus Areas’ of development as Exploration, Respect, Communication and Wellbeing. By presenting opportunities to explore a variety of topics linked to books, learning activities, outings or guest speakers to spark curiosity, firing children’s imaginations and enabling them to make connections between concepts and the world in which they live, the preschool should be supporting your child’s development in all of these key focus areas.

6. Music & Movement

Children intuitively love music, songs, nursery rhymes and clapping games. The benefits of music and movement for young children are vast. Music allows children to communicate their feelings and encourages the regulation of their emotions by learning to calm down, relax and control their feelings. Music

Fun Activities for Preschoolers

All children love water! Why not have an industrious soap-sud-covered morning washing the car? This encourages teamwork, builds character and self-worth, and develops gross motor skills. The benefits abound!

Make mud pies! Add fragrant herbs and spices like thyme and rosemary, which are abundantly available in Cayman and can be bought at the Farmers Market. Then let the mud pies bake in the sun and enjoy the fragrance of the cakes that afternoon.

Leap into the world of make-believe and role play by providing fabric for tent building and fancy-dress garments to stretch the imagination, build confidence and evoke dramatic play and storytelling.

Equip young explorers with a magnifying glass and a torch and go on a bug hunt in the undergrowth of the garden.

also helps the development of physical skills, such as hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness and balance, and social skills like cooperation and taking turns. And, rather significantly, it supports the cognitive growth and the development of problemsolving skills, such as logic, reasoning and sequencing. All of these reasons make it imperative that music and movement are an everyday part of your chosen preschool.

7. A Shady & Stimulating Outdoor Environment

Education Council Guidelines require Early Childhood Centres to have 40-square-feet of useable outdoor space per child, however, in cases where the school does not have enough space, the children come out on a rota by class and take turns sharing the space. This outdoor space should include a shady garden or play area where children can engage with nature and enjoy fresh air and stimulating physical play out of the sun. There should be opportunities to develop their gross motor skills, explore a variety of sensorial experiences, and be involved in collaborative play with others. Outdoor play is an incredibly valuable part of the curriculum for preschool children in helping to strengthen all aspects of their development.

8. School Animals

An American biologist, E.O. Wilson coined the term 'biophilia', which is the innate connection which humans feel for other living things. Children feel connected to animals simply because they, like them, are living beings. Researchers have found that children who constantly interact with animals strengthen their empathetic and caring skills, which extend to their human relationships. If given the chance to engage in caring for the animals by feeding them, a child’s sense of responsibility is strengthened. Close relationships with animals can also help increase a child’s selfesteem and confidence. Whilst not possible at all preschools, a school pet can bring so many rewards to the development of the children.

9. Parent Partnerships

Preschools often have an open-door policy that allows you to visit your child at any time. Many also have an app called Lillio or Tapestry which they update each day with information about your child. Teachers should communicate regularly with parents and discuss any concerns about children with them. A good preschool will also involve parents in field trips, special events, etc., and give parents opportunities to get involved in and out of the classroom. By being aware of what is happening in the classroom, the learning carries over to the home environment, and vice versa. When schools establish clear and effective lines of communication and parents are engaged, the result is improved outcomes for all.

10. Positive Atmosphere & Ethos

Preschools should have a caring, nurturing ‘can-do’ ethos that promotes independence, and where mistakes are seen as integral to the learning process. Skills such as concentration, trying a different approach, risk-taking or perseverance should be praised. This kind of responsive, nurturing, respectful caregiving fosters confidence and an all-important sense of belonging.

Tips from a Reading Specialist: Supporting Your Child ' s Reading

Initially, it may seem confusing for parents to navigate phonics with their child, especially if it’s not how they learned to read. However, explicit phonics instruction has been proven to help children read earlier and with greater understanding. Tatum Acutt, owner of Baobab Education, provides a guide to help parents understand phonics, with tips on how to support their child at home. - By Tatum Acutt

To become proficient readers, children need to develop four key skills:

1. Phonemic Awareness: Understanding the sounds that make up spoken language.

2. Phonics Skills: Knowing the sounds that letters and letter combinations make.

3. Reading Accuracy and Fluency: The ability to read correctly and smoothly.

4. Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting what is read.

As a parent, you can significantly impact your child’s early literacy skills by learning how these skills are taught, engaging with your child’s phonics programme and by creating a reading-friendly environment at home.

Understanding Phonics

Phonics is a method of teaching children how to read and write by correlating sounds with letters or groups of letters. It teaches children to match different sounds to written letters or combinations of letters. Children then learn to blend these sounds together to decode unfamiliar or unknown words.

The English language has 26 letters but 42 unique sounds. This difference can initially seem complex, but phonics instruction simplifies the process by systematically teaching these soundletter correspondences.

Learn the Sounds

To support your child’s phonics journey, it’s important to learn how to pronounce the 44 phonics sounds. Visit www.oxfordowl.co.uk where you will find lots of useful resources, including a video demonstrating how each sound is pronounced.

Good schools use systematic phonics programmes, such as Little Wandle, Read Write Inc., or Jolly Phonics. Typically, children receive 15-30 minutes of daily phonics instruction, with regular assessments to monitor progress and identify learning gaps early on.

Phonics instruction usually begins in the first year of school, starting in Reception class (ages 4-5) and continuing through to the end of Year 2 (ages 6-7).

The early stages of phonics and reading lay the foundation for your child’s lifelong learning journey, equipping them with the tools needed to decode unfamiliar words confidently.

The Phonics Journey: Year by Year Reception Year (Ages 4-5)

In Reception, children are introduced to letter sounds, focusing on recognising the sound a word starts with, its pronunciation, and what the letter looks like. This stage builds speaking and listening skills needed for phonological awareness.

Children start with commonly used phonemes such as 's', 'a', 't', 'i', 'p', 'n', enabling them to read simple words like ‘tap’, ‘pat’ and ‘sat’.

By the end of Reception, children should be able to read vowel-consonant (VC) and consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words and spell them out. They also learn some high frequency 'tricky words' that don't follow phonetic rules, such as ‘the’, 'they', 'was' and ‘go’. They may also be writing short sentences using capital letters, full stops and finger spacing.

Year 1 (Ages 5-6)

In Year 1, children explore vowel digraphs (e.g. 'ch', 'sh', 'th') and trigraphs (e.g., 'dge', 'igh', 'tch') alongside early spelling rules. They learn about graphemes (different ways of spelling each sound) and alternative pronunciations (e.g., 'ow' in 'snow' vs. 'cow'). Split digraphs such as 'a-e' in 'name' are also taught.

Their reading becomes more fluent, they begin to solidify their comprehension skills and expand their vocabulary, enhancing their story-writing abilities.

Top Tip: Turn to page 70 for a glossary of phonics terms.

Year 2 (Ages 6-7)

Children read with increasing fluency and can read hundreds of words. They now enjoy longer books and begin to develop a love of reading.

During Year 2, they learn spelling rules, grammar, sentence structure and punctuation. They also focus on modifying root words when adding suffixes, special endings, silent letters and different tenses. They start correcting their work and may begin using a dictionary.

Year 3 & Beyond

As children move from infants to juniors, most are secure in their phonics knowledge and early comprehension skills. They begin to explore a wider range of genres, improving fluency and accuracy. By age 11, most children are experienced readers and will have hopefully developed a lifelong love for reading.

Creating a Reading-Friendly Environment

Parents play a crucial role in their child's reading success. By engaging in fun, interactive activities at home, parents can reinforce learning and build healthy reading habits.

Be a reading role model: Show your child how much you value reading and writing by doing both in their presence. This demonstrates good habits and may also spark their interest in these activities.

Next Chapter Independent book store

Create reading rituals: Read together daily — get into a routine to ensure you find the right time for you and your child, around 15-20 minutes per day is plenty.

Ensure your home has a positive reading environment: This should be a special time between you and your child, not a challenge. At-home reading aims to build a love of reading and your child should be reading books at their level, not challenging texts. If the book is too complex, read it to them — listening to reading counts as reading!

Provide diverse reading materials: Share many different kinds of books and explore different genres. Ensure your child can access various reading materials that cater to their interests. This could include non-fiction, audiobooks, cookbooks, poetry and digital texts. Keep these materials in easily accessible places around your home, such as next to comfy chairs, on low shelves in their favourite hangouts, in pretend play areas and even in the car.

Engage in interactive activities: Read aloud together and take turns reading to each other to build fluency and comprehension. Try to choose books that interest your child and make it fun by using different voices to reflect the punctuation and character’s speech. Having your child re-read the same book helps build fluency and confidence. Retelling favourite stories is an excellent way to develop a child’s literacy skills and comprehension.

Next Chapter is a haven for book lovers across Cayman. Offering an unparalleled selection of books, toys, games and unique gift ideas. The store is also home to regular literary events, including a local and international author series, children’s events, poetry evenings and book clubs, all of which make the store a popular community gathering place.

Highlights:

Independent book store • Unparalleled selection of fiction and non-fiction titles • Toys • Unique gift ideas • Home to regular literary events • Free gift wrapping • Gift registry

Programmes:

Next Chapter hosts a range of local and international author readings and monthly wellness presentations by local physicians and wellness professionals, all free of charge.

Details:

Open Monday-Friday from 10am-6pm, Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm.

(345) 640 2665 | www.nextchapter.ky | Market Street, Camana Bay

Reading Tips

Here are some tips to make reading enjoyable for early readers:

Before Reading:

• Talk about the title and make predictions together what might happen in the story?

• Do a 'picture walk' and let your child tell the story using the pictures. Your child can use these picture clues to solve unknown words and build vocabulary.

During Reading:

• Early readers may want you to read the book first or read along together. Echo reading is when you read a little louder and faster as your child follows along.

• New readers should point at each word as they read. This helps students monitor their reading is the word I’m reading matching the word I’m pointing at? Finger-pointing also improves directionality.

• If your child gets to a tricky word, prompt them to use a strategy such as sounding the word out, breaking the word into chunks, using a picture clue, looking at the syllables, skipping the word and coming back to it and trying a different vowel sound (long/short). Don’t say the word until your child attempts to solve it independently. If two strategies fail, calmly say the word and proceed.

Comprehension & Inference

Reading comprehension is the child’s ability to be able to read and understand a book. Good comprehension skills are important if a child is ultimately to be able to learn from reading, as well as enjoy it. To help improve comprehension skills, you might ask your child some of the following questions during or after reading a book. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and predictions, giving as much detail as possible.

It's also important to encourage making inferences during and after reading. This involves understanding information that isn't explicitly stated by the author but can be deduced from the text. Encouraging your child to make inferences helps develop critical thinking and deepens their comprehension. This skill allows them to 'read between the lines' and grasp the underlying meaning of the story. For example, “I think the gingerbread man may be feeling exhausted here, as he’s been running for a long time.”

Questions to Ask

• Is the book fiction or non-fiction? What clues indicate this?

• What do you think the book is about based on the cover and blurb on the back?

• Where is the book set? (Time and place.)

• Who are the main characters?

• How do the characters feel at the beginning, middle and end?

• What were the main events and the problem in the story?

• How was the problem solved?

• What was your favourite part of the book?

• Does this book remind you of anything (your own life or

another book)? (This is called making connections.)

• Non-fiction: Have you learned any new facts, or do you have any questions?

Build Word Consciousness

Common words that can be recognised quickly by a reader are known as high-frequency words. There are over 1,000 and examples include 'the', 'have', 'little', 'made' and 'time'.

Most of these words cannot be sounded out correctly, as they don’t follow the regular phonetic rules, thus the need to learn them. Automatically reading these words helps to increase a reader’s fluency and rate.

It is important to remember that drills are not the route to skilled reading ability. The best way to help kids develop their highfrequency word knowledge is by teaching them to notice words in context in books. Choose a few high-frequency words each week and write them onto flash cards and stick them up around your home. Good places to put them include the fridge, the bathroom or the car.

Other ideas for learning high-frequency words:

• Scavenger hunts have your child hunt for the words within a book.

• Build words with magnetic letters, play dough or natural objects such as sticks or stones.

• Write words on the sand at the beach or with chalk on the pavement.

• Play word games like bingo, snap or memory.

• Use high-frequency word apps such as IXL.

Glossary of Phonics Terms

Phonemes: The smallest units of sound within a language that can be blended together to form words. E.g. 's', 'i', 't'.

Grapheme: Graphemes are the written representation of sounds. A grapheme may be one letter (f), two letters (ir), three letters (igh) or four letters in length (ough).

Digraph: A grapheme made up of two letters that makes one sound (sh in shop).

Trigraph: A grapheme made up of three letters that makes one sound (igh in high).

CVC Words: A consonant-vowel-consonant word, such as 'cat', 'pin' or 'top'.

CCVC Words: Consonant-consonant-vowel-consonant words, such as 'clap' and 'from'.

CVCC Words: Consonant-vowel-consonant-consonant words, such as 'mask' and 'belt'.

Activities & Games

Incorporating phonics and reading activities or games into your child’s daily routine can significantly enhance their reading and literacy skills. There are so many ideas; get creative, and most of all, enjoy the time spent with your child!

These activities support phonics learning and foster a love for reading by making the process enjoyable and interactive for young learners:

• Matching games such as ‘I Spy with My Little Eye’ develop sound discrimination and listening skills, which are crucial for early phonics learning.

• Games like ‘Flip the Pancake’ encourage children to blend sounds in an enjoyable manner, which is excellent for blending and segmenting practice. Print out or draw and cut out pancakes, labeling each one with a letter. Children can use a spatula to flip over each pancake, saying the letter sounds as they flip.

• ‘Letter Swat’ (swat letter cards with a wooden spoon) and ‘Letter Pong’ (write letters onto ping pong balls that children can shoot into a cup or goal) combine physical activity with learning, making phonics practice exciting for highenergy children.

• Incorporate any movements or actions into learning letters or words. When children associate a movement with a concept, they retain that information better. Play a game like ‘Noisy Letter Jump,’ where you write out letters on the pavement and allow children to sound out the letters they jump on, reinforcing phoneme-grapheme correspondence. Build in some fun by saying the letters in different ways, such as slowly, whispering, or in a scary voice.

• Pixar short films are quick, silent, high-interest films that are great tools for building comprehension, such as making inferences or predicting, enhancing critical thinking, or thinking about cause and effect.

• Apps or sites like Epic or Vooks provide thousands of highinterest books, audiobooks, and short films.

• Phonics Bloom and Phonics Play are online platforms that offer interactive phonics games.

• Reading Buddies - Pair your child with a sibling, friend, or even a pet and have them read to their buddy. This can make reading more enjoyable and less intimidating.

• Family Reading Time - Dedicate a specific time each day where everyone in the family reads their own book. This models good reading habits and creates a routine.

• Interactive Writing - Write stories or sentences together, taking turns adding words or sentences.

Identifying Signs of Reading Difficulties

Identifying the signs of reading difficulties can be pivotal in providing the necessary support to help your child overcome these challenges. Early intervention is critical to helping children grow as readers and ensure they are equipped with the tools required for success. Some early signs include:

• Difficulty with rhyming or recognising words that start with the same sound.

• Resistance to reading aloud.

• Not knowing the sounds associated with the letters, skipping words, and frequently guessing at unknown words.

• Mixing up sounds or letters frequently.

• Low comprehension skills

Parents must understand the significance of a strategic and loving approach to phonics and reading. The journey from mastering phonics fundamentals to cultivating a rich reading environment at home, infused with engaging activities and supportive strategies, paves the way for children to develop a deep-rooted love for reading.

About the Author

Tatum Acutt is a Reading Specialist with a Master of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading. Tatum has over 18 years of education experience and is the owner of Baobab Education, where she focuses on reading intervention and dyslexia support for children. Tatum is passionate about growing support services for diverse needs in Cayman, and empowering parents to help guide young children towards reading proficiency and fluency.

Literacy Development Milestones

From being able to read labels on medication, identify road signs and order food at restaurants to browsing the internet, emailing and messaging friends, literacy plays a significant role in our everyday lives. The most basic definition of literacy is the ability to read and write, but it is so much more than that. Having strong literacy skills means we are able to communicate effectively and make better sense of the world around us. – Cynthia Rowe, Clinical Supervisor & Speech-Language Pathologist at KidsAbility

Literacy is quite possibly the most important factor contributing to academic and social success. Children who struggle with reading and writing often find themselves struggling in other subjects as well. Even children who excel in subjects like maths may not reach their full potential if they aren't proficient in reading and writing.

In addition to having a negative impact on a child's overall academic progress, poor reading skills can also affect a child's social wellbeing. For example, having to repeatedly ask for help and struggling when reading aloud in class can be embarrassing for a child. This can lead to a decrease in self-esteem and may cause children to withdraw or shut down, resulting in an even greater learning gap.

As a parent, you might be wondering, “How do I know if my child is falling behind in regards to their reading and spelling skills?” Although children generally follow the same path and stages in their literacy development, each child is unique and may learn and progress at a different rate to another child of the same age. The stages below can be used as a tool to help parents become more aware of the typical development of reading and spelling, so we can better guide children if and when necessary.

Stage 1: The Pre-Reader or Emergent Reader (typically 6 months – 6 years)

Closer to the beginning of this stage, children will...

• 'Pretend' to read

• Sing their ABCs (but may not be able to single out particular letters)

• Recognise the first letter of their name

• Recognise environmental print, such as their street name

• Have some favourite books memorised and can 'read' them

• Be curious about words and may ask, “What’s that word?”

Closer to the end of this stage, children will…

• Be able to 'read' some words that are important to them, such as their name

• Prefer writing uppercase letters over lowercase letters

• Begin to write from left to right

• Know most letter names and most consonant sounds

• Be able to 'play games' with word sounds, such as rhyming

words and counting syllables

• Begin to match letters to sounds in words

• Confuse letters that sound and/or look the same, such as b, d, p and q

• Use spacing in between words more regularly but can still be random at times.

Stage 2: The Initial Reader and Decoder (typically 6 years – 7 years)

Closer to the beginning of this stage, children will…

• Move from 'pretend' reading to 'real' reading

• Attempt unknown/unfamiliar words, even if they don't make sense

• Sound very laborious when reading (word-by-word)

• Begin to recognise sight words, for example 'the', 'and' and 'up'

• Be very focused on reading the words correctly, hindering comprehension

• Finger point to words when reading

• Consistently be able to rhyme and 'play' with sounds in words

• Be able to match the written letters in words to letter sounds more consistently

• Spell mostly with the beginning and ending sounds, as they are easiest to hear and feel in the mouth (e.g. ball spelled 'BL' and seat spelled 'ST')

• May reverse some letters.

Closer to the end of this stage, children will…

• Attempt unknown words, but begin to realise that their guesses need to make sense

• Start to add vowels in the middle of words, whereas before they were left out (e.g. fall may be 'FOL' and boat may be 'BOT')

• Use context clues to help with unknown words when sounding out doesn’t work

• Develop more of an awareness that text should make sense; begin to self-correct more when an error is made

• Begin to spell most short-vowel patterns (CVC) correctly

• Start to spell consonant blends ('fr', 'gl', 'sn', etc.) and digraphs ('th', 'sh', 'ch') correctly

• Reverse letters less often, but it may still happen on occasion.

Stage 3: The Confirmation and Fluent Reader (typically 7 years – 9 years)

Closer to the beginning of this stage, children will…

• Be able to hear and count individual sounds in words (phonemes)

• Self-correct more when what is read doesn’t make sense

• Read more fluently

• Focus more on comprehension as decoding becomes easier

• Be able to recognise more high-frequency words by sight

• Spell most one-syllable short vowel patterns correctly

• Spell most common sight words correctly, such as 'the', 'like', 'play', etc.

Closer to the end of this stage, children will…

• Begin to read many two or even three syllable words if there’s enough context to support them

• Discuss what’s read in more depth as texts become longer and more complex

• Recognise sight words more frequently

• Read sounds more fluently, as readers think beyond wordby-word to more phrase-by-phrase

• Spell common long vowel patterns correctly (CVCe and CVVC)

• Begin to spell less common long vowel patterns correctly, like 'igh' or 'ew'

• Still confuse the spellings of other ambiguous vowels, like 'oi' or 'au'

• Begin to spell words with more complex consonant patterns correctly, such as '–tch', 'str–' or 'thr–' (still may confuse them).

Stage 4: The Comprehending Reader (typically 9 years – 15 years)

At this stage, children will:

• Read to learn new ideas

• Read to gain new knowledge

• Read for pleasure

• Read to learn new attitudes

• Explore ideas from multiple perspectives

• Read to study textbooks, reference works, trade books, newspapers, and magazines that contain new ideas and values, new vocabulary and syntax.

Stage 5: The Expert Reader (typically 16 years and older)

At this stage, children will:

• Read from a broad range of complex materials

• Read from a variety of viewpoints

• Read for one’s own needs and purposes (professional and personal)

• Read to integrate one’s knowledge with that of others

• Read rapidly and efficiently.

What if Your Child Isn't Learning to Read?

Children learn to read at different speeds, but at what point

should you actually start to worry? According to Today's Parent, some kids just get it they seem to be reading naturals and are practically self-taught by kindergarten or they’ll learn it in school rapidly, no matter what method a teacher uses. For other children, it takes more time to decode language by making the connection between letters and sounds, and different teaching styles may be needed before it finally 'clicks'.

According to Molly Ness, Ph.D., an Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Education at Fordham University, in her March 2020 article for Psychology Today, "We now know that the precursors of dyslexia are visible as early as age three, demonstrated in weakness in phonological skills, letter knowledge, rapid naming, and working memory (Gaab, 2017)." Even without a family history of literacy difficulties, it may be important for a child to undergo an early literacy assessment in order to determine whether intervention is warranted. There is no reason to wait for a child to fail and then see if they require intervention. Instead, we can identify at-risk children early, provide high-quality intervention before failure occurs and, in most cases, make significant progress in their reading skills.

According to Dr Kirstina Ordetx's article for The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) titled 'Early Signs of Dyslexia' (July 2020), and in line with current research, "Evidence-based reading intervention provided in the early years can better prepare the child to confront reading at the word, sentence, and passage level. Screening can be administered as early as preschool and should check for developmental skills in the essential areas of reading, including phonological awareness, letter-sound association, blending, word recognition fluency, word identification, vocabulary, oral reading fluency, and comprehension."

It is also important to note that children presenting with language and literacy deficits will not outgrow these deficits on their own. For this reason, it is crucial that language and literacy difficulties are identified in children at an early age in order to ensure their optimal educational and social outcomes.

So, what can parents do about it? The first thing is to speak to your child's school. Advocate for your child if you believe that something is not quite right. Schedule a consultation with a Speech-Language Pathologist and/or Psychologist to discuss your concerns and pursue clinical testing.

Red Flags to Watch Out For – Early Warning Signs in Preschool

1. A family history of Dyslexia

The most common indicator that a child will struggle with reading is whether they have a family history of reading or learning difficulties. Twenty years' worth of research shows that there is a heavy genetic component to reading difficulties.

2. History of delayed speech and/or difficulty pronouncing words

When kids learn to read, they need to hear differences in sound this is called ‘phonological awareness’ and they

need to grasp how language works. Children identified as having speech and language delays will almost certainly have lingering weaknesses in phonological processing. This is why it is crucial to initiate speech and language therapy as early as possible if your child needs it.

3. History of chronic ear infections

A history of ear infections may hamper a child’s ability to learn word sound structures, affecting their development of reading skills. It is therefore important to attend regular hearing tests.

4. Difficulty learning the alphabet

As well as trouble recalling numbers, days of the week, colours, shapes and how to write his or her name.

5. Difficulty with rhyming

An early red flag is difficulty in learning to rhyme. Many times these children do not want to play rhyming games as preschoolers or kindergarteners.

6. Difficulty with sequencing and following directions

Knowing the directions from A to B is about memorising a sequence of actions. If a child has difficulty following simple steps, such as setting the table in the right order, or routinely getting the days of the week muddled up, these might be symptoms of a problem with sequences of information. You may also notice things like mistaking dinner and lunch or being unable to tie shoelaces correctly.

7. Avoiding reading at all costs

In preschool and kindergarten, the majority of children love being read to and can’t get enough of books, letters and numbers. Most want to grab a crayon and start trying to print their name. It’s the opposite in kids who go on to struggle with reading, experts say. They often don’t have a curiosity about being introduced to letters as they’re getting towards school age. So those kids who enjoy being read to get more out of it; those who don’t get left behind.

Warning Signs in Elementary & Middle School

1. Frequent spelling mistakes

Children with reading difficulties often confuse letters that sound alike. Vowels and vowel combinations can be tricky. They may mix up the order of letters ('blet' for 'belt'). They may also misspell common sight words, even after a lot of practise.

2. Letter or number reversals after first grade

Repeatedly mixing up similar letters (for example, 'b' and 'd') can be a red flag if it goes on long enough. By eight years of age, all reversals should have been corrected.

3. Slow, choppy reading

Slow or choppy oral reading with words omitted, substituted, or misspoken are important clues that a child is not on track to becoming a skilled reader.

4. Poor memory for sight words

Sight words are common words that kids recognise instantly without sounding them out. Recognising words by sight helps kids become faster, more fluent readers. Many sight words are tricky to read and spell as they aren’t spelled the way they sound.

5. Difficulty focusing or paying attention

Teachers report that they are struggling in class. It may be

that there are underlying difficulties with reading and that an assessment is required. People may also mistakenly assume that their child is lazy or bored because of their avoidance of school work.

6. Right and left confusion

Problems with direction and issues with words often go together.

7. Difficulty learning to tie shoelaces

Shoe-tying, like reading, requires a certain level of spatial awareness. If your child is struggling with both tasks, that is a red flag.

8. Difficulty with clock reading

Learning to read an analogue clock is an important part of child development, but for some children this can be a difficult and frustrating process. Children who are struggling to learn to read often find that it is hard to learn how to tell the time when using a clock that has hands and numbers.

Literacy Programmes

Below is a list of well-known literacy programmes. Some of these are used at schools for students who struggle with reading, some are being incorporated into intervention programmes at many of the treatment clinics in the Cayman Islands, and the latter three are used by local preschools and primary schools to teach the look and sound of the letters. For example, the Jolly Phonics programme is taught at Little Trotters to their 3-4 year olds. It is a synthetic phonics programme that teaches children the 42 letter sounds through multi-sensory methods, including actions, songs and stories. It starts with simple sounds and progresses to complex ones and the children are encouraged to practice writing the letters and blending the letter sounds together to form simple words. The Read Write Inc. programme or the Little Waddle Letters and Sounds programme are usually then introduced in primary school.

List of Literacy Programmes

- Seeing Stars® by Lindamood-Bell

- The Orton-Gillingham Approach

- The Wilson Reading System® (WRS)

- Nessy, the Davis Reading Programme for Young Learners

- Fast ForWord

- Jolly Phonics

- Read Write Inc

- Little Waddle Letters and Sounds

A local non-profit organisation, Literacy is for Everyone (LIFE), has been running their literacy programme 'Thrive By Five' at participating preschools since September 2021. The programme was created in partnership with Nicola Williams, President of the Cayman Islands Early Childhood Association, Deloitte and a host of other community partners. This amazing programme and the people involved in it are passionate about raising literacy levels in Caymanian children. Through donations, the LIFE group has created print-rich libraries in many of Cayman's preschools.

LIFE is the largest donor of books to the public school system

and student homes, with over 80,000 books donated so far. They offer a range of literacy intervention programmes, like its signature paired reading programme matching volunteers with students who would most benefit from this extra support, and educational family engagement workshops. To donate or volunteer, email: volunteer@life.org.ky. For further information on any of LIFE’s transformative programmes, call (345) 328 3120, visit www.life.org.ky, or find them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can also donate gently used or new books by emailing: books@life.org.ky. Volunteers are always needed to help with projects, fundraise, or to read with children. Please get in touch if you can help!

If you have concerns about your child’s reading, speak to their school about the programmes they have available. It may also be recommended that you schedule a consultation with a Speech-Language Pathologist and/or Psychologist to discuss your concerns and the programmes they have available.

Cynthia Rowe is a highly qualified Clinical Supervisor and Speech-Language Pathologist at KidsAbility. Cynthia has over 20 years of experience providing speech and language intervention and is passionate about providing client and family-centred services to create meaningful changes in the lives of her patients

For more information on how to support your child with their reading, see pages 68-71.

KidsAbility

A multidisciplinary paediatric therapy clinic

KidsAbility is a multi-disciplinary therapy clinic that offers Psycho-educational and Neuropsychological Assessments, Clinical Psychology services, Counselling services, SpeechLanguage Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Feeding Therapy, Literacy services and workshops for parents, educators and allied health professionals. Their clinical and administrative staff work together to provide the highest quality, efficient and effective care for their clients and their families in a confidential manner.

Highlights: Psycho-educational assessments • Neuropsychological assessments • Clinical Psychology services • Counselling services • Speech-Language Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Feeding Therapy • Literacy services • Workshops for parents, educators and allied health professionals

Details:

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm and Saturday, 8am-4pm

(345) 943 5437 | 8 Midtown Plaza, 273 Elgin Avenue, GT info@kidsability.ky | www.kidsability.ky

Schooling in Cayman

In Cayman, it is compulsory for all children from the age of five to 17 to attend school or be homeschooled, and the Ministry of Education is very strict on children going into their correct age group. However, most children start in Reception at age 4, and finish at 18 after they have completed Year 13/Grade 12. Children who start school at the age of 5 will go into Year 1, missing the crucial foundational 'Reception' year when children start the process of learning their letters (the phonics), reading, writing and early maths.

The education in Cayman is good but the quality fluctuates between schools, and indeed between classes within the same school. The children who excel the most have parents who are constantly on top of their children’s academic progress. Knowing, for example, that 90% of children should be able to read quite comfortably by the age of six should raise a red flag if your child is not. See the Literacy Development Milestones article on page 72. Parents who keep in very close contact with their child’s school, insisting on solutions to any problems, and who are willing and able to help their child with their reading and homework will find their children do not fall through the cracks. It’s worth every effort you can make as education has been proven to be the best way of pulling people out of poverty and provides access to highly skilled and higher-paying professions.

School Statistics

According to the 2023 Education Data Report, there are 2,056 children enrolled in 43 preschools, and a total of 9,042 children enrolled in 27 private and public government schools spread across the three Islands, with 838 teachers teaching these students. In primary and secondary education there are 4,030 students in private schools, 2,291 in government primary schools, 2,603 in government secondary schools and 112 students enrolled in the Lighthouse School, the country’s school for special needs, with 19 teachers teaching them. Approximately 118 children are homeschooled.

Cayman School Acronyms 101

CSEC: Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate

GCSE: General Certificate of Secondary Education

BTEC: Business and Technology Education Council

CXC: Caribbean Examination Council

CAPE: Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Test

IB: International Baccalaureate

CIFEC: Cayman Islands Further Education Centre

CIS: Cayman International School

IGCSE: International General Certificate of Secondary

Education

Improvements in Education - Public

The Cayman Islands Ministry of Education has seen a very active past few years and there are more plans in the works for the 2024/25 school year. Along with introducing free school meals to all public primary and high school students, laptops to all primary and high school students, and full scholarship funding to all Caymanian students taking A Levels and attending ICCI and UCCI, the Ministry bolstered school security with the introduction of visitor sign-in kiosks, opened a three-lane athletic track at the Creek and West End Primary Schools and added a nursery at East End Primary School (for children aged 3). There are also plans to open a nursery at the Edna Moyle Primary School in North Side during the 2024/25 academic year. Phase 5 of the John Gray High School campus has begun with the building of the sports playing fields and basketball/netball courts on the old CIFEC site and the old George Hicks buildings have been renovated internally to welcome the CIFEC students to their new classrooms for the 2024/25 school year. At Clifton Hunter High School they are building an automotive workshop, while their fourth academy, which will include a canteen, science labs and classrooms is still in the conceptualisation stage. On Cayman Brac, a new CI$50 million high school and gymnasium are to be built on a 59-acre plot of crown land on Sunshine Drive, on the Bluff. Separate from this, an internationally compliant, competition standard athletic track is to be built at the Cayman Brac Sports Complex and this will join an existing 25m swimming pool and a FIFA standard football pitch that were built between 2015 and 2019.

Improvements in Education - Private

In the private sector, CF School broke ground on their new purpose-built high school which will open in Buttonwood Park in George Town in September 2025 and will cater to Years 7-11. Footsteps School announced a collaboration with a local consortium which is bringing Stowe School to Grand Cayman. They plan to open their new campus in 2028. In the preschool sphere, Sprogs have added an additional classroom to their school on Walkers Road, and they are opening a sister school, Kiddiewinks Garden Playschool, in the summer of 2025 in West Bay. This purpose-built facility will cater to families with children aged 1 to 7 years of age. This joins Montessori West which is another new purpose-built preschool opening in West Bay soon. St. Ignatius Catholic School recently completed their two-storey multi-purpose hall which hosts various indoor sporting activities and includes a number of specialist classrooms, tutorial rooms, and other learning and recreational spaces for students. At Cayman Prep & High School, the teachers have been using a video coaching platform called IRIS to collaborate with colleagues and identify ways in which they can improve both their own practice and student's learning. Meanwhile, Cayman Academy adopted a play-based approach to its foundation

years, which has improved the quality of their teaching, learning and assessment, and they have added 'Home Management' to their subject offerings in high school; their first vocational subject.

Factors to Consider

When considering schools for your child, remember to take into account school inspection results, class sizes, discipline, manners, special needs support, standards of teaching and the consistent dedication of the teachers, and the cost.

School Inspection Reports

The Office of Education Standards (www.oes.gov.ky) has an amazing team of fair and highly experienced educators who conduct regular school inspections. From their reports, which include everything from teacher's and student's performance to where a school’s strengths and weaknesses lie, you can make an informed choice on where to send your child or where you might need to assist your child so that they fulfil their full potential at school. Most schools are inspected once every two years, unless they are graded 'weak' and then they are inspected again six months later. A 'Good' or 'Excellent' school inspection result is highly coveted, whereas a 'Satisfactory' or 'Weak' result is, of course, less desirable.

Curriculum

Government schools follow the Cayman National Curriculum and students take CXCs and GCSEs in Year 11. The brightest students at government high schools are entered into the Goal Accelerated Programme (GAP) where higher-performing students are guided through a far more rigorous programme that ensures goal-oriented students take additional CXCs/ GCSEs as early as Year 9 as well as in Years 10 and 11 when all the other students take their external exams. Students then have various options for their 12th and 13th year of school, although only Year 12 is absolutely compulsory: UCCI offers Associate's Degrees; CIFEC offers BTECs and vocational courses, or if needed, students can retake CXCs or GCSEs and participate in work experience; CF School, Cayman Prep and St. Ignatius offer GCSEs/IGCSEs and the latter two offer A Levels. The American system leads to a US High School Diploma and AP (Advanced Placement) credits. The highly regarded International Baccalaureate is available in Grades 11 and 12 at Cayman International School.

Class Sizes

Class sizes vary from school to school. All government school class sizes are capped at 24 students per class for Kindergarten/Reception and Year 1, and 28 students in other years. In private schools, it ranges from 13 students to 25 students. All government schools and most private schools also have a full-time qualified teaching assistant helping the teacher. In some schools, this additional teaching resource runs through all primary year groups. Make sure to ask about this.

few to choose from — see pages 119-132.

Location

Entry to a government school is determined by catchment area. Private schools are spread between West Bay and Prospect, so you’ll need to consider location when making your choice.

Exam Results

The Ministry of Education publishes a very detailed data report each year which explains the performance data from government schools plus student attendance. The reports are very thorough and make for interesting reading. You can view them on https://schools.edu.ky/data-reports. Look under the 'Resources' tab for the Data Reports. Student enrolment numbers for both government and private schools can also be found in the report.

Free School Meals

All students in government schools have access to free breakfast, lunch and snacks every school day. This CI$16-million-dollar meal programme has been universally welcomed by teachers who have seen a significant improvement in students' behaviour and academic performance since its introduction in March 2022. Money previously spent by PTAs and non-profit groups to feed students has now been spent on expanding literacy and afterschool programmes. In many instances, it is the only nutritious food that the student has all day, and some students still struggle for food security during the school holidays.

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Religious/Non-Religious

Most of Cayman’s schools have a strong Christian tradition and celebrate the Christian faith. If you would prefer a school that is not affiliated with a church or religious group, then there are a

Key Preparations Prior to Starting School

Health Screenings

New students entering either private or government schools for the first time have a school medical exam before the new school year begins in September. These tests are invaluable for schools as they identify previously uncaught speech and language or sight and hearing issues just before the child starts school. Interestingly, therapists agree that this test should be done at age 2.5 and not 4.5 so that remedial therapy can begin well before the child goes to primary school. Some problems caught under the age of three can be completely resolved if therapy is started early enough. This is one of the reasons why all preschools are now required to have a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) on staff. Also, the literacy organisation, LIFE, has been working closely with private clinics to offer free testing to children they identify as maybe needing intervention.

Additional immunisation clinics ensure that children, aged four and five, entering school for the first time are up to date with their required vaccinations. For further information, please contact the Public Health Department on (345) 244 2648/ (345) 244 2889. In Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, school entry screenings can be done through the Public Health Nurse, Kadine Hyde, at Faith Hospital, who can be reached at (345) 948 2243 or (345) 244 7643.

Uniforms & Dress Codes

Each school in Cayman will have approved vendors that sell uniforms, and some schools sell them directly to parents. Every school will have different rules, but most maintain a strict policy on such things as uniforms, hair accessories, jewellery and hair length on boys.

Transferring Schools

Moving your child from one school, either private or government, to another school will involve some written assessments to determine the level your child is currently working at, or capable of. Many schools will now assess applicants using some form of Cognitive Ability Test (CAT) which assesses the child’s innate skills and ability for learning. If this is the case, then it does not necessarily matter what areas your child is strong or weak in but rather how able they are. Some schools will also assess English and maths using traditional tests to determine gaps in learning. Of course, there are no guarantees of a place at any public or private school and some children who have been considered as working at a high level in their current school may find that the new school’s assessment criteria is more rigorous.

Other things to consider are that your child must have an upto-date medical record that includes vaccination details and a completed transfer form signed by the previous school. Along with a standard report on the child’s performance and behaviour, this form must clearly state whether financial commitments have been met. This is an essential component of the acceptance process for students transferring within the private school system. If you wish to move your child from a private school to a public school, you will also be required to apply online on the Department of Education Services' website. See this page for what you will need

to supply: https://schools.edu.ky/registration

Government Schooling in Cayman Enrolment Policy

Due to there being a high demand for a free public education, combined with limited spaces and resources, only Caymanians (including Cayman Status holders) are given priority for the places that are available. After this, spaces are offered to the children of expats who work for the Government and then, if there is space, other expats. Some schools in the outer districts sometimes have spaces available which expats can fill. Caymanians do not have to pay for their schooling, nor do they have to pay for external exams, and they get free meals at school. If an expat child gets into a government school, then their parents are required to pay CI$750 per year for primary school, CI$900 per year for middle school and CI$1,200 per year for high school. For Government schools, everyone must now register online and upload the required documents. These include your child’s birth certificate, residency documents, immunisation record, two forms of proof of your street address plus a previous school report or transcript (Years 1-11) and any Educational Psychological reports, if they apply.

School System

Caymanian students in the Cayman Islands have the option to enter government primary schools either at the age of four or five. If they are four by September 1st, they will enter Reception. If they are five by September 1st, they will enter Year 1. Compulsory education starts at the age of five. Non-Caymanian children who have been accepted at a government primary school cannot start in Reception; they have to start in Year 1 or above. From Year 1, students follow the Key Stage 1 Cayman Islands National Curriculum, which is adapted from the English National Curriculum, and follow this until the end of Year 2. Key Stage 2 begins in Year 3 at primary school and runs through to Year 6, covering ages 7-11. Some primary schools also follow the International Baccalaureate Programme. Students then move from their government primary school at the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6) and enter one of three government high schools (or a private school) for Key Stage 3 which covers Years 7-11. In Year 9 students choose three options for GCSE or CXC and then they begin Key Stage 4 in Year 10 and study towards internationally accredited external examinations, following the relevant syllabi depending on what they have chosen. Students complete this two-year programme of classes (Years 10 and 11) in the core subjects of English, maths, science, EDPM (Electronic Document Preparation & Management), PE* and life skills* (*these do not count towards your child's five passes if they are moving on to a private school to do A Levels) as well as the three additional subjects of their choice.

Some Government high schools offer the Goal Accelerated Programme (GAP) where higher-performing students are guided through a far more rigorous academic programme. This includes mentoring and extensive work with the student’s parents to ensure that the children are pushed but supported. This programme ensures that goal-oriented students take additional CXCs or GCSEs as early as Year 9 as well as in Years 10 and 11 when all

the other students take their exams.

The Government school system mainly offers the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations which are commonly referred to as CXC examinations. However, students can take exams set either by a UK exam board (GCSE) or the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). Students take, on average, seven CXCs but students may have the option to take more. CXCs are taken by students after five years of secondary school, usually at the age of 16, at the same time or instead of GCSEs. CXCs are graded I-VI with Grades I-III being considered the equivalent of a GCSE pass at A*-C or 9-5 in the newer GCSE exams. For example, a Grade I result means you have attained a comprehensive grasp of the subject, and a Grade VI result means you have attained a very limited grasp of the subject.

If a student reaches the required level at CSEC, or equivalent, they may also be given the option of taking a Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) subject, which is the Caribbean equivalent of an A Level. The grading system is similar to CXC exams, with Grade I representing an excellent performance, whereas Grade VII represents an unsatisfactory performance. Grades I–III are the equivalent of an A*-C at A Level. All students are then automatically enrolled in the compulsory Year 12 (one academic year) programme at the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC), where they can take an array of business and technology courses (BTEC), get involved in work experience and internships, or retake CXC

or GCSE exams to improve their grade standing. There is also the option for students to enrol in a ‘dual entry programme’ such as A Levels at St. Ignatius, Cayman Prep and High School or a *state boarding school in the UK, or attend the University College of the Cayman Islands and work on an Associate's Degree. After completing their Year 12 programme, students graduate from their original respective secondary schools at the compulsory school leaving age of 17. Those taking A Levels will carry on with their education until the age of 18.

*Note: If neither Cayman Prep nor St. Ignatius offer an A Level that a Caymanian student would love to do, and they have a British passport, then they can apply to a state boarding school in the UK, and the Scholarship Secretariat in the Ministry of Education will consider giving the child a scholarship to attend that school.

Students who do not have the minimum five external passes (at CSEC or GCSE), including English and mathematics (after graduating from high school), may have the opportunity to be admitted to UCCI’s Pre-College Matriculation programme, where they can obtain transferable college credits. This programme allows students to take foundation level courses in maths, English and college skills in order to prepare students to transition into an Associate's Degree programme.

Graduation Rules & Exams

Until June 2014, government high school students graduated with a High School Diploma based solely on attendance and

behaviour, and a clutch of external exams (usually CXCs or GCSEs) if they had taken any. However, for a student to officially graduate with a High School Diploma, they now must pass a minimum of five subjects, including maths and English. They are then graded into one of four academic levels: Level 2 with High Honours, Level 2 with Honours, Level 2 Diploma, Level 1 Diploma the highest being Level 2 with High Honours. In addition, during their last three years (Years 10-12) they must have at least a 90% or more attendance record, along with less than 14 days of suspension. The levels are based on the number of CXC, GCSE or BTEC exams they pass. For example, the Level 2 Diploma with High Honours means that the student has passed at least nine subjects at A*-B. The nine subjects must include English and maths. For the last three years, an additional requirement to graduate has been the completion of at least 10 hours of volunteering or community service.

For entry to an A Level programme, a minimum of five passes at CXC or GCSE, including maths and English, are considered necessary. Further requirements include a minimum grade pass at A*-C or 1-3 which are essential if applying for a government scholarship. For those in the US system, a 2.75 GPA is considered necessary for entry to a university course, but a 3.0 GPA is necessary to qualify for a Cayman Islands Government university scholarship. Those who go on to Level 3 (International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placement diplomas, A Levels or an Associate’s Degree at UCCI) can then pursue a tertiary education if they have achieved passing grades.

Minerva Drive, Camana Bay +1 (345) 945 4664

cis@cis.ky

caymaninternationalschool.org

Exam Fees

All Caymanians in government high schools no longer have to pay for external exams (CXC/GCSE/BTEC, etc.). Students on a Ministry of Education scholarship doing A Levels are also covered. All other students in public and private schools have exam fees that vary depending on the exam. The average cost to take a GCSE is CI$45 per subject, CI$73 for AS Levels, and for A Level it is CI$98-$103 per subject.

Government Scholarships for A Levels

If a Caymanian student is accepted at either St. Ignatius or Cayman Prep & High School to take A Levels, regardless of whether they went to a public or private high school before that, they can apply to the Scholarship Secretariat for a scholarship to cover their child's school fees. Parents need to be prepared to pay for PTA fees and uniforms, but they no longer have to pay for AS and A Level exam fees and the Government also pays for their lunch while in school. To qualify for financial assistance to cover the fees, students need to have achieved a minimum of five IGCSE/GCSE/CXC passes at grade C or higher and have passed English and maths. To qualify for funding in the second year of the course, students must achieve a minimum of C, C, C in their AS Level exams at the end of the first year of their A Level course. Any money received from the Scholarship Secretariat is paid directly to the school and cannot be used for uniforms or any other incidentals. An additional contribution is also made towards books. Check the scholarship information page on https://moescholarships.gov.ky for further details.

The application period for local scholarship funding is 1st March to 30th April. Late applications will not be considered. For more information, please see page 102.

International Baccalaureate System in Government Schools

The IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) is offered at three government primary schools in Grand Cayman from Kindergarten to Year 6. These schools are Prospect Primary, Savannah (Joanna Clarke) Primary and Sir John A. Cumber Primary School in West Bay. The IB curriculum which they cover focuses on the development of the whole child as an enquirer, both in the classroom and in the world around us. The curriculum focus for these schools mirrors those presented in schools worldwide; such as languages, social studies, mathematics, arts, science, personal, social and physical education.

The most significant and distinctive feature of the IBPYP is that the curriculum is presented through six transdisciplinary themes. This allows students the opportunity to make connections and identify the relevance to the local and global platforms. These transdisciplinary components help the children explore their beliefs and values; their mental, social, physical and spiritual health; how human relationships work between cultures, communities and families; and the inter-connectedness of individuals and civilisations.

The tenets of the programme are all very relevant to the Cayman

Islands, which is a melting pot of over 130 different nationalities. The IB Middle Years Programme from ages 11-16 is not currently offered in Cayman. (Note: The IB Diploma Programme is offered at CIS to certain students in Years 11 and 12 see page 82 for more on this.)

Private Schooling in Cayman

The Ministry of Education recognised years ago that it needed to conduct regular support visits to all schools in the Cayman Islands. For preschools, it wanted to make sure that children were being better prepared socially, emotionally and academically for their entry into compulsory school at the age of five. There are now standards that must be met on how school staff interact with children and ensure that the children are being properly stimulated through exposure to age-appropriate activities. In all schools there is now a requirement that a SENCo be on staff so that children with developmental delays or difficulties can be identified early and given help so that they are better prepared for primary school and life beyond.

Cayman has a selection of excellent private schools, each following either the British or American curricula. In both systems the main student intake is for Kindergarten/Reception (British) and Pre-K (US) when the child is four, turning five during the school year. The most popular schools have very few places available in Year 1, so think carefully if you are offered a place and decide to delay your child's entry for a year. Students can then remain in their chosen school up to Year 13 (UK system)

CAYMAN PREP AND HIGH SCHOOL

and Grade 12 (US system). Schools following the UK system take GCSEs and A Levels and the US system offers either the IB programme or prepares students to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and attain a US High School Diploma. Some schools also offer Advanced Placements (APs).

British Education System

Children entering the British school system must be four years old by 1st September. They enter Reception/Kindergarten and then stay in primary school until the end of Year 6 or the year they are turning 11 (a total of seven years). They then go to high school for Year 7 through to Year 13. In Year 11 (when they are 16) students take GCSEs or IGCSEs and all students are required to take a science and a language, as well as maths, English language and English literature. Many international schools that teach the British curriculum often offer IGCSEs, which are widely considered to be more rigorous than the GCSEs. After finishing GCSEs, the two-year A Level programme commences in Year 12 and is completed in Year 13 when students are turning 18. However, students studying in Cayman are expected to take AS Levels in Year 12 and their results are used as a benchmark for universities to predict how the student will do in their A Levels. Since government high schools in Cayman finish at 16, and do not offer A Levels, Government students will often move to the British system for the start of year 12.

Exams

Students usually take between 8 and 11 GCSE subjects, and they need to have passed maths and English and get three A Levels with grades A*-E to get into a university. Students will often start doing four A Levels and then drop their weakest subject at the end of AS Levels. Exams at A Level are graded A*, A, B, C, D and E. However, an E is not considered a pass for a scholarship.

American Education System

Most American schools in Cayman offer a Pre-K3 programme, so your child can start at the age of four. These children will be given preference for Kindergarten places when other children start at the age of five. Children then move up to Grade 1 when they are six and stay in school for a total of 13 years, graduating at 17 or 18, when they are in Grade 12. They usually graduate with an American High School Diploma and students are taught the ins and outs of sitting SATs (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Cayman International School (CIS) also offers the International Baccalaureate diploma (IB) for students in Years 11 and 12. Triple C School offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Exams

To graduate with an American High School Diploma, students need to obtain at least 20 credits, split between English (4), social studies and a foreign language (6), maths (6), arts/drama/music (1) and physical education (2). Credit requirements for graduation are different for every school and will depend on how a school’s curriculum is structured. Having said this, all schools have standard requirements for core subjects such as English, maths, science and social studies, and then elective credits for other classes. Parents should familiarise themselves with the credit requirements of their child’s school,

keeping in mind that some will require a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) for graduation. The GPA is the grade (number/ percentage) representing the average value of the accumulated final grades and ranges from 0.0 to 4.0. For example, 4.0 = A, 3.0 = B, 2.0 = C, 1.0 = D and 0.0 = F. Most universities in the United States will require a specific High School GPA before a high school graduate can even be considered for admittance, so it is very important for parents to be aware of what the requirements are for any college or university to which their child may be applying. Students should also be aware of this if hoping to secure a scholarship. See page 110 for more information.

The International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered at Cayman International School (CIS). The curriculum is made up of six subject groups, plus the three core components: a) Theory of Knowledge (TOK); b) Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) and c) Extended Essay. Students must complete all three core components and also choose one course from each of the six subject groups in order to complete the full IB Diploma. The six subject groups are: language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, maths and the arts. The subject choice from the arts can be replaced with a second subject in another group if needed for university entry. Three subjects are taken at Higher Level, and three at Standard Level. All subject courses are two years long, and students sit the final exams for the Diploma Programme in May of Grade 12 (Year 13). They are graded from 7 to 1 (7 being the highest) for each of their six subjects.

Additionally, the Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay are also graded, and together can add up to an additional 3 points. CAS is graded as a pass/fail. The maximum score one can therefore achieve is 45. The pass requirement is 24 points, and anything over 34 is considered very solid. Many universities, particularly in the UK, will publish the IB scores they require for entry to their degree programmes. These vary depending on the course and the institution. Competitive programmes at good universities can require much more than 24 points for entry. For example, architecture or engineering will often have a score requirement in the high 30s, and many courses at Oxbridge or other Russell Group universities may require 40 points or higher.

Montessori Education System

There are two Montessori schools in Cayman that offer the Montessori schooling system beyond preschool. Village Montessori and Montessori By The Sea teach children up to the age of 12. Both implement an enriched Montessori elementary curriculum that is geared to meet Cayman Islands National Curriculum Standards. Also included are life skills education along with specialised instruction in Spanish, ICT, physical education, the arts and music. One is located in Prospect, across from the beach, and the other in Camana Bay. See pages 120 and 123. (Note: Most Montessori schools that extend into Primary follow the Montessori philosophy, whilst aligning with UK curriculum standards.)

Tutoring in Cayman

Over ten years ago, finding a good tutoring company in Grand Cayman was a rather difficult thing to do, but times have changed in a big way! Cayman now has a wealth of highly-qualified and well-trained teachers and tutoring professionals who work out of busy and dedicated tutoring companies. But why hire a tutor in the first place?

A tutor can help your children stay on top of their homework and coursework, help improve their grades and, more importantly, give them confidence in their school work. This rise in qualified and exceptionally good tutors has been particularly gamechanging for children within the public school system: oneto-one tuition can improve results exponentially and open up enhanced opportunities at college. So, what do you need to consider when choosing a tutor? When Cayman Parent asked qualified teachers at the top schools about this subject, here is what we learnt:

Phonics & Reading Support

We have been told that most children should be reading quite comfortably between the ages of six and seven. However, if your child is really struggling then something could be wrong and there is no time to waste. Your child might have dyslexia and, if so, will need reading intervention. This would come in the form of a qualified individual who is trained in either the Wilson Programme or the Orton-Gillingham dyslexia instructional approach. This is an essential step, so ask your tutor if they have a certificate or qualification proving that they can teach either of these courses. If you suspect your child has ADHD, then a diagnosis of dyslexia often comes with it, so that is something to consider as well.

One easy thing that all parents (and preschools) can do is buy a colourful poster with the alphabet on it. Make sure it does not just have capital letters though, you need the lowercase letters as well. Find one that has a picture for each letter (e.g. an apple for Aa). Then put it somewhere that your children will see it a lot — in front of the toilet or the back of the bathroom door are good places! Your child will then see it every day and will slowly begin to absorb what the letters look like and sound like.

Maths Support

If you are looking for a maths tutor, be aware that children in the US system learn maths in a very different way to those in the UK system. In the US system, students learn maths in themed branches (algebra, geometry, advanced algebra, trigonometry and then calculus). In the UK system, students learn a broad cross-section of the whole subject of maths and then build on it each year. Enquire as to what experience the tutor has with the curriculum, and if they don’t seem to have enough knowledge of it, then find one who does.

All children in Cayman are now required to have mastered their times tables by the age of nine. To help them achieve this, one simple thing you can do is order a times table poster and put it somewhere they will see it a lot. Opposite the toilet or the bath is ideal. While they are in the bath you can test them and, over time, your child will learn them. Try to put it up while they are still very small.

Homework Help

Many parents look for help getting their children to do their homework and, as a bonus, a tutor will also work out very quickly where the gaps are in your child’s knowledge of the current subjects they are studying. Tuition should always supplement the learning already taking place inside the school classroom. A good way to aid this is to regularly forward class newsletters, spelling lists, school reports, etc., to the tutor for inclusion in the tutoring sessions. Your child’s tutor can then make sure that their students are on top of their subjects.

GCSE, IB Diploma or A Level Exam Help

If you are looking to have your child tutored for their GCSE, A Level or IB Diploma exams, make sure to find a teacher who has experience teaching the current curriculum your child should be learning for that specific subject. Also, make sure they have specific experience getting children through those exams and have not just taught the subject up to an earlier grade. At this level of your child’s education, it is seriously important that your child’s tutor is a qualified teacher. Although a teaching assistant can help guide a child with special needs and teach children at primary school, you would do well to find a qualified teacher for your child’s external exam tutoring.

Costs

Expect to pay on average CI$65-$75 per hour for oneon-one tutoring and CI$45 per hour for small group tutoring with 2-4 children. For GCSE or A Level tutoring ask for subject specialist teachers. It is money well spent as the tutor will not move on until they know that your child has grasped the topic properly. This is something you cannot guarantee in a school classroom setting with 25+ students.

See page 134 for a comprehensive list of the major tutoring companies in Grand Cayman.

Homeschooling in Cayman

The number of children being homeschooled has exploded in the Cayman Islands. Whether parents are choosing this due to practical reasons or philosophical preferences, their concerns are the same: how to provide the best home-based education they can.

Children in the Cayman Islands can be homeschooled with prior approval from the Department of Education Services (DES), and like any educational programme, there is an application process and certain requirements to be met, which are discussed below. We also give an overview of the advantages, disadvantages and resources available for homeschoolers. In the 2023/2024 school year, approximately 118 children were enrolled in a homeschooling programme in Cayman.

Homeschooling may be a suitable option in cases where:

• A child is waitlisted but has not yet been offered a place in a private school

• A child has special educational requirements that schools may not have the resources to accommodate

• A child has been the victim of bullying at school

• The cost of private schooling is prohibitive for low-income families and/or those with multiple children

• Families travel frequently and wish to be able to take their children with them

• Parents want their children to follow a more flexible and individually tailored programme

• A child speaks a different first language and needs to learn English before transferring to a mainstream school.

The DES assesses individual requests for homeschooling on a case-by-case basis as they know there are some exceptional circumstances. They do not want children to get lost in the system. They understand that for schooling to work for some children, it might need to involve the use of special services, such as Speech and Language Therapy, and this can be included as part of the five hours per day of schooling. Registration for homeschooling is open between July 1st to 31st each year.

How to Apply for Homeschooling Approval

The Department of Education Services in the Cayman Islands now expects all applications for homeschooling to be made online. See their 'Registration for Homeschooling' page (https://schools.edu.ky/) where you will find the forms and submit your supporting documentation. If you need to visit Kimberly Kirkconnell at the DES, then their address is 130 Thomas Russell Avenue, George Town, which is just off the Cayman National Bank roundabout.

You will be required to create an Individualised Homeschool

Plan (IHSP) which must include:

• The child’s name, age and grade level

• Location and address of the home school

• A list of the syllabi, curriculum materials, textbooks or plan of instruction to be used in the core subjects

• A timetable which shows the subjects covered on which days and at what time. This would also include any outside activities or online classes

• The dates for submission of the annual report

• Names and qualifications of individuals providing instruction

• A statement confirming the child will be meeting compulsory educational requirements of the Education Law 2016 (Regulations).

For parents wishing to apply after the start of the school year (end of August), written notice must be provided within 14 days of arrival to the Island. Once a family or child is a resident, then the child must be registered with a school.

The Director of the Department of Education Services will inform parents if their application has been approved in a timely manner. If approved, a homeschooling certificate is issued, valid until the end of the school year (30th June).

Qualifications for Homeschoolers

Although not mandated, it is highly recommended that the parent or tutor providing instruction should hold the following qualifications:

• Primary – the parent(s) must have at least a high school diploma

• Secondary – the parent/tutor should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

The DES strongly recommends that an accredited programme for homeschooling be used. If you visit www.homeschool.com, you will find lots of suggestions. Alternatively, look into the UK-based homeschooling group Wolsey Hall, Oxford, or you could try Abeka. Accredited programmes, such as K12, have online teachers who can help. However, if a parent wanted to use a programme that is not accredited (which many parents choose to do), the DES will consider the programme and make a

decision based on whether the curriculum meets their standards. Finding and using an accredited programme is something many parents get worried/stressed about, and knowing there is room to use a programme that is not accredited (as long as it is approved by the DES) can sometimes set their minds at ease.

Teaching Requirements

The DES requires that the school day be at least five hours, excluding recess and lunch, and that there be at least 185 days of instruction or the equivalent of 925 hours in the school year.

The curriculum must include reading, writing, mathematics, sciences, arts, physical education, social studies and the history and culture of the Cayman Islands, and though it does not have to be an accredited programme, it is encouraged. Parents/tutors must maintain a record of attendance and submit an annual report on the student's progress to the DES in the 10th month of the school year (June). If there are any changes to the programme, the DES must be advised in writing.

The DES will conduct one home visit as part of the registration process and, if deemed necessary, they will make an unscheduled second visit. Where necessary, they will liaise with the Office of Education Standards for assessment and reporting.

Pros & Cons of Homeschooling

The main advantages homeschooling parents report are being able to spend more time with their children and having the ability to adapt the teaching to a child’s learning style and interests, ensuring they receive a quality education and plenty of individual attention.

The flexibility homeschooling offers is also key: classes can be held in any location and at the time one chooses, enabling parents to fit schooling around other commitments.

On the other hand, homeschooling is time-consuming for the parent (or tutor) providing instruction, and thus means that one parent usually cannot work and therefore cannot contribute to the family’s income. It also means the ‘teaching’ parent may get little or no time apart from their children.

Socialisation & Friendship for Homeschooled Children

One of the most frequently asked questions that parents of homeschooled children get asked is whether there is a danger that a child might miss out on socialising with their age group and have fewer friends than a regular school student. It’s a valid concern, but there is much that can be done to ensure a child does not become isolated.

Enrolling kids in extracurricular activities, sports lessons, church groups, music and art lessons all ensure they meet and socialise with kids of their age. Where one lives can also be influential; some residential areas are particularly familyfriendly, guaranteeing there will be plenty of other kids around to play with.

The 'Cayman Homeschoolers' Facebook group was set up specifically so that parents and children could connect with other homeschooling friends. These children go on field trips with other parents and children and time is specifically set aside each week to socialise with the other kids. A homeschooling family can become just as busy with extracurricular activities as any other public/private school family.

Resources for Cayman Homeschoolers

The Cayman Homeschoolers Group has worked diligently to create a dedicated homeschooling website which provides everything needed to homeschool in the Cayman Islands. It includes the application procedures and documents, curriculum list, resources for tutoring/educational assessments/therapy, how to write your reports, FAQs, etc. You can also sign up to the email list so that you're kept in the know on any events and gatherings. Visit: https://homeschoolcayman.ky.

There are also a growing number of companies and individuals who are helping homeschooled students with specific subjects:

Alpha Academy offers individual tutoring for all ages from primary to university in maths, physics, biology and chemistry.

Baobab offers reading intervention, dyslexia support, early literacy, parent literacy consulting and socio-emotional support programmes.

Ceibo Tutoring offers supplemental teaching in Spanish, English, Italian, maths, science and art, for all ages and levels, including exam prep (SAT, IGSCE, IB, A Level). They also help families implement the homeschooling programme, and for Art and Spanish, they can provide the curriculum.

Chatterbox offers individualised classes for children needing help with handwriting, reading, speech and language, selfregulation and functioning skills.

Clever Fish offers an after-school enrichment programme that includes homework supervision, academic intervention and activities such as robotics, arts and crafts and more.

High Achievement Academy has highly qualified and experienced teachers from the UK and US if you want your child to have additional tutoring in a specific subject.

Studious Cayman offers an advisory service for homeschool parents. The owner, Breanne Gill, can review your curriculum and then help fill in any gaps to keep the children on track. She specialises in primary school for ages 4 to 11 years.

Homeschooled students have a variety of opportunities available to them and are invited to participate in many competitions offered to the schools (Sea Perch, Inter School Chess Tournament, First Robotics, Inter School Math Competition and the Rotary Club Science Fair).

Q&A

Nicola Lawrence

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

One of my past students who became a successful civil engineer came back to tell me that it was because of my influence as his maths teacher that he chose that career path. It reminded me of the impact that teachers have on shaping young lives.

How has teaching changed or evolved since you first became a teacher?

The role of the teacher is a lot more dynamic now compared to when I was a newly qualified teacher. Teachers have had to adapt to the rapid evolution in technology, diverse learning styles and less conventional instructional strategies. The focus is now on developing students holistically as global citizens in a modern world, in the rapidly changing information age.

Do you think there should be more focus on financial planning and relationship advice as part of the senior school curriculum?

There should be a focus on these important life skills as students prepare to embark on their journey through adulthood. Students not only need academic qualifications but also practical skills that they can apply in the real world. I believe many of the issues that adults face could be avoided if the education system also catered to helping them develop the relevant skills to navigate their adult lives.

Teens worldwide have been facing greater mental health challenges over the past few years. What are your thoughts on the best ways to address the issue and help teens thrive?

I believe we should teach parents how to recognise these issues emerging in their children so they can be addressed swiftly. But even before it gets to this point, parents need to learn how to communicate effectively and empathically with their children so that they don’t feel so isolated. There is no parenting manual, and many parents struggle to relate to their teenagers and the issues they

Nicola Lawrence is Head of Mathematics at John Gray High School. She developed a deep love and appreciation for the subject thanks to her inspirational maths teacher when she was at senior school.

How has teaching changed or evolved since you first became a teacher?

In recent years, the field of education has made significant strides towards inclusivity, particularly in reaching and engaging at-risk students. Educators now have access to a variety of tools and resources that cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically. Additionally, there has been a shift towards actively involving parents and the community in the educational process. By fostering stronger relationships with these key stakeholders, schools can create a more supportive and collaborative environment for students. This partnership not only enhances student success but also strengthens the overall educational experience, ultimately leading to a more cohesive and effective educational system.

If you were to take your students on a working holiday, where would you take them and why?

A working holiday to Tokyo, Japan, could be an enriching experience that combines technology, culture and innovation. Tokyo is a global hub for technology and innovation, offering students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of AI and ICT while experiencing Japanese culture. They would also notice the absence of litter and graffiti, reflecting a collective effort to uphold cleanliness and orderliness. This cultural norm extends to schools, where students are typically responsible for cleaning their classrooms and common areas after school.

Have you seen an increase in anxiety amongst teenagers since the COVID-19 pandemic?

Many students struggled with the abrupt shift to online learning, the isolation from their friends, and the uncertainty of the situation. It was a challenging time for all of us. However, I’ve also seen positive changes as things have returned to normal. Students have readjusted to in-person classes, reengaged with their peers, and found their footing again. It’s heartening to see them smiling and participating more, slowly but surely moving past the anxiety that the pandemic brought into their lives.

Nickesha Lynch is Head of ICT at Clifton Hunter High School. She comes from a family of educators and she is continuously guided by the quote “teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning.”

Nickesha Lynch

Natalie Scott

How do you handle or deal with disruptive behaviour in class?

Kids like routine and to know where they stand. Most of us do! Talking to students about their actions will often shed light too. We all have bad days and whilst children navigate their way through the tricky teenage years, with hormones galore, they often struggle to rationalise or consider the impact of their behaviour unless they have the opportunity to discuss it and consider how, reflecting afterwards, they may have acted differently and got a better outcome.

Which of your current or previous colleagues do you admire the most and why?

I have the pleasure of working at Footsteps School and am surrounded by some amazing teachers, but I admire our School Directors, Emma and Bryony, immensely. They have started the most forward-thinking school that I have ever worked in, with staff who are truly valued and where school values underpin all their leadership decisions. They have created an inclusive, caring school, with strength in its diversity and now they have very exciting future plans.

You want to take your students on a working holiday. Where would you take them and why? I would take them somewhere to experience, first-hand, life for children of their age group who are less fortunate than themselves. Here in Cayman, we live in a lovely paradisiacal little bubble and whilst we do have students from different walks of life, very few realise just how lucky they are to be here.

Which of your own teachers inspired you the most?

My English teacher, Mr Biggs, for teaching me to love Shakespeare, Poe, Orwell and for introducing me to feminist literature by exposing me to brilliant writers such Angela Carter and Margaret Atwood. He was so relaxed, so knowledgeable, so bright, so funny with this brilliant dry sense of humour. He deliberately made the work hard, challenged us with new terminology and words, but he encouraged us to challenge him in return.

Natalie Scott has been teaching for 20 years. She has taught in illegal refugee camps in France, and was voted The Times’ Educational Blogger of the Year in 2016. She joined Footsteps School in 2019 and is Head of English and a KS3 teacher.

Madeleine St-Amour

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

As part of the leadership team of a new inner London (UK) Sixth Form we supported young people from deprived areas to gain entry to prestigious university courses. Three years in, 25 students secured offers to study medicine and I accompanied a group of them to the BBC News studios to be interviewed on the evening news about their achievements.

Which famous author would you invite to entertain your class?

We recently took our A Level English Literature group on a visit to New Orleans to learn about Tennessee Williams’ life and work, which was brilliant. If we could bring him back from the dead and return the hospitality in Cayman, we'd have some entertaining and edifying class discussions!

Who is your favourite author and why?

I recently read Zadie Smith’s ‘The Fraud’ and have enjoyed all her books. Her books force British people (like me) to look inwards and ask difficult questions about our national identity and relationship with the past.

What’s the best piece of advice you would give older students who are about to leave school? Leave with an open mind and seek out people who challenge and inspire you.

Do you have any tips for parents who struggle to get their teenagers to study for exams?

Try to model good habits yourself by spending time together away from phones and screens. Try to limit the nagging especially during tense moments and create solutions such as comfortable spaces to work, a quiet environment, nourishment and opportunities to switch off.

Do you think there should be more focus on financial planning as part of the senior school curriculum?

Absolutely. With the most up to date expertise right here in Cayman, we could work together to offer impactful content that is backed by research.

Madeleine St-Amour’s mum was a popular Headteacher in primary education for 25 years and was her inspiration to become a teacher. Madeleine is Head of Sixth Form at St Ignatius Catholic School.

The Benefits of Boarding School

Although Cayman has excellent schools, many parents will look to broaden their children’s horizons by enrolling them in an overseas boarding school. Over the years, the image of boarding schools has changed immeasurably; the transformation from the hardship and coldness of Dickens’ Dotheboys Hall to the spellbinding excitement of Hogwarts has been both evolutionary and revolutionary. But the changes in perception and the reality are not works of fiction; boarding schools in Britain, Canada and the USA are flourishing and should be a real consideration for Cayman families.

Why Choose Boarding School?

There are many reasons for choosing a boarding school, from the standard of teachers and teaching to the friends and connections that are made. Academic achievements are, of course, fundamental in this fast-changing, global working world, but the 'extras' are what really make a boarding school experience count. At the heart of every boarding school is the philosophy to ensure that each child is happy, thrives and succeeds, whatever their interests and talents. Whether on the sports field, in the concert hall or the classroom, you can be certain that all boarding schools seek to help all pupils achieve their full potential. The structured environment and extended school days are designed to offer pupils a wealth of valuable life experience, in turn enabling them to gain independence and be well-prepared for life beyond school.

There is no doubt that boarding will not suit every child or family. But for the right child, in the right school, it can offer an enriching life experience, preparing them for life beyond school. Learning to live with others with respect and tolerance, and having the ability to resolve conflict when it occurs, are key skills that pupils will need when they enter the working world and experience the challenges of the twenty-first century.

Often, the achievements, friendships and interests cultivated at boarding school last a lifetime.

The following are all key factors to consider when deciding if boarding school is right for you and your child.

1. First Rate Education

The reputation of leading schools in the UK, the US and Canada is not just a label of prestige from the past; the academic, sporting and social success of these schools is evident. Academic excellence, their successes in international exams and their students winning places at Ivy League and Russell Group universities speak for themselves. The structured independence, which comes with boundaries, also helps teenagers to thrive. Small class sizes and round-the-clock access to teachers definitely makes a difference.

2. All-Round Education

Boarding schools are concerned with much more than academic prowess; pupils achieving their potential in the classroom is paramount, but the ability to be involved in whichever sporting, creative or intellectual pursuit that stimulates a child is of huge importance too. Boarding schools

Image Courtesy of Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate

have world-class facilities to ensure that these talents are nurtured to an extremely high standard. All these things are on the student’s doorstep; schools are extremely busy places where children are seldom bored or lonely.

3. Support

Success is achieved through sound teaching plus individual care and attention. Staff at boarding schools are with their students for most of the day and are there to ensure that children are happy and performing well, addressing problems swiftly. Boarding schools are well-equipped and qualified to support most learning requirements. Plus, a wide range of schools offer specialist additional support for learning and emotional needs. Pastoral care is paramount and, in the UK, this is actually enshrined in legislation and good practice (National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools).

4. Facilities

Boarding schools have some outstanding facilities and offer beautiful spaces in which students can grow and develop. Academic, arts and sporting facilities can be state-of-the-art, and boarding houses are designed to offer the comforts of a home away from home.

5. Friends

A boarding education exposes children to a wide array of people from a variety of backgrounds some of whom will become life-long friends. The ability to live and work with such a diverse group of people is what gives boarding school students the confidence, maturity and independence to excel in their future worlds. Exposure to the wider world and internationalism also helps prepare students for the world of business.

Preparation

Boarding schools can be very competitive and many leading schools fill their places several years in advance of entry. Therefore, give yourself plenty of time to choose the right school. In addition to allowing time to visit schools, you should allow time for your child to be prepared for the entrance exams and for the transition to boarding school. Parents often underestimate how much time should be given to these steps, but at least one or two years in advance is the best time to begin the process. The most important thing to remember is to involve your child in the process from the very beginning, as this will allow them to become comfortable with the prospect of going to a boarding school.

Many Cayman families who know that they will be sending their children to boarding school will organise some form of tutoring at least 12 months in advance to ensure that their child is prepared for any entrance exams and to get their children's academic performance on par with their peer group in Canada, the UK or the US. Education standards in the Cayman Islands are very much on par with overseas schools but some things are taught differently or have just not been covered in Cayman schools. For example, French, Geography, Latin and History are all taught in UK schools and Cayman students will not

have been exposed to the same material. If your child takes the UK Independent Schools’ Entry Test (UKiset), it will mark them in relation to the average for UK private schools and UK government schools and will give you a very good benchmark from which to work.

General Age of Entry to Boarding Schools

American schools are typically set up to accept boarders from Grade 8 (aged 13-14 or Year 9 in the British system) but there are some which will accept boarders from Grade 6. In Canada, most schools accept students for boarding in Grade 9 (one year later than the US system). In the UK, your child can board from the age of 8 (Year 4) but the majority of students from Cayman usually start boarding at the end of primary school (i.e. they finish Year 6 in Cayman and then leave) or they wait and go straight to a senior school in the UK when they are 13 (for the start of Year 9).

Boarding School Timelines & Entry Tests

There are over 480 boarding schools in the UK, with 75,000 boarding students aged between 8 and 19 in them. The smallest schools have just a handful of boarders while at the other end of the scale there are some with over 1,000. However, the average size is around 150 boarders. In some schools, boarders make up most of the total number of pupils. In others, half pay to be full boarders and sometimes they will be the minority. For a parent considering an overseas boarding school for their children, looking for a school where the majority of the students board is very important. You do not

YOUR BOARDING SCHOOL EXPERTS IN CAYMAN

want a school which empties at the weekend and your child has little to occupy themselves with.

UK Boarding Schools – Prep Schools (Years 4-8)

Because it is the job of preparatory schools to prepare pupils for the Common Entrance Exam (CE) at the end of Year 8, they prefer to have pupils for two or three years beforehand, so that they have sufficient grounding in all the academic subjects (including Latin and French). There are no fixed deadlines for entry to prep schools, although the most popular ones will fill their places several years in advance. Testing is ‘light touch’ and is generally conducted during a child’s visit to the school. They often ask pupils to spend a day and night at the school as a ‘taster’.

UK Boarding Schools – Girls Senior Schools (Years 7-13) 11+ Entry (Year 7)

Although senior school traditionally begins in Year 9, many girls’ schools have both Year 7 and Year 9 entry. This has always been the case and means that girls can go straight into their senior school rather than having to go to a prep school first. Girls who are going for 11+ entry to a girls’ senior school will be tested in Year 6. Most girls’ schools use the ISEB 11+ Common Entrance, which is taken in January, and consists of papers in English, maths and science. Some schools have their own entrance papers but they are largely similar in scope to CE.

UK Boarding Schools – Senior Schools (Years 9-13) 13+ Entry (Year 9)

Many very popular UK senior schools will expect you to bring your child to have a tour of the school while they are in Years 4, 5 or 6. Then you are expected to register your child before the end of Year 5 (for schools such as Eton, Harrow and Radley) or Year 6 for most other schools. In October or January of Year 6 or Year 7, your child will take the ISEB Common PreTest which is a timed computer-based test that measures your child’s ability and attainment. The tests include verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and mathematics. Prior to, or just following the ISEB test, enrolled children will be invited for an interview and an assessment day. This takes place in December or January of Year 7. Very shortly after this, an offer of a place is given, subject to your child achieving the requisite average mark at Common Entrance. Finally, in May of Year 8, the Common Entrance Examination is taken. If your child is not in a UK prep school and will be going straight to a UK senior school from a Cayman school, they will take the entrance tests at each of the schools to which you have applied.

Not all Senior Schools use the ISEB Pre-Test route and will consider children for entry on a much more flexible basis, although early application is, of course, still advisable. It is always worth asking as ‘occasional places’ do become available. Each school will have its own way of conducting the admissions process but, in general, it will consist of a visit to the school, followed by an interview and testing (in

English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning). The interview can often be conducted via Zoom and it might be possible to arrange for testing to be taken in Cayman. However, do not underestimate the importance of visiting a school to get a feel for whether your child will be happy there.

16+ Entry (Years 12-13)

Most overseas boarding schools have a sizeable entry into the Sixth Form. Deadlines vary but many schools test and interview prospective pupils in mid to late September of the year before entry (often through special Sixth Form Assessment Days) and offers are made at the beginning of December.

It is worth noting that both St. Ignatius and Cayman Prep & High School do not guarantee places in their Sixth Form to existing students; all students must compete for the limited number of places. Therefore, many Cayman students plan to go off the island for their last two years of schooling.

British State Boarding Schools

For those Caymanian families whose children have a British passport, going to a state boarding school in the UK is an option worth considering. There are at least 30 state boarding schools in the UK with boarding numbers ranging from 50 to over 600. The Cayman Islands Ministry of Education offers scholarship funding for Caymanian students who have been accepted onto an A Level programme. This funding will often cover the cost of sending your child to a state boarding school and makes an overseas boarding school experience a viable option for Cayman families who are looking to expand their child’s schooling experience but cannot afford the £46,000 a year fees for independent/private boarding school. State boarding schools in the UK cost between £12,000-£18,000 per year, as you only pay for the boarding element, and the UK Government pays for the education. They all offer very good academics, as well as a full programme of sports and after-school activities that include numerous trips out of school in the evenings and at the weekend. However, it is worth checking how many students are full boarders as you do not want your child to be rattling around a school on their own at the weekends. See the Cayman Parent website for an article on the Benefits of a British State Boarding School Education. Also see Nick Joseph's article on how Caymanians can apply for a British passport which you can find on page 192. It can take time to get a British passport, so it is worth preparing early.

US Senior Schools

Start your search for potential boarding schools at least 2-3 years in advance, especially if the schools you are looking at are very popular. Arrange for any online material and the application process to be sent to you. Once you have narrowed your choices down to a shortlist of three schools, arrange a visit and begin the application process with your top choices. While searching for schools, also ask about their summer camp programmes. A few weeks at a boarding summer camp will help you and your child gain a better understanding of the school, the culture and give them a taste of what it will be like

boarding. Another good suggestion is to ask an educational consultant to recommend a couple of schools that will suit your child academically and socially, and will complement their interests and favourite sports.

It is important to note that not all school application processes are the same. Depending on the grade level that you will be applying for, you may need to register to take a required standardised test which will be used for academic placement purposes. Examples of these tests include the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) or the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE). For students wanting to join a boarding school for 11th and 12th Grade, it is highly recommended that they have an SAT, PSAT or ACT test score to share with the school. The SSAT and SAT can be taken at Cayman International School. Remember to confirm the school’s testing codes so that the test results can be sent directly to the school you want to apply to.

Another test that some schools are now requiring or recommending that applicants take is the Character Skills Snapshot test. This test measures eight character traits, including resilience, open-mindedness, responsibility, teamwork, social awareness, self-control, intellectual curiosity and initiative.

Some schools may require you to fill out a Candidate Profile along with a detailed application, and all schools will require you to be interviewed. All schools will require the following supporting documentation: academic transcripts, two core curriculum teacher recommendations as well as a letter from the Head of School, a copy of a recent writing assignment which has been corrected and graded by a teacher, plus a personal recommendation and a parent statement. Make sure that everything is saved in a PDF format for ease of uploading.

Canadian Senior Schools

You will want to start your search for a boarding school which suits the interests and strengths of your child ideally at least two years before entry, but many schools will consider applications much later. If you are unfamiliar with Canadian boarding schools, then plan to visit one of the Schools Fairs held in Cayman every November. There is always a very good representation of schools. Once you have done some research, plan to visit two or three of the schools to get an idea of what you like and what you don’t like. Once you have a shortlist, it is recommended that you check their website to see what documents they need to see and what entry tests they will ask your child to take. Some schools, especially those in Toronto, ask students to sit the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) but many other schools have their own tests. The SSAT is a standardised test which some Canadian private schools use to assess a student’s overall aptitude, rather than their knowledge of specific subjects, but also offers the Character Skills Snapshot, which looks at a student's overall attitude/character. However, some schools do not use such standardised testing and use their own test papers instead.

Canadian boarding schools generally accept applications for students entering Grade 9, 10 and/or 11 (Years 8-12) with the preference to starting the programme at the beginning of high school in Grade 9 (age 14-15). About two-thirds of students begin in Grade 9, with the remainder joining in Grade 11. A small handful of boarding schools accept students for Grades 5-8. Education is a provincial matter in Canada, so students work towards a High School Diploma granted by the province (e.g. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)) in which they are studying, with some schools offering Advanced Placements or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

How to Choose a Boarding School

Narrowing down which boarding schools to visit is a monumental task. Here are some tips from parents:

• For families who live full-time in Cayman, choosing a full boarding school, as opposed to a weekly boarding school, is the very first thing to consider. Many schools are moving towards weekly boarding, so be sure to check this out. Why is this important? For two reasons: firstly schools that don't have many students left in the school at the weekend don't put on many activities for the ones that are, and you don't want a bored teenager at school alone with no friends around and time on their hands.

• Schools are often strong on one specific team sport for example, soccer/football or rugby, but invariably not both. If your child is massively into one sport but not keen on another, then find a school which plays that sport. Work out what your child is really keen on, then see if you can find a school which can play to that strength and interest.

• Is the school kind? Does it have good pastoral care? Will your child be happy? What support is there in place if your child gets homesick? Childhood should be a happy time, so choose a school which has a reputation for being nice.

• If your child needs educational support, check out schools that can help with that. Ask what additional help your child would be offered and whether the school could cater to your child’s needs.

• Bear in mind that schools located within an hour of a major metropolis and an international airport (London, Toronto or New York, for example) will attract a lot of overseas students. Most schools now limit the percentage of children hailing from a single nationality.

• Different schools suit different people. Some students love the busyness of city or town life, while others prefer the slower pace and better views that come with studying in the rolling countryside. It is worth compiling a shortlist and going to see at least four or five different schools.

Expect to see one school a day (a typical tour is 3-4 hours long). The visit, which you must book well in advance, usually starts at 10am, so book accommodation near the school for the night

before if you can. Ask if your visit will include lunch with the students if it does, it will give you great insight into the type of students your child will be boarding with.

Other Things to Consider Location

Deciding where to send your child to school is extremely important, but first you need to decide what system of schooling you want your child to participate in. For example, to attend Sixth Form in the UK, it is often extremely helpful if the student has taken GCSEs or the equivalent. It is also important to consider whether you are looking for a school near family and friends. Although the support systems provided by schools are very good, it is also beneficial to have a support system outside of school and people there to keep an eye on your child when you cannot.

Understanding Your Child’s Needs

It is vital to find the school in which your child will be happy and will thrive. Friends and acquaintances may offer school suggestions based on their own children’s success (or otherwise!). But a school being right for their children is no

School Fairs

Three school fairs take place in the Cayman Islands each year offering parents the opportunity to meet representatives from various schools.

British Boarding Schools Fair

The British Schools Fair will be held on Saturday 28th September 2024 from 1pm-5pm at the Marriott. The school representatives often spend a few days in Cayman on either side of this weekend and are happy to conduct school interviews or have a private meeting with you. For information on which schools usually visit, see bvs-education.co.uk/boarding-schools-fairs/cayman.

Caribbean Boarding School Fair

The Caribbean School Fair usually comprises the top 40 US and Canadian boarding schools and will be held on Tuesday 19th November 2024 from 4pm-6pm at the Marriott. For more information, please email Michael Walker at info@bediwalker.com.

Winter Boarding School Fair

Dorm & Day's Winter Boarding School Fair will be held on Friday 31st January and Saturday 1st February 2025 at the Compass Loft. They then go to Cayman Brac with the schools on Monday 3rd February. They feature boarding schools from across the UK and Ireland. For more information, please email Amanda Roberts at admin@dormandday.ky or call (345) 936 3676.

guarantee that it will be right for yours. Choose a school based on your child’s specific interests and needs, even if this is wildly different to that chosen by others. Make sure that the school offers the qualifications (International Baccalaureate; GCSE; A Level; SAT; vocational courses) best suited to your child and their intended higher education and career path.

Where to Get Help

Educational

Consultants

Educational consultants are very knowledgeable about different boarding schools and will explain things that you cannot read about on a school's website or school prospectus. For example, does it run a house system? If so, what are the benefits? How many students are weekly boarders and is the school moving towards that? Does it cater well to children who need learning support? Will your child flourish academically there or drift to the bottom third of the academic group? Also, make a point of visiting the school fairs as it's a great way to chat to the schools which you have narrowed down. Two school consultants who specifically work with Cayman families include:

Dorm & Day: Based in Grand Cayman, Dorm & Day offers a school placement advisory service for education in Cayman and overseas. Owned and run by Amanda Roberts, every year they visit a diverse range of boarding schools in the US, Canada and the UK, including schools for children with learning differences, using that first-hand personal knowledge to find the right fit for your child and help you to make an informed choice of school. They guide you throughout the admissions process which includes reviewing transcripts, preparing shortlists, helping with applications and financial aid forms, finding scholarships for talented athletes and high academic achievers, scheduling and preparing for tests and interviews, arranging boarding school visits and communicating with schools from application to arrival. They also now assist students and parents in navigating the US college admissions process. Tel: (345) 936 3676 or (345) 925 4610, email: admin@dormandday.ky or visit www.dormandday. ky.

BvS Education: Owned and run by Niall Browne, and based in the UK, BvS is used by many Cayman families wanting impartial insider advice on where to send their children to boarding school. With a thorough knowledge of UK and Canadian schools, and how their admissions processes work, BvS offers a bespoke service which is centred on finding the right school for your child. Niall Browne visits Cayman several times a year, to meet island families, but he also conducts WhatsApp and Zoom calls with interested parents. BvS is also authorised to conduct the UK Independent Schools’ Entry Test (UKiset), either online or in person, and the schools use this to decide whether a child is academically suited to their school. BvS hosts an annual boarding school fair in Cayman which showcases some of the UK and Canada's leading boarding schools. BvS also now assists students and parents in navigating the UK university admissions process. Email: niall@bvs-education.com, call +44 (0)7969 376799 or visit www.bvs-education.com.

Charterhouse

Get ready for tomorrow’s world

(13-18 years)

Founded in 1611, Charterhouse is one of the UK’s leading co-educational independent schools, with a prestigious global reputation. The school provides a future-ready education for pupils aged 13 to 18 years old. Everything at Charterhouse begins with kindness. The intangible sense of community, togetherness and belonging are fundamental elements of the Charterhouse experience. Shared values are central to school life, enabling each pupil to be themselves. Each pupil has the time, space and sense of balance needed to try everything, both in and out of the classroom. Underpinning everything the school does is a commitment to enabling young people to reach their highest academic potential. A large network of teachers and pastoral staff supports each child. Teaching prepares pupils for exam success, future university study and for life after education.

Charterhouse aims to make their pupils amongst the most future-ready young adults in the world. The pioneering FutureU programme provides every child with the opportunity to develop the skills, professional knowledge and mindset that will enable them to thrive in our fast-changing world. Every pupil has the opportunity to play to their strengths and to find their passions, often in the most unexpected of places, which will be carried with them into later life. Each child is unique, so their education should be too.

Facilities: Charterhouse education is a world in itself, with the most wonderful campus with 250 acres of green space and historic buildings in which to work, play and live together. There are 17 grass sports pitches, 3 full-sized Astroturf pitches, an athletics stadium, a sports centre, 24 tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course. Combined with a 235-seat theatre and separate music performance and art display spaces, the school’s setting encourages pupils to contribute, and provides a feeling of space in which pupils can discover new opportunities and explore their potential.

“We know we have succeeded when a Charterhouse education not only paves the way for academic success but also lays the foundations for professional, social and personal happiness and fulfilment. A Charterhouse education lasts for a lifetime, long after exam results are published.” - Dr Alex Peterken, Headmaster

Highlights:

• Within 50 minutes from Heathrow and Gatwick airports

• 96% exams graded A*-B at A level and IB in 2023 (amongst the top 150 pupils)

• Over 100 co-curricular activities

• Sixth Form pupils have the opportunity to gain a level 3 professional qualification in Applied Entrepreneurship.

• Over 65 pupil-led clubs and societies

• 45 nationalities represented across the school

Details:

Headmaster: Dr Alex Peterken

Student population: 950

Annual fees (2023-24): £47,535

Average class size: 20 (Year 9-11), 12 (Sixth Form)

Clongowes Wood College

Established in 1814, Clongowes is Ireland’s leading seven-day boarding school for boys aged from 12 years old. A Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition, they aim to develop young men of conscience, compassion and competence. They are home to 450 boys from Ireland and further afield. Clongowes offers a broad academic programme as well as a diverse cocurricular programme of sports, drama, debating and music. That which sets them apart is their approach to ‘the care of the individual’ nourishing each boy’s talents and supporting them on a pastoral level. Clongowes is a very special place, set in 550 acres just 40 minutes from Dublin airport.

Curriculum: Irish education is broad and balanced. They are a non-selective school with a wide range of learning styles and abilities supported by their dedicated staff. The teaching and learning programme is across six years, with state exams at Junior Certificate (3rd year) and Leaving Certificate at Sixth Year.

Facilities: Facilities for living and learning are top class, including: an abundance of rugby and soccer pitches, a golf course and golf simulator, athletics track, cricket pitch, tennis courts, basketball courts (indoor and outdoor), very large sports hall, weights gym, 25m indoor swimming pool, music practice rooms, modern science and computer labs, the James Joyce Library, co-operative learning spaces etc.

Highlights:

• Cohesive boarding community of all 7-day boarders

• Excellent facilities and

• co-curricular programmes

• Irish education system is broad and balanced

• Convenient location for airport

Details:

Headmaster: Mr Chris Lumb

Student population: 450 boys

Annual fees (2023-24): €23,150

“The hallmark of any good boarding school is that it should mirror the very best of family life and the family home. This is what we aspire to do, and more, in Clongowes Wood College.”Mr Chris Lumb, Headmaster

Other Services: Clongowes believes that learning extends beyond the classroombased curriculum and so their co-curricular programme is rich and varied, e.g., their orchestra, three choirs, traditional Irish music group, debating, drama, art, structured study in the evening, many sports on site including rugby, soccer, GAA, golf, athletics, swimming, cricket, basketball, tennis etc. They have a full competitive fixture list for all sports with visiting teams and trips to other schools throughout the year. Scan here for a virtual tour.

Sibling discount: 7.5% for 2nd brother if 2 brothers attending. For 3 brothers attending, 10% for 2nd boy and 20% for 3rd boy.

Sherborne Boys & Sherborne Girls

Separate Yet Together

With a girls’ school and a boys’ school working in close harmony, Sherborne offers the best of both worlds when it comes to educating your children. In an era when an increasing number of independent schools educate girls and boys together, the beautiful Dorset town of Sherborne offers a unique proposition. Here, you’ll find separate girls’ and boys’ schools, located within a stone’s throw of one another and working closely to offer the focus of single-sex teaching with the social benefits of a co-educational setting. However, the schools remain discrete entities. At Sherborne Girls, pupils are empowered to make a positive difference to the world around them. They are encouraged to find their voice, recognising the role they have in shaping the future and giving back to society. At Sherborne Boys, a culture of kindness and compassion is woven into the fabric. Boys are given space to grow, finding their unique gifts while relishing the joys and opportunities of life in a busy boarding environment. As well as regular joint socials, pupils from both schools enjoy meeting informally in Sherborne’s attractive town centre and the schools regularly collaborate in concerts, drama, expeditions and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) to enhance their co-curricular provision, as well as engaging with the local community. This close cooperation produces pupils who are ready to face the challenges of the modern world, alive to the difference they can make, and ready to embrace the future.

Curriculum: British Curriculum: GCSE, A level, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

Facilities: Both schools have first-rate academic and boarding facilities. Students of both schools are able to use Sherborne Abbey for worship, choir rehearsal and choral services. The Merritt Centre offers a stunning performing arts centre encompassing recital hall, music school, recording studio and art gallery, while the state-of-the-art sports centre includes an indoor hockey pitch, two five-a-side pitches, basketball courts, fitness suite, swimming pool and more.

Co-curricular: There are many co-curricular activities to choose from at Sherborne. These include, drama, various music programmes, Combined Cadet Force (CCF), debating, community service and volunteering, coding, robotics and all kinds of sports.

Highlights:

• Located in a beautiful, historic market town in rural Dorset

• Two hours from London, direct rail links to mainline stations, escorted transport to major airports

• Unique ‘Separate Yet Together’ partnership offering the best of both worlds: single-sex education alongside a wealth of joint opportunities

• Excellent careers support

• Extensive co-curricular and enrichment opportunities

Details:

Heads: Dr Dominic Luckett (Sherborne Boys), Dr Ruth Sullivan (Sherborne Girls)

Student population: 580 (Sherborne Boys), 480 (Sherborne Girls)

Termly boarding fees (2024-25): £16,250 (Sherborne Boys), £12,900-£15,730 (Sherborne Girls)

Average class size: 20-25 (Sherborne Boys), 14-20 (Sherborne Girls)

Campbell College

Inspiring Individuals (11–18 years)

Campbell College is an all boys school home to over 150 boarders from 30 different countries. Their diverse and unique boarding family is a tight-knit community that nurtures individuals working in close partnership with parents and pupils. Northern Ireland, in the UK, boasts an education system which consistently outperforms every other region in the UK at GCSE and A Level. Combine this quality education with a traditional, family-orientated community, set in a stunning landscape, and you have a very attractive proposition for boarding. Boarding at Campbell is a life-changing experience which encourages independence, improves focus and fosters international friendships.

Extracurricular: Campbell offers a rich and diverse extracurricular programme with something for everyone. Facilities include a sports complex, tennis courts, 12 rugby pitches, 3 all-weather hockey pitches, athletics track, football pitch, shooting range and much more.

“Our vision is to inspire individuals to be the best they can be; contribute to the world around them and grow into men of character.” -Mr Robert Robinson, MBE, Headmaster

Highlights:

One of the leading Boarding and Day schools in Ireland • State-of-the-art facilities

• Outstanding careers department • Beautiful 100-acre campus • Offers the British curriculum • Just over an hour by plane from London and regional airports

Details:

Average class size: 24 Student population: 1,015

Academic calendar: August-June Boarding fees: £9,233 per term

+44 (0)2890 763076 | hmoffice@campbellcollege.co.uk | www.campbellcollege.co.uk

Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2ND

Trinity College School

Individuality Matters Here (Grades 5-12)

At Trinity College School (TCS), the 100-acre campus and breathtaking facilities provide enriching spaces for students to realize all that's possible. Students can discover new areas for growth and focus on personal interests across the integrated academics, arts, athletics and service learning programmes. Day (Grade 5-12) and boarding (Grade 9-12) families alike realize that the campus is 100 acres of home, where students quickly become a close-knit, extended family. Students at TCS are surrounded by dedicated teachers, advisors, coaches and house staff to provide the right amount of challenge and encouragement along the way. TCS is inspired by the belief that healthy habits and universal values developed now go a long way in developing confident and caring global citizens who are ready to make a positive impact wherever their journey takes them.

"The support we received through the financial assistance programme at TCS opened doors to a world of opportunities. I have watched my daughter evolve into a more independent, confident, caring and academically focused student." - Parent of Jade, 2025

Highlights:

AP Capstone school • 60% boarding • 120 courses • 22 competitive sports • State-of-theart athletic centre • Personalised guidance and support for academics and health and wellness • Robust co-curricular arts programme • Academic and service learning travel education programmes

Details:

Head of school: Stuart Grainger Average class size: 15 Student population: 500 (senior school) Boarding fees: CI$37,000-CI$53,000 Financial assistance available: Yes

Villiers School Villiers: A Family Since 1821

(12-18 years)

Villiers School is located in Limerick, Ireland, and is the only boarding school in Ireland offering senior students the choice between the Irish Leaving Certificate and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Villiers is co-educational and offers an environment where both individuality and community mindedness can flourish in a safe, caring and friendly school community. The school believes in a shared IB Schools philosophy: a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education for all its students. Academics at Villiers are supported by small class sizes and a wide range of subject options, and benefit from a broad cocurricular programme, including sports such as rugby, hockey, basketball, badminton, cricket, tennis, and athletics, as well as popular clubs, including Model United Nations (MUN), debating, Global Schools, drama, chess, LGBTQ+ Alliance, People of Colour Alliance (POCA), cookery and philosophy. Students have opportunities to participate, grow and excel in an energetic and vibrant community. All that Villiers does is guided by their core values: integrity, determination, responsibility, kindness, international mindedness and a positive attitude towards life.

Highlights:

Inclusive community • Unique and supportive family atmosphere • International mindedness • Academic excellence • Broad range of subject options • Co-curricular programmes

Details:

Student population: 600 Average class size: 23 Annual fees: Irish curriculum: €19,700-26,900, IB curriculum: €24,400-€30,900 (includes Tuition and Boarding)

+353 61 451 447 | admissions@villiers-school.com | www.villiers-school.com North Circular Road, Limerick, V94 F983, Ireland

The Webb School

Developing Future Global Leaders (11–18 years)

The Webb School was founded in 1870 by notable educator, Sawney Webb and is the oldest continuously operating boarding school in the southeast. Webb offers challenging academics with an emphasis on personal integrity. Their small community embraces students of diverse backgrounds, personalities and interests. The family-like setting at Webb provides personal attention for each student. Their robust academic programme includes college prep courses, honours courses, 16 APs and 5 dual enrolment classes through Lipscomb University in Nashville.

Co-curricular: At Webb, extracurricular activities are just as important as academics. If a student has a certain passion or interest and wants to start up their own club, that student can! They just need to find a faculty member to sponsor the club, and then recruit other students to join.

Highlights:

Strong academic results • First-rate facilities • Emerging Voices Programme • WILD programme: Wilderness Instruction & Leadership Development • Strong Fine Arts • English Language Learner (ELL) programme that includes three different tiers of placement

Details:

Associate Head of School: Dr Tabetha Sullens Student Student population: 425 Average class size: 13 Annual fees: CI$65,900

Ask a Boarding School Student

Georgie, Sherborne Girls, UK. We asked boarding school students from Grand Cayman about their experience abroad. Now you can find out what life is really like from the boarders themselves!

Carmella, Trinity College School (TCS), Canada.

Carmella joined from St Ignatius Catholic School in Grade 9 and graduated in 2023.

What was the best thing about being at boarding school? The people you meet and the friends you make. Going to boarding school is an incredibly unique experience where you get to live with friends from all over the world. Your boarding house becomes a second family, and it's where I met some of my best friends.

What advice would you give a new Boarding school student? Get involved in as many aspects of school life as you can! Playing a new sport or signing up for as many clubs as possible is a great way to make friends and enjoy your boarding school experience. TCS is filled with a variety of opportunities and is a place where I found so many of my new interests.

Did you experience homesickness? How did you overcome it? For me, it didn’t really hit until a couple of weeks before the winter break. I found that the first few weeks were so full of activities, getting to know new people, and getting into a routine, that I was distracted from what was happening at home, in Cayman. If I was ever homesick, I would talk to my roommate. She was always so supportive and made me feel at home. I think that keeping myself busy with sports and clubs, as well as hanging out with my new friends really helped.

How did you find the social side of Boarding School when you first started? In my first week at TCS, I remember going to so many exciting events, where I got to meet all the students in my house, my classes and students in other grades. The older students would often help out the newer and younger students and would bring them to sit with them at meals, show them to their classes, and introduce them to other students.

What surprised you the most about being a boarding student at TCS? How close you become with your classmates, teachers and house team. The connections you make are really unlike any other, and being able to live with your friends allows the TCS community to feel like a family. You develop a different kind of relationship with people at Boarding school, and I’m so glad to have been a part of a school like TCS.

Georgie joined from Cayman Prep and is currently in Year 8.

What is the best thing about being at boarding school?

Always being surrounded by your friends and loving house parents. Whether it's sharing a dorm with your friends, or weekend adventures across Dorset, doing daring and fun activities and challenges, you are always busy!

What advice would you give a new Boarding school student? My advice is to be yourself, bring hundreds of teddies, blankets, posters and other decorations, as you are welcomed into the loving and nurturing arms of all house members. Although the beginning can be rocky and tough, it always eases out and you feel at home and find that you do fit in amongst the many other students.

Were there any subjects you didn’t feel adequately prepared for? If so, which ones? And how did you overcome this? Before joining Sherborne Girls, I was tutored regularly in the subjects of English and maths. When I joined my school, I felt prepared for what I was being taught. Most subjects followed similar topics, however, English was extremely different as they introduced analysis paragraphs and inferring pieces of poetry or text, which I had never done before in my old school. Luckily, I had been tutored on how to do this before I joined.

What are your favourite extracurricular activities?

At SG (Sherborne Girls) I have joined many extracurriculars, including the running club where training takes place on a Monday and Friday in and out of school on the Yeovil track. On Thursdays cross-country races take place. I also do tennis and piano lessons. Extras are fluid and joinable throughout the year with lots on offer, around sports, arts, academics and more.

How does the workload compare to your previous school in Cayman? The gap has been massive in regard to workload. At primary school I only had maths and English homework; now I have every subject. However, work is always manageable, as 'prep time' takes place after dinner for an hour every day and some weeks you get more than others. You also always get a week to do the work, so you don't stress about it.

Education Book Club

Best for Parents or Educators

Published in March 2024, this book by Jonathan Haidt is grounded in ancient wisdom and packed full of cutting-edge science. This eye-opening book is a life raft and a powerful callto-arms, offering practical advice for parents, schools, governments, and teens themselves.

The books we read at school, the conversations they spark and why they matter. This is an English teacher's love letter to reading and the many ways literature can make us, and our lives, better. It is a beautifully written, sensitive book that is full of warmth and empathy.

This book explores behaviour and classroom management through a holistic and best practice approach. It is full of engaging and relatable narratives, grounded in research and delivers essential, highly relevant and actionable lessons on behaviour management.

Best for Children

A leading historian is asked: if they could travel back through time, which year would they visit? Billed as a blend of 'serious history and playful parlour game', the strength of this podcast is in the narrow and fascinating slice of the past it presents.

This is the true story of an epic childhood journey, so exciting and so shocking that it is hard to believe it's not a dream or a nightmare. Susanne's parents' idea of an adventure became her worst nightmare and it was her determination to educate herself that finally enabled her to escape.

A powerful, moving adventure inspired by the extraordinary true story of the French Drummer Boy of Waterloo, Cobweb is a stunning tale of courage and kindness a book about humanity, animals, and the heartbreak of war, from a writer at the height of his powers. Ideally for children aged 8 and up.

This is an extraordinary translation of a papyrus dating from ancient Egypt’s Middle Kingdom era and tells the tale of a teenage boy living almost 4,000 years ago—Pepi. With stunning illustrations it will immerse you in the life and choices facing a teenage boy in ancient Egypt.

This science podcast is aimed at kids but adults have learnt plenty from it as well. Kids will love learning how insects walk on walls, how to find their way without a compass, and even where poo and pee go when you flush the toilet.

Best Podcast for Parents

Best Podcast for Children

Smart Scholarship Strategy

The Cayman Islands Government, through the Ministry of Education, provides education scholarships for qualifying Caymanians, as do private companies. Read on to learn all about it.

Funding for Caymanian Secondary School Students

All children who leave Government high schools at the end of Year 11 will have taken either GCSEs or CXCs. However, since the Cayman Islands Government does not currently offer A Levels in their high schools, they have made provision, by way of a financial scholarship, for all children who qualify with the required grades, to either take A Levels at one of the private schools, a BTEC or Associate's Degree at UCCI or ICCI, or the IB at CIS. Scholarships have also been awarded to students who want to study A Levels in the UK, but the amount awarded is equal to the cost of tuition here in Cayman. There is a plan to reintroduce A Levels into public high schools in the near future.

A Level Students

If a Caymanian government high school student has the qualifying grades and is formally accepted into the A Level programme at either Cayman Prep & High School (CPHS) or St. Ignatius Catholic School, the student can get funding towards tuition, books, examination fees and meals for each of the two A Level years. Students need to apply to the Scholarship Secretariat for the funding, and they must have Dual Enrolment approval from the Department of Education Services. Parents need to be prepared to pay for other incidentals, including Parent Teacher Association (PTA) fees and uniforms. To qualify for the aforementioned financial assistance, students need to have achieved a minimum of five IGCSE/GCSE/CXC (PE and Life Skills cannot count towards the five) passes at grade C or higher, and have passed English and mathematics. To qualify for funding in the second year of the course, students must achieve a minimum of three C grades in their AS Level exams at the end of the first year of their A Level course. Any money received from the Scholarship Secretariat is paid directly to the school and cannot be used for uniforms or any other incidentals. The financial information requirement (means testing) for the local scholarship application has been removed. Hence, employment letters and other financial details are no longer required to be submitted with the application.

Some children also leave Cayman at age 16 and go to England to take A Levels or a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at a boarding school or Sixth Form college. In the UK state school system (government schooling), if a child has a British passport, they are ‘fee-free’ until they turn 19 years of age. The Scholarship Secretariat will contribute up to the equivalent of the local tuition amount towards the student’s tuition and living expenses, if attending a boarding school, but only if the A Level/

BTEC is not available locally. Note: Scholarship funding is not provided if the student is attending a regular public high school A Level programme which has no fees.

State boarding schools in the UK are therefore a realistic option for Cayman families whose children want to take A Levels, would like to experience somewhere other than Cayman and have a British passport. See page 192 for more information on how a Caymanian can apply for a British passport. Fees per year average £12,000 and they all offer very good academics, as well as a full programme of sports and after-school activities that include numerous trips out of school in the evenings and at the weekend. If you apply for a scholarship to cover the fees, the Scholarship Secretariat have said they will consider any and all applications. See the Cayman Parent website for more information on this option.

Caymanian students who have attended a private school in Cayman, and have been accepted into the A Level programme, having achieved a minimum of five IGCSE/GCSE/CXC passes at grade C or higher, including English and maths, can also apply for assistance with the fees for their A Level course. On achieving a successful application, these students can get financial assistance towards tuition, books, examination fees and meals for each of the two years of their A Level course. Students must have achieved three C grades in their AS Levels to get funding for their second year.

International Baccalaureate Students

If a Caymanian wants to take the two-year IB course either in Cayman at CIS or overseas, they can apply to the Scholarship Secretariat for a scholarship to help towards the fees. If they qualify they can get up to CI$7,000 per year. The Scholarship Secretariat requires that the student is registered in a minimum of one Higher Level (HL) certificate and four Standard Level (SL) certificates. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 with no Ds or Fs in their first year of study of IB and, to receive money in the second year, have a recommendation from the relevant institution to continue with their IB studies into the second year.

Associate’s Degree Students

If a Caymanian government high school student chooses to finish their secondary education doing an Associate’s Degree at UCCI or ICCI, then they can apply for the tuition and book fees to be paid. However, all students who have not achieved either an A or B grade in English and maths are mandated to take remedial maths and English at college level, as well as college

skill classes and career classes. History has shown educators that if a student fails English and maths at IGCSE/GCSE/CXC, they are likely to fail their Associate Level course. That fail then remains on their academic record, affecting their university accumulative performance, the student’s ability to get into other universities, and their ability to get a scholarship to help with funding. The Associate's Degree takes about 2.5 years at UCCI (with 68 credits) or 18 months at ICCI (which is a quarterterm institution) and students will graduate with an Associate’s Degree worth 90 credits.

If any other Caymanian student wants to do an Associate’s Degree at UCCI/ICCI, they can also get funding towards both years of their course if they have achieved enough passes in external exams to qualify to take the course.

AP & CAPE Students

Scholarship funding of up to CI$7,000 is available to Caymanian students who are going into their final two years of studying Advance Placements (AP). Caymanian students taking the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) get both of their final two years of tuition paid in full (up to CI$14,000 per year). However, since only one or two schools in Cayman offer some units of CAPE, the student must find a school in the Caribbean to complete the course, and they must make the case for why they cannot take A Levels in Cayman instead. The Scholarship Secretariat will not pay a scholarship for a course that is an alternative, but equivalent in terms of academics, if that course can be taken in Cayman.

BTEC Diploma Students

If a student would rather do a course which includes lots of hands-on special project assignments and work experience, then they might want to choose a BTEC Level 1, 2 or 3 Diploma, depending on their prior skills, experience and qualifications. Government high schools in Cayman offer BTEC Level 1 and 2 courses, and CIFEC offers BTEC Level 1 and 2 courses, as well as the first year (only) of the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma. For students to complete their Level 3 Diploma (which is considered the equivalent of taking 3 A Levels) they will need to go to England to take the second year. To qualify for an overseas undergraduate scholarship, students taking the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma will need to finish the two-year course with a minimum grade of triple merit (known as MMM). CIFEC currently offers two BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Creative Media Film & TV and Business but only to Certificate and not Diploma level (since you can only attend CIFEC for one year and the full diploma is a two-year course). Please note that the Cayman Islands Government now pays the external

Where to research private and government scholarships available in the Cayman Islands: The Cayman Parent website (www.caymanparent.com) has a very extensive and detailed list of scholarships that are available, plus it lists the criteria needed for each scholarship and the funding that is available.

exam fees for all Caymanians taking BTEC exams.

Technical Vocational Study Programmes (TVET)

To be considered for an overseas scholarship for a Technical/ Vocational Study Programme (TVET), such as Auto Mechanics, Computer Engineering, Building Construction Technology or Radiography Technician, you must have one of the following: 1) five higher level GCSE/CXC subject passes with A, B or C grades, including maths and English Language; 2) three higher GCSE/CXC passes with A, B or C grades with 99 foundation maths and English with A or B grades from UCCI or ICCI; 3) a cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or higher, including maths and English language passes with A, B or C grades; or 4) a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in your first year of study at UCCI or other institution with professional or academic work in the desired course of study. The Education Council have compiled a list of technical/vocational study programmes that they will approve scholarships for.

Scholarships are also available to students wanting to stay in Cayman and take a Technical and Vocational Certificate or Diploma at either Inspire Cayman Training or Cayman Career Academy which are both local institutions. This application is open year-round and approved every quarter. Funding is up to CI$15,000 and there is no limit to the number of times an applicant can apply for a scholarship once they complete the previous course.

Cayman Career Academy offers CIDESCO Diplomas in Beauty Therapy, and Beauty & Spa Management. They also offer certificates in Aesthetics, Body Therapy, Skin Care and Manual Facials. They also offer other courses, but the Scholarship Secretariat will not approve scholarship funding unless the course leads to a certificate or diploma. To be approved for a course at CCA, you must have a Level 2 certification in cosmetology and a minimum of 3 higher level passes (CXC or GCSE) or their equivalent qualifications, including English and/or mathematics.

Inspire Cayman Training's website outlines the numerous courses that they offer here in Cayman and also online. See www. inspirecaymantraining.com for a list of available courses.

Scholarships for Online Studies

Government educational scholarships are available to pursue online at the local undergraduate level at ICCI and the UWI Global Campus. Online study with an overseas institution is only available at the postgraduate degree level (i.e. Master's level or higher). Note: you do not have to complete a medical if you are doing postgraduate studies online.

Scholarships for Tertiary Education & University

In an effort to ensure that Caymanians have the opportunity to fulfil their educational and career goals, the Ministry of Education, through The Education Council and administered by the Scholarship Secretariat, offers scholarships and grants to all Caymanian students who qualify to pursue either a local or an overseas tertiary education. Students can apply for an overseas

scholarship between November 15th and January 31st annually, and a local scholarship between March 1st and April 30th. No late applications are accepted. Students need to apply to a university prior to their scholarship application, but they do not have to have received an acceptance letter prior to applying. The qualifying criterion for a scholarship varies depending on whether you are aiming to take a Technical and Vocational course, a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s or a PhD. The minimum age at which you can qualify for an overseas scholarship is 17, but the expectation is that you will turn 18 during that academic year. There is no upper age limit on applying for a scholarship.

Undergraduate Degree Scholarships

To be considered for an overseas scholarship to study a Bachelor’s degree programme you must have passed your AP, IB, A Levels, BTEC, SATs or Associate's Degree to a certain criteria set out in the Scholarship Secretariat’s application form.

• A Levels: Three A Levels with a minimum grade of Grade C in each A Level.

• Advanced Placement (AP): You must have passed three group A subjects, or two group A and two Group B subjects, with a minimum grade of three, and two standard level subjects at the 12th grade level with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.25.

• International Baccalaureate (IB): You must have taken and passed the full IB Diploma, must have three higher level IB certificates with a minimum of 13 points, and no grade

Maples Group 2025 Scholarship Programme

lower than 4, and two standard level IB subjects at the 12th grade level with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.25. Alternatively, you can have five standard level certificates with no grade lower than 4.

• CAPE: Three CAPE Unit 2 with a minimum grade of C/3 in each CAPE Unit 2.

• Associate's Degrees: Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, or Associate level studies with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

• BTEC Level 3: Must have an Extended Diploma with a minimum MMM grade average.

In some cases, The Education Council may award an overseas scholarship to students who do not have advanced standing (IB, A Levels, CAPE, AP) if they meet one of the following two criteria: 1) seven GCSE/CXC passes at A or B grade in all subjects, including mathematics and English, or 2) a combined cumulative High School GPA of 3.25 or higher and a SAT score of 1100 or ACT score of 22.

Undergraduate Funding Levels & Subsequent Years

To maintain your scholarship, you must achieve a 2.75 GPA or a 2:2 in the first year of study, and a 3.0 GPA or a 2:1 in your subsequent years. The Education Council has a requirement that you do at least 12 credits per semester/term in your first year and then 15 credits per term in the subsequent years. Overall, a Bachelor's degree should take 120 credits to complete. Each

Maples Group is a market leader in the provision of legal, fiduciary, fund, regulatory and compliance, and entity formation and management services, with expertise across a range of jurisdictions, sectors and disciplines. Each year the Group offers both legal and non-legal scholarships to outstanding Caymanian students who demonstrate a need for assistance. Over 100 Maples Group scholarships have been awarded since 1994.

Scholarship Details:

Legal Scholarship: The Maples Group Legal Scholarship is awarded to qualified Caymanians to pursue law degrees at recognised universities. Scholarships are awarded up to US$40,000 per academic year.

Non-Legal Scholarship: The Maples Group Non-legal Scholarship is awarded to qualified Caymanians to purse undergraduate or postgraduate degree courses at recognised colleges or universities. Scholarships are awarded up to US$15,000 per academic year.

Application Periods:

Legal Scholarship: 1st February–1st March, 2025

Non-legal Scholarship: 1st April–30th April, 2025

For more information on the scholarship programmes, contact: Maples Group, Ugland House, South Church Street, PO Box 309 , KY1-1104 (345) 949 8066 | scholarships@maples.com | www.maples.com

Highlights:

• Legal and non-legal scholarships available

• Up to US$40,000 per academic year for legal scholarship

• Up to US$15,000 per academic year for non-legal scholarship

• Priority access to internship opportunities

• A holistic trainee programme for Articled Clerks

• Prospective job offer upon successful completion

Requirements:

• Be Caymanian or hold Caymanian Status

• Possess a High School Diploma with 3.25 GPA or above

• Demonstrate the need for financial assistance

• Offer of university placement

• Maintain a minimum Upper Second Class Honours or 3.25 GPA

• Regular reports of examination results

year you should be doing a minimum of 30 credits for a fouryear course, and 40 credits for a three year course.

Students on an overseas scholarship who have competed locally and continue to train while at university and who intend to compete at the collegiate level can be considered 'Student Athletes'. This means that the student can maintain the lower criteria (2.75 GPA or a 2:2 in the UK) for their subsequent years of study. For this, they must get a letter from the Sports Director of the institution that they are attending to prove that they are still training and competing with the college or university.

Another part of the overseas scholarship application process is a mandatory interview for short-listed applicants. That interview includes at least two professionals in the field that the student wants to study. The interview is to determine whether the student is ready to undertake the study and whether they understand how they will apply their degree to a job. The panel of interviewers will then score the candidate and determine whether the student is ready, whether they understand the field that they are going to study and whether their university of choice is suitable for them. Some students choose a university because of a family attachment or because the university itself has been a popular choice with other students, rather than because of the course they can take or whether it is the best university for the subject they want to study.

You will have to sign a student bond with your surety if you are awarded a scholarship committing you to a) successfully completing your proposed studies and b) then working in the Cayman Islands for a specific period of time after your studies finish. If you fail to meet either of these two requirements, you may have to repay all the scholarship funds that you have received. Having said that, you have a 12-month window in which you should return to Cayman after your degree finishes, or you can apply to the Council for an extension to your return date if you have the opportunity to gain further experience in your field prior to returning home.

Tracking Undergraduate Scholarship Expenses

Each semester, students must go through a detailed submission process for their scholarship funds to be continued. This process includes submitting a detailed grade and transcript record, along with major receipts such as tuition, books, accommodation, and airline tickets. The paperwork will then be reviewed in detail. The Scholarship Secretariat reviews the student’s expenditures to ensure that they were applied towards agreed fees/expenses, and then they review the student’s performance and grades. Only after this review has been done is it determined that the next disbursement of funding can be released.

In addition to the Ministry of Education’s scholarships, students can also apply for a private sector scholarship as long as both scholarships do not exceed their total costs.

Internships

with Ogier: supporting you from day one

With our internships and scholarships for Cayman students, we provide exceptional opportunities, guided by our ‘Always Learning’ ethos. Our current students share their personal stories of professional growth...

Brooke Fitzgerald, full time student on Ogier’s Cayman scholarship programme

“Before my LLB scholarship, I was an Ogier legal secretary. Now, I’m completing my PPC, aiming to start articles in Summer 2024. Ogier’s unwavering support through part-time work, parenthood, and study pauses has been invaluable, proving they truly value me from day one.”

Ayanda Jones, full time student on Ogier’s Cayman scholarship programme

“Beyond financial aid, Ogier’s scholarship has gifted me mentorship and work experience. Even while studying abroad, I feel valued and connected to the Cayman team, embodying Ogier’s people-first culture.

It’s incredibly reassuring to know Ogier’s supportive and encouraging assistance is always just a call away.”

Ogier has a number of great opportunities for students at all stages, including summer internships, scholarships, and Articled Clerk programmes.

Although the process of getting a scholarship may seem overwhelming, the Scholarship Secretariat must have a way of measuring a student’s performance is within the requirements set by the Education Council. They also require students to go through a costing procedure. Each student must fill in an Excel spreadsheet which automatically tables their expenses and identifies the different costs which they should be thinking about (tuition, room and board, dorm supplies, school supplies, groceries, books, utilities, transportation at university, flights home, etc.). Each student is given an online folder in which to upload their expenses and details.

Master's & PhD Scholarships

Scholarships for a Master's or a PhD are available to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or an Upper Second Class Degree (2:1) in their undergraduate degree. They must also have had work experience that is relevant to the course they have chosen to study. Those studying for a Master's Degree or a PhD can get up to CI$35,000 per year.

Qualifying Criteria & Means Testing

Means testing has been removed as a criterion for being awarded a local or overseas government scholarship, however, all other criteria remain, including academic performance, acceptance into a credited institution and being domiciled in the Cayman Islands. For students who have been educated overseas for high school, the Scholarship Secretariat requires a travel history to ensure that the student has kept a link with the Cayman Islands and has come home in most of the holidays. Another factor to consider is that all scholarship recipients are expected to return to the Cayman Islands when they have completed their studies. Your scholarship award will include an agreement that you are bonded to return to the Cayman Islands for the length of time that the scholarship was awarded. You can request to defer your bond for up to three years after you have completed your degree, especially if you want to get overseas work experience, but you will have to get approval from the Education Council. Failure to get permission and failure to return to Cayman can result in the Ministry of Education requesting to be repaid for the full sum that they awarded to you.

Scholarships are not approved for people at the same level of study that they have already attained, whether or not the qualifications were funded by the Cayman Islands Government. The qualifying criteria for a local or overseas scholarship can be quite complicated. For details on the criteria and how to apply, see the Ministry of Education's scholarship website: moescholarships.gov.ky.

Private Scholarships

US$50,000 per year. Remember that you will have to keep meticulous records on exactly how you spent your scholarship money and this includes receipts for major items. You will usually be required to work for the firm in your summer holidays and on completion of your degree.

When choosing who to award the scholarship to, most private companies will give preference to those school leavers in the current year who are without the financial means to pursue further studies. The applicants are often free to study any course of their choosing as long as it is at a competitively ranked and accredited university. However, most law firms will want you to study Law and they will then pay for the Professional Practice Course (PPC) before they offer you an Articles of Clerkship.

A very extensive and detailed list of private scholarships can be found on the Cayman Parent website (www.caymanparent. com), where we have outlined the scholarships by industry, along with the criteria needed and the amount of funding available.

GPA Explained: A GPA — or Grade Point Average — of 4.0 is the equivalent of an A, 3.5 GPA is the equivalent of a B+, 3.0 GPA is the equivalent of a B and a 2.0 GPA is the equivalent of a C. To qualify for an overseas scholarship to attend university, the student must finish with a GPA of at least 3.0 or 3 x A Levels at C grade or above.

There are over fifty private scholarships available every year in the Cayman Islands, and these can be combined with a government scholarship. All the top law firms offer annual scholarships, as do the top accounting firms, and there are dozens of others available from local banks, hospitals, hotels, CUC, Dart, and other businesses large and small. The amount available annually varies, they usually average US$20,000–

Saving for College Fees

Saving for your children’s university and college fees is something that ideally needs to be started when your child is very young. Here we offer some suggestions on how, with good and early planning, college fees can be saved without tipping the family finances over the edge.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Saving for college is no different from any other financial goal in that it needs a plan. Your starting point is where you are today and what you have accumulated so far. Take an honest look at your current financial situation. From there, start researching college fees to estimate how much you may need and when you will need it, depending on the age of your child. Then, with the help of an online calculator, you can start to work out the monthly savings needed to get you to where you want to go.

There are lots of online tools that can help you calculate how much you need to save. Just type into Google 'Education Fee Calculator' or 'School and University Fees Calculator' and lots of options will come up.

Discuss College Education Early

Having conversations early on with your child is critical when assessing how much you may need. Is there a burning desire to attend a top US university, or will they look to you for direction on where they should go? You can explain to them that for the same degree, you can take it in the UK in three years, versus four years in the US. If you can save a year's worth of college fees and living expenses, then that is huge. You can also remind your child that they can apply for scholarships to help with the fees, especially if they are Caymanian, and then be open about how much you could help them financially,

and how much they will need to fund themselves by getting a summer job or using their savings. It is important to have open and candid discussions with your children so that they have an understanding of the expectations being placed upon them.

If you are struggling with where to begin, try starting with the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 principle; with you covering 1/3, the child being responsible for 1/3 (either through part-time work or student loans) and 1/3 being raised from scholarships or grants. If the plan involves your child taking responsibility for part of the funding, you will need their participation well before college starts. Keeping grades up and researching the scholarships takes work and dedication. Saving earnings from their part-time summer employment takes discipline. Creating a plan early on and sitting down to revisit it regularly is critical to success.

US Versus UK?

For many in Cayman, the US is a logical choice; it is after all much closer to the Cayman Islands. However, for both Caymanian and expat students, Canada or the UK can be another, possibly cheaper, option. In the US, tuition fees tend to be between US$30,000 and US$80,000 per annum, with living costs adding another US$20,000 to US$30,000. In the UK, a Caymanian student will pay the local UK tuition fees of around £9,250 per year, with another £10,000-£15,000 per year for living costs (not including flights to and from the UK).

Those students without a UK passport will pay ‘overseas fees’ of between £15,500 and £35,000 per year depending on the degree (lab-based degrees, including maths and engineering, incur higher fees). The overseas fees for the UK are still a little over half of the cost of the US. In Canada, average university tuition for an international student is $36,000 CAD per annum, cheaper for local tuition fees. Of course, adding another dimension to this is the fact that many parents will have two children (or more) overlapping at college at the same time. See the ‘Applying to Overseas Universities’ article for more on the costs involved.

How Much Should I Save & For How Long?

The reality is, the earlier you start, the less you have to save each month. Growing your money at more than the rate of inflation is really important as, over time, inflation erodes your purchasing power and means that you have to save more to get to the same point. Education inflation can be roughly 5%, or even higher, depending on the school and location. Consider investing in the stock market, however, it is important to review your timeframe before jumping in. It is impossible to know whether the stock market will go up or down in the short-term, and therefore it is only a sensible option if you have some years ahead of you. Time enables you to withstand the ups and downs to benefit from long-term growth.

Involve Family & Godparents

At various banks and institutions in Cayman you can set up

an education investment account or education trust and you can let family and Godparents know about it so that they can make deposits on behalf of the child on birthdays or special occasions. The account would be in the child's name and they would have direct access to it should anything happen to their guardian. The bank will invest it and over time it would hopefully have enough in it to cover your child's college fees.

Financial Commitments

One of the most important pieces of advice is to ensure that your college savings plan is considered alongside your other financial goals: retirement, caring for elderly parents, paying off mortgages, having emergency cash balances, etc. To put your college savings in context, it is worth seeking the advice of a professional financial planner. They will recommend the correct assets to invest in (investing in the stock market is not for everyone), and more importantly, they will act as your accountability partner to keep you on track.

Final Word

As a final note, remember that your financial security is important too. Money is emotional and it is easier to give freely, without resentment or blame, when your cup is full (or being filled). Money is not love, and love is not money. Teaching your children good financial planning practices will set them up for life and help them pay off any student loans more quickly and efficiently. Sadly, there are no loans available for retirement. For that, you simply have to save!

Applying to Overseas Universities

As your school’s college counsellor should advise you, the path to university is not all about your grades. Yes, universities will want to see your grades (passes, as well as fails) from the start of Grade 9 (US) or Year 10 (UK) and these will all appear on your school transcript, but universities are interested in the whole student. They will want to see all the extracurricular activities you have taken part in for your last four years of school, including community service, volunteer work, clubs you have joined, internships, work shadowing and any leadership training opportunities.

That said, the vast majority of universities will have minimum academic entry requirements, and these vary according to the university and course. The good news is that regardless of which country you studied in, and whether you took A Levels, the IB, SATs, APs or some other High School Diploma, universities understand the various scoring systems and will consider you if you have the grades they want. Read on for a list of the various entry exams to university.

North America - SAT & ACT Entrance Exams

Most American colleges and universities require students to take one of two standardised aptitude tests: the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or the ACT (American College Test). SATs are geared more towards testing critical thinking and problemsolving skills, while the ACT tests what you have learned in high school. These tests are an easy way for colleges to compare all applications. Admissions officers will review your SAT or ACT scores alongside your high school GPA, recommendation letters from your teachers, your own personal statement which should list, amongst other things, your extracurricular activities, work experience and charity work and any other details including the subjects you took in high school.

Most high school students are encouraged to take the SAT twice: the first time in May of Grade 11/Year 12 (their second to last year of high school) and the second time either in August or early October of Grade 12/Year 13. This gives enough time to study over the summer holidays and take the test again before early university applications are due on October 15th of Grade 12 (US system) and Year 13 (UK system).

Many students now also take the PSAT/NMSQT (Practice SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Program) in October of Grade 11/ Year 12 before they take the SAT. This test measures knowledge and skills in reading, writing and maths and the scores range from 320 to 1520. Tests are taken in school, not online. By taking the PSAT/NMSQT early, students may meet the requirements to enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships.

Students in Cayman can take the SAT at Cayman International School, even if this is not the school they are enrolled at. The test is offered in August, October, November, December, March, May and June, although you need to be registered five weeks in advance. The test is three hours long and includes a maths portion and an evidence-based reading and writing section. You can also take an optional essay section, which is reported separately and takes an additional 50 minutes. Each section of the SAT is scored on a 200-800 point scale. The highest possible score is 1,600, but 1,200 is considered to be a very solid score.

In 2023, 1.9 million students took the SAT exam (up from 1.7 million in 2022) and 1.4 million students took the ACT exam. It is unclear how many students took both, but experts say it is now common practice for students to tackle both exams. The ACT exam includes four sections: English, reading, maths and science and it also includes an optional 40-minute writing test. Each section of the ACT is scored on a scale from 1-36. Your final score is the average of your four-section scores. The maximum score you can receive is 36 and the average score is 21. The average SAT score for the class of 2023 was down slightly at 1,028 compared to 1,050 for the class of 2022. Note: you can take free full-length practice tests online for both the SAT and ACT. Also note, lots of schools do not ask for the ACT from international candidates.

UK - A Levels

In the British school system, A Levels are the 2-year Advanced Level qualifications which students take after they have completed their GCSEs, and they are what universities use to gauge the academic level of a potential student. It is worth noting that UK universities will not consider a candidate for entry unless they have passed GCSE Maths and English Language with a minimum grade 4 or C. Students usually take 3-4 subjects and are graded A* to U (A* to E are a pass). Please note that students in Cayman still take AS Levels in Year 12 but these have been phased out in the UK. Taking these exams halfway through the A Level course gives Cayman students an advantage, as their AS Level results give both the school and the university a benchmark to predict how the student will do at A Level in Year 13. AS Levels also contribute 40% of the marks of a full A Level. Students then have the chance of retaking their AS Levels in January of Year 13 if needed.

Some US and Canadian universities offer students credits for their first year if they have taken certain subjects at A Level, and these credits are applied when you get to the university. You often have a choice of whether you want to apply the credits at the beginning of the programme, and skip a few courses, or apply the credits at the end and completely blow your final result

out of the water! The policy varies from university to university, so make sure to investigate what they offer.

The benefit of delaying taking the credits is that it's likely you will ace your first years' worth of courses, as some of it might seem very easy after A Levels. This will potentially put you on the Dean’s List and line you up to get a scholarship or access to better courses. Your university counsellor will advise you on your options.

If the university does not want to give you credit for your A Level course, it is often because they don’t understand the depth of the course you took. In such cases, your Cayman school is always very willing to send the US or Canadian university the syllabus of the course you took. Once they see this, they will be far more likely to understand the depth and breadth of your A Level and be willing to give you credit for it.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement is a programme that allows students to take college-level courses whilst still in High School. About 40 courses are offered and these are scored 1-5 (5 being the highest). Students who score 3, 4 or 5, can request college credits for the class. Many colleges accept AP classes as additional points towards your GPA. For highly selective schools, such as Ivy League schools, it’s common for accepted applicants to have taken between 7-12 AP classes throughout high school. The average student will take about five AP courses.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is accepted by universities around the world and is highly regarded. It is a rigorous programme that focuses not only on academic performance, but also on students’ personal, ethical and emotional development. The programme is studied in Grades 11 and 12 and prepares students very well for the challenges of university.

The curriculum is made up of three core components: 1) Theory of Knowledge (TOK); 2) Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) and 3) the Extended Essay plus six subject groups. Students must participate in all three core subjects and also choose one course from each of the six subject groups. The six subject groups are: language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, maths and the arts. Three or four of these are taken at Higher Level, and the rest at Standard Level.

Students sit exams for the Diploma Programme in May. They are graded from 1-7 (7 being the highest) for each of their six subjects. Additionally, the Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay are also graded, and together can add up to an additional three points. The maximum score one can therefore achieve is 45. The pass rate is 24, and anything over 34 is considered very solid. When you start researching the subject you want to study, you will see what IB scores universities want. For example, if someone wants to read medicine at university, they need to get an IB score in the 40s. Architecture would be in the high 30s. Because admission to US universities is decided in December

or January and the IB examinations do not take place until the following May, places for IB students are often based on their predicted scores. The advanced nature of the IB curriculum is such that some US universities will allow IB students to go directly into the second year, thus shortening their degree course significantly. The IB High School programme is offered at CIS.

Entry to a UK University

About 80% of students who go through the British system in Cayman (Cayman Prep and St. Ignatius) go on to UK universities. The remainder go to US or Canadian universities, and a small percentage go to a local Cayman university. The main reasons students go to the UK are: the courses are shorter, the reputation of UK universities is highly prized and the cost*–anyone resident in the Cayman Islands for three years prior to applying to a UK university is eligible for ‘home fees’, which means that the tuition fees are a fixed £9,250 per year. For more information on the rules around home fees, see www. ukcisa.org.uk. With board and lodging, food, flights, books and extras on top, the all-inclusive cost of going to a UK university is in the region of £20,000 or US$28,000 per year. The US equivalent is US$30,000 to $90,000 per year for tuition alone, the higher fees being at an Ivy League university. Cayman Government scholarship funding for Caymanian students wanting to attend UK universities is CI$30,000 per year for undergraduate studies and CI$35,000 per year for overseas postgraduate studies for the 2024/25 academic year. If you want to go to a UK university but don't qualify for home fees, then overseas student fees range from £10,000-£38,000 per year, depending on the subject you choose to study.

In contrast to US universities, where courses run for four years and start with a liberal programme covering many subjects, UK degree courses specialise right from the beginning and usually run for only three years, unless you are doing Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry or studying a foreign language. Some UK universities offer a four-year course, such as in Scotland, which lead directly to a Master's Degree. They are often referred to as ‘Integrated Masters’.

There is now also a lot of movement between countries as many North American universities have partnerships with UK universities and offer a ‘Study Abroad’ term or year. This is a nice compromise for those students who really don’t know which country they want to study in!

*As part of the 2024/25 Cayman scholarship process, students who apply for funding to take A Levels either in Cayman or overseas are now required to sign a declaration that they intend to study at a tertiary institution in a Commonwealth country (e.g. the UK, Canada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados). Pursuing further studies outside of the Commonwealth may limit their ability to obtain subsequent scholarship funding.

UCAS

For undergraduate studies, there is only one way to apply to a UK university and that is through UCAS. This centralised provider gathers all the student’s information and university choices, and

then disseminates it to the universities chosen. The 2025 cost of a UCAS application is £28.50. Students can register with UCAS in May of Year 12. Over the summer holidays students and their families research what courses are available at which universities and begin to home in on the course that will fit best. The UCAS website also has a ‘Student Budget Planner’ which helps parents and students see how much it will cost to live at each university. It’s a very useful tool for the majority of students who will be living on a very tight budget.

For most courses you can apply to up to five universities. If you want to read Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science, however, you can only apply to four. You cannot apply to five universities for two or three different subjects. Incidentally, if you want to apply to Oxbridge, you have to choose to apply for either Oxford or Cambridge you cannot choose both. The UCAS application should include the student’s residency paperwork, a reference from school, choice of five universities, transcripts of all their grades (passes, as well as fails) from GCSE, CXC and AS Levels, their work experience record and the answers to six specific questions. This is to replace the personal statement component of the application. The universities want to know: 1) Your motivation for the course 2) Your preparedness for the course 3) Your preferred style of learning 4) Your work experience 5) Your extracurricular activities and 6) Your achievements. Cayman schools will check these answers, offer advice on what it should contain and edit it so that it is grammatically correct. Crucially, universities will be expecting to read your motivation for wishing to study your chosen subject and will want to see what you have done to further your knowledge and passion for the subject beyond the narrow confines of your school’s curriculum. This is where extensive outside reading and subject-related work experience will be highly beneficial.

For those students who have done SATs, APs or the IB, UK ENIC (www.ecctis.com) is the UK’s national agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications. The deadline for UCAS applications is October 15th for Oxbridge and January 29th for all other universities. It is very important that Cayman students do not leave their application until the deadline of January 29th. The reason being that many universities come back with the ‘you have been assessed as an overseas student for fees purposes’, which will then trigger a fee appeal. If this happens, Cayman schools will speak on the student’s behalf and explain to the university that under this guideline and this law, the student does qualify for home fees. Students can also send a short email explaining. Although there have been a few close calls, schools in Cayman have never lost a fee appeal. However, if you leave the application until January and there is a problem, then places may have already been offered and accepted by other students. For more information about home or overseas fees, visit www.ukcisa.org.uk and read the guidelines very carefully.

In an ideal world, students get their UCAS applications in early, and by Christmas they know what their offers are and what grades they need to get in their exams that summer. The sooner

you apply, the sooner you will start receiving offers. If you apply later, many of the popular courses and universities will already have made all their offers. It also helps when you are applying for a government scholarship which is unbelievably hard in terms of paperwork and information you need to gather to know what courses and universities you are aiming for.

Once applications have been assessed, universities either offer an unconditional place, a conditional place based on grades they want you to get, or they turn you down. Offers are always based on three A Level subjects; they will never be offered on four A Levels. A high-achieving student might take four A Levels though, as it will give them more UCAS Tariff Points, which, if applied by the university, will give the student greater flexibility over the grade combination needed to meet the university’s requirements.

Students planning to study Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry or Biomedical Science at undergraduate level are also required to take either the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) or the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT). Once the student has received their offers, they have to confirm which one they will firmly accept, but are allowed to choose a second offer as an ‘insurance’ policy in case they do not get the grades required for their first choice. They then contact both the universities and discuss everything, including accommodation. At this point, the only thing they don’t do is book their flight. Results then come out around August 20th, and university begins in late September or early October.

Schools in Cayman are very clear on the fact that UK universities do not give students coming from overseas any advantage over UK resident students. The universities all know the qualification options (IB, APs, SATs) and there is a level that they want students to be at. Similarly, applying as an international student using a non-British passport can prove problematic when trying to attain a student visa, as this will likely be denied if, in fact, you hold a British Passport.

Students taking a gap year can apply a year later when they already have their results. Alternatively, and preferably, students can apply and request entry after their gap year. If a student is planning a gap year, they must ensure that they share their plans when they answer the UCAS questions. There is an advantage to applying after you have received your results, as universities can tell the students right away yes or no based on their results. Cayman schools keep all the students’ references on file, along with their grades, and welcome past students back so they can work on their applications.

Entry to US Universities

As is the case in the UK, the US has a similar central portal called the 'Common App', which lists more than 800 colleges and universities. See www.commonapp.org for more information and how to apply. There is also the 'Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success', which is a group of US colleges and universities (about 150 in total) who have united in their mission to support lower-income, under-resourced,

and/or first-generation university students. They make sure that these students have access to financial aid and that access to higher education is made clearer and easier. See www. coalitionforcollegeaccess.org for more information. Students interested in going to an American university create a profile in these portals, input a personal statement and then their current school fills in its part, which includes their GPA, curriculum, a transcript of their grades and subjects from Years 7 to 13, and teacher recommendations/references.

American universities accept students from all over the world, so they have to understand the different grading systems between A Levels, Advanced Placements, the International Baccalaureate (IB) and, of course, their own SAT and ACT tests. The University of Cambridge in England has done a lot of work lobbying Ivy League universities so that they understand the A Level system and what the various grades are worth. To work out your own GPA, go to www.cambridgeinternational.org, click on the ‘Programmes and Qualifications’ link and then the ‘Recognition and Acceptance’ section.

US University & College Application Guidance

Dorm & Day assists students with their US college admissions. This involves carefully considering the student’s academic and career compatibility, as well as any social and financial factors. Their primary objective is to streamline the process,

The 'Gap' Year

According to the Gap Year Association, taking a break before or after university has numerous benefits for the student. There are reams of anecdotal and qualitative data on the positive reasons for taking a gap year and these include such things as increased maturity, greater ownership of the student's education, increased selfawareness, greater global awareness, fluency in a foreign language and, of course, the self-confidence earned from successfully completing a gap year. Universities have reported that students who have taken a Gap Year engage more in campus life and are statistically more likely to graduate on time.

Students have reported that their year away helped them socially and gave them something interesting to say in conversations, in essays and in job applications. They felt that their year away helped confirm their choice of career and academic major, and added to their employability.

If you are planning on taking a gap year, make sure that you have a good gap year plan and that whatever you do is worthwhile, has value and will feed into your course. There are lots of fabulous gap year websites which can give you an idea of great things to do on your year off.

ensuring it is stress-free, manageable, and ultimately successful. This encompasses devising comprehensive test preparation strategies, conducting thorough essay reviews, facilitating scholarship searches, and compiling a well-suited list of colleges. The process typically commences in Grade 11/Year 12 and culminates in November of Grade 12/Year 13.

Entry to Canadian Universities

Ontario has the vast majority of the universities in Canada, and, similar to UCAS and the Common App, Ontario has the ‘Ontario Universities Application Centre' (OUAC) where you will input your application, list your chosen course and universities, and upload your grades, personal statement and references amongst other things. For all other universities, including McGill in Quebec, you will have to apply to the schools directly. As an overseas undergraduate student, you will need to allow CA$36,000 per year for tuition fees and an additional CA$15,000 per year for housing, food and other living expenses. This is a total of CI$30,386 per year, so Canada is a good option for Cayman students.

Canadian universities understand the British GCSE and A Level system, as well as the IB. It is worth looking at the admissions requirements for each Canadian university that you are interested in. For example, the University of Toronto requires a minimum predicted IB score of 27, and higher for more competitive subjects. If you have gone through the British system, they require at least five IGCSE/GCSE subjects and four AS Levels or three A Levels. They do not generally accept people who have taken a BTEC course unless the BTEC includes sufficient academic content and it is an Extended Diploma Level 3 BTEC which is the equivalent to 3 A Levels. For those that have gone through the US system in high school, a Canadian university will want to know your GPA and will look at your results in Grades 11 and 12. They do not require SAT or ACT test scores, although they may request them if your GPA is lower than they want. Knowing this information in advance is very helpful as it will help you know what you have to aim towards in your exams. Many universities in Canada also stipulate that maths is studied at A Level, so make sure to check before you choose your A Levels.

Useful Websites

• www.numbeo.com – A useful website to compare living costs at different universities.

• www.unifrog.org – Helps students compare and apply for university courses and apprenticeships.

• www.discoveruni.gov.uk – Compare official data on undergraduate courses at each university.

• www.topuniversities.com – Lists the best ranked courses available in the US, the UK and Australia.

• www.payscale.com/college-salary-report Tracks the degrees that lead to the highest salaries in the US.

• www.rome2rio.com – A useful website to work out how to get from A to B and what the cost is.

Local Colleges & Universities

With the local post-secondary landscape developing rapidly, it’s no surprise that a number of students are choosing to stay in Cayman to pursue their higher education degrees. With an incredible location and competitive fee schedules, Cayman has also become a hotspot for foreign students to come and study professional degrees, especially in the fields of Law and Medicine.

International College of the Cayman Islands

The International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI) is the birthplace of higher education in the Cayman Islands. The college has awarded certificates, Associate's, Bachelor’s and Master's degrees. It has been recognised by the CI Ministry of Education since 2002 and is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) in the US and the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC) in the UK. ICCI focuses on career readiness, enhancement and personal development of the student. Courses Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's degrees in Business, Finance, Accounting, Information Systems Management, Community Health, Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Liberal Studies. Online, face-toface and hybrid formats are offered. Courses start at the end of September, January, April and July. Master's degrees include the MBA, Human Resources Management and Management Consulting.

University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI)

UCCI offers international accreditation for its courses and has nearly 2,000 students and 89 full-time faculty and staff members with a wide range of expertise, representing 42 different nationalities. It has international partnerships with global universities and offers students a study abroad option. Local students can also access numerous internship and scholarship opportunities in Cayman. New courses introduced in 2024 include Early Years Education, Watersports, Computer Science and AI, Solar Installation and much more. UCCI is also renowned for its robust STEM programme, and in 2023 hosted the biggest STEM Conference ever to be held in the Cayman Islands, with speakers from across the globe and thousands of people in attendance.

UCCI offers Preparatory Studies for Year 12 students who are on a Dual Enrolment Programme, and this includes compulsory courses intended to establish a proper basis in English and mathematics, and provides the tools needed to get through a student’s college experience. They also offer Associate's Degree Programmes, Bachelor's Degree Programmes and a handful of Graduate Programmes, which include a Masters in Human Resource Management (MHRM), Master of Business Administration (CEMBA), Master of Public Administration (CEMPA) and the Post Graduate Certificate in Education

(PGCE - Primary). Additionally, they offer many Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Vocational Certificate Programmes.

St.

Matthew's

University School of Medicine

Cayman has a thriving medical school called St. Matthew’s which attracts most of its student population from America and other overseas countries. Students complete five semesters (three per year) of Basic Science and Pre-Clinical studies in Grand Cayman, and are then transferred to do clinical rotations at teaching hospitals in the US, Canada or UK to complete their medical degree programme. St. Matthew's MD programme is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) and is one of the few international medical schools with approvals in the key states of New York and Florida.

St.

Matthew's

University School of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary students complete seven semesters (three per year) of Basic Science instruction in Grand Cayman before doing a year of clinical instruction at an affiliated US or Canadian veterinary school. With the smallest class sizes of any veterinary school in North America, students have an unprecedented level of faculty support and attention. Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 20 students. It welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including from diverse, transfer and second-career applicants. St. Matthew's University School of Veterinary Medicine is a Member Institution of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).

The Truman Bodden Law School

Established in 1982, the Truman Bodden Law School (TBLS) has been affiliated with the University of Liverpool in the UK since the late 1980s. The University validates and awards the undergraduate LL.B degree programmes which are offered on a full and part-time basis. The University of Liverpool is a Russell Group University (equivalent to the US Ivy League) and these qualifications are internationally recognised accordingly. The LL.B Degree is recognised as a Qualifying Law Degree by the Joint Academic Quality and Standards Committee of England and Wales, the Cayman Islands’ Legal Advisory Council and by the National Committee on Accreditation, Canada. This recognition makes LL.B graduates eligible to pursue postgraduate professional qualifications in Cayman,

the UK, Canada and other common law jurisdictions. At a postgraduate professional level, TBLS also enjoys an affiliation with Oxford Brookes University. Successful completion of the law school’s nine-month-long Professional Practice Course (the precursor to Articles of Clerkship) leads to the award of the OBU Diploma in Legal Practice.

Other Local Further Education Options

Cayman Career Academy (CCA)

CCA is an accredited beauty school that offers diplomas in Beauty Therapy, Beauty and Spa Management, and certificate courses in Aesthetics, Body Therapy and Manual Facial. See page 116 for more information.

Civil Service College (CSC)

The CSC provides learning and development opportunities for those in the Civil Service. Its aim is to equip civil servants with the knowledge and skills they need to undertake their roles effectively, and it ensures continual professional development so that existing staff can progress and advance in their careers.

Construction Trades Training Centre (CTTC)

A division of the Public Works Department, the CTTC offers training and apprenticeships in plumbing, masonry, A/C refrigeration, electrical installation, welding, carpentry, plumbing and Advanced Construction Management. Candidates must be ages 16-29 and be Caymanian. The training leads to a City & Guilds certification which is internationally recognised.

Inspire Cayman Training (ICT)

Through its partnership with Invince Learning Management System and C1st Online Academy Limited, Inspire Cayman Training offers over 12,000 online professional development courses across various industries including IT, Healthcare, Tourism, Customer Services, Human Resources, Leadership and Management just to name a few. All courses are self-paced, so you can choose the course that will fit with your schedule.

ICT also offers the CareerFitter Test which is done through CareerFitter.com. This test analyses your personality in the workplace and is designed to give insight into which careers you should consider based on your work personality. The test generates a detailed description of your optimal work environment, your strengths, your preferred management style, your work personality traits and more. The test results then show you a list of jobs that fit your personality best.

Northwestern Caribbean Baptist Theological Seminary

Cayman's first seminary, founded in conjunction with Dr Randy Von Kanel and the Cayman Islands Baptist Church, offers coursework towards a Bachelor's Degree taught by credentialed professors. Students can also study for a Master’s Degree through online work with an accredited US seminary.

University of the West Indies Global Campus (UWI)

The UWI Global Campus currently has a student population of over 21,000, with approximately 7,000 students enrolled in its

online programmes and 15,000 pursuing short and Continuing & Professional Education courses. The Campus’ programmes have been rigorously evaluated and the Campus currently enjoys a full seven-year accreditation, which was granted in 2019 by the Barbados Accreditation Council.

Within the region, the UWI Global Campus is simultaneously an online campus with approximately 38 site locations serving 17 English-speaking Caribbean countries, of which, The UWI Global Campus Cayman Site is one. The UWI Global Campus Cayman Site not only facilitates formal education and training but is extensively involved in a number of community development outreach programmes in the Cayman Islands. This includes its integral involvement in Prison Education in His Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service (HMCIPS) in which both inmates and Education Officers are provided access to higher education.

Students can start in August or January each year. Alternatively, students can choose to join one of the five campuses around the Caribbean which offer over 800 different educational programmes. For programmes commencing in September, the application period is January-July and for January, the application period is September-December. For more information visit www.global.uwi.edu.

For contact information for these institutions, see page 301. There are also many vocational training options in Grand Cayman, see pages 116-118.

Interested in a Career in Construction?

Construction Trades Training Centre

further information please email:

Trade & Vocational Training Courses

There is a wide range of excellent vocational training options in Cayman, which could be a good choice for students wanting to learn the practical skills needed to launch their chosen career. Below is a rundown of some of the options available.

Employability Skills

An essential component to getting a job is knowing how to be employable, so the Cayman Islands Government, along with Inspire Cayman Training, have developed an Employability Skills course which covers the following subjects: how to get and keep a job, communication, diversity in the workplace, teamwork, building strong relationships, managing stress and resolving conflict. Each student then takes a Career Fitter Personality Test to see what career would suit them best. Scholarships are offered for this course and Caymanians are actively encouraged to apply. Visit www.inspirecaymantraining. com to learn more or book a space on the course.

Auto Maintenance & Repair

UCCI offers a one-year part-time auto repair Level 2 and Level 3 programme which uses the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) as the qualifying body, providing everything you need to know to become a qualified motor vehicle mechanic. Superior Auto also offers a training programme in the fundamentals of auto repair. Tel: (345) 949 9570 or email: sa@candw.ky.

Beauty & Massage Therapy Courses

Cayman Career Academy (CCA) is a local CIDESCO and EduQual-accredited beauty school that offers diplomas in Beauty Therapy and Beauty and Spa Management and certificate courses in Aesthetics, Body Therapy and Manual Facial. They also offer a diploma in Massage Therapy, as well as shorter award courses in waxing, manicures and pedicures, etc. CCA is open to anyone 16 and over. Through CIDESCO qualifications, students receive theoretical and practical training (blending learning) and obtain professional expertise, which will ensure they stand out to employers, not only locally but internationally. For those who may not qualify for a scholarship, payment plans are also available. Tel: (345) 936 2228 to book an interview or, for more information, see www.caymancareeracademy.ky.

Boat Training

Boat training can help boost employability, give companies formal safety qualifications and even lower boat insurance. For private/non-commercial boat owners, knowing how to operate a boat safely is critical, and can significantly lower your insurance costs.

Mark Tarsh/Spindrift Charters offers the IYT Small Power

Boat Rib Master Course over two days after the e-learning has been completed. He also offers the IYT VHF Radio course and the MCA ICC 10m Power & PWC Coastal course. For anyone who wants to do the International Bareboat Skipper Sail or the MCA International Certificate of Competence 24m Sail/10m power courses then he will put you on a waiting list and do it when he has enough students who want to do it. For more information, call (345) 328 0432, email: info@spindriftcharters. com or visit www.spindriftcharters.com/iytboatingcourses.

Other companies that offer various boating courses include Go Pro Diving who offers the MTCI Small Powerboat Operation Level 1 course. For more information, call Ash McKnight on (345) 925 9092 or see their website www.goprocayman. com. Pro Yacht also offers a Small Powerboat and RIB Master course. This two-day certified course covers the basics of boat handling, operations and safety, which is perfect for families and children wanting to safely handle a boat. You must be 16 years of age or older. Call Tristan Skinner on (345) 945 4676 or email: tskinner@proyacht.ky.

Coding & Computer Technology

Enterprise Cayman, in conjunction with Cayman Enterprise City, places an emphasis on fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, empowering participants not only with technical skills but also with the entrepreneurial mindset and networks needed to excel in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape. Their programmes feature a unique mentorship component, providing learners with invaluable guidance from industry experts. They offer training at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels and provide a mix of live-online, self-paced, and in-person courses in code, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and more. Enterprise Cayman has partnered with Cisco Networking Academy, Oracle Academy, and Code Fellows to provide reputable curriculum and recognisable certifications. For more information, visit their website www.enterprisecayman.ky/tech-training or email: innovate@enterprisecayman.ky.

CompTIA Courses

UCCI offers a full-time Computer Technician Certificate that introduces students to the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, mobile devices, security and networking concepts, and the responsibility of an IT professional. The latest curriculum includes mobile devices and Linux, as well as

expanded information about Microsoft Windows operating systems, security, networking and troubleshooting. Inspire Cayman Training also offers nine CompTIA courses including IT Fundamentals, the A+ and A+ Network certifications, the Securities certification, Cloud Essentials and the Cybersecurity CASP+ and CySA+ certifications.

Construction Trades

The Public Works Department runs the Construction Trades Training Centre (CTTC) where successful candidates take a 52-week training course with an apprenticeship which leads to a City & Guilds certification in different aspects of the construction trade. These include plumbing, masonry, A/C refrigeration, electrical installation, welding, carpentry, plumbing and Advanced Construction Management. Students must be Caymanian and aged 16-29. Call (345) 949 2547 or email: pwdadmin@gov.ky for more information. UCCI also offers TVET courses in construction trades.

Craft Skills

The NCCER Core Curriculum Introductory to Craft Skills encompasses 160 hours of material handling, rigging, power tools, hand tools, construction maths and construction site safety. The course costs CI$3,500 and can be done through Inspire Cayman Training. See www.inspirecaymantraining. com for more information. Once completed, other courses can be taken.

Dive Instructor Training

If you are looking to make scuba diving your career, then you will have to become a PADI Dive Master before you can take the PADI Dive Instructor training course. Go Pro Diving offers all levels of dive training up to Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) and they regularly work with the Fire Department, UCCI and CIFEC. For more information, call Ash McKnight on (345) 925 9092 or visit their website www.goprocayman.com.

Hospitality & Culinary

UCCI offers an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management, as well as a Hospitality & Tourism Certificate and various different short courses (14 weeks) in different cooking techniques and disciplines.

Occupational Safety & Health

Risk Consultancy Cayman Ltd. (RCC) offers a 30-hour Occupational Safety and Health training programme in rigging and lifting procedures for crane operations, fall protection training, scaffold building, forklift operator training, hazardous material handling, fire warden training and PHTLS (PreHospital Trauma Life Support) training. It also offers a full risk management consultancy service for the construction industry. Call Julius Jacky on (345) 326 1007 or email: julius.jacky@ rcs.ky for more information. Inspire Cayman Training, through BIS Safety Software, also offers Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) courses. They have 2,000 health and safety courses which can be done through online training.

Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Those wanting to qualify as a primary school teacher can take

the required PGCE course at UCCI. It is an intensive 15-month programme for bachelor’s degree holders and the course focuses on teaching and learning methodologies designed to enhance teaching skills at the primary level. Courses in Literacy, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies include practical experience affording candidates the opportunity to connect theory and practice in the classroom. Candidates will develop the technological and professional skills required to foster positive development and learning in children.

Technology Courses

Inspire Cayman Training (ICT) offers NCCER certified courses in craft professions (Carpentry, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical and Construction Craft Labourer). Partnering with Caribbean Utilities Company, courses are taught at Grade 8 standard. ICT provides portable credentials to all trainees and these credentials are tracked through NCCER’s Registry System, which allows all organisations to track the qualifications of their craft professionals and/or check the qualifications of new hires. Trainees must achieve a passing score of 70% or greater on the module test and performance profile to earn certification. For more information, visit www.inspirecaymantraining.com.

UCCI

UCCI's TVET courses and vocational certificate programmes are designed to provide career and vocational qualifications to a diverse group of learners, including post-high school students, industry workers, and individuals seeking alternative educational pathways. Some are offered full-time and others part-time in the evening for working professionals.

TVET courses at UCCI include:

• Social Work Certificate

• Early Childhood Education Diploma

• Electro-Technology Level 2 Diploma

• Hospitality and Tourism Level 2 Diploma

• Computer Technician Level 2 Diploma

• General Business Studies Level 2 Diploma

• General Accounting Certificate

• The Cayman Islands Banking Certificate

• Construction Technology Level 2 Diploma

• Digital Certificate

• Electrical Installation - Level 1 & Level 2

• Plumbing Application - Level 1 & Level 2

• Air Conditioning & Refrigeration - Level 1 & 2

• Construction Technology - Level 1

• Auto Repairs & Maintenance -Level 2 & Level 3

In addition to TVET Certification, UCCI offers a wide variety of stand-alone short and hobby courses, delivered over 7-14 weeks each semester. These courses are designed to cater to individuals of all ages and skill levels, providing both personal enrichment and professional development opportunities:

• Cake Decorating: Master the art of cake design and decoration.

• Conversational Spanish: Improve your Spanish

speaking abilities for everyday communication.

• English as a Second Language: Enhance your English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

• Real Estate: Learn the fundamentals of real estate sales and property management.

• QuickBooks: Acquire skills in using QuickBooks for accounting and financial management.

University College Cayman Islands (UCCI) is located at 18 Olympus Way, off Walkers Road. You can call them on (345) 623 8224, email: admissions@ucci.edu.ky or visit www. ucci.edu.ky.

Online Courses

Inspire Cayman Training offers over 12,000 online courses which can be taken in your own time, wherever you have a computer, and the courses are accredited. See www. inspirecaymantraining.com. Scholarships are available through the Ministry of Education and WORC.

Personal Trainer Certification Courses

Fitness Connection, located in South Sound, runs ongoing ISCA programmes in Personal Training and AEA (Aquatic Fitness Instructor Certification), as well as SAI Swimming Instructor Training courses. The instructor/owner, Laura Ribbins, has been an international training specialist for over 30 years. Call Laura Ribbins on (345) 949 8485 or email: fitness@fitness. ky for more information.

Police Service/Fire Service/Prison Service

All of the public safety offices receive a huge number of applicants and are usually filled by Caymanians.

Police Service

Applicants for the position of Recruit Constable in the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) should be Caymanian (as defined under the Cayman Islands Immigration Act) or Permanent Resident (with the right to work without restrictions), be between the ages of 18 and 40 years old, hold a minimum of a High School Diploma or a General Education Degree (GED) from an accredited institution with a minimum of five CXC passes or equivalent, two of which should be in English and mathematics, be computer literate, have a clean driving licence and criminal record, and be in good health and physical condition. Shortlisted applicants will undergo a comprehensive recruitment and selection process. This includes a complete background check and vetting, an entrance exam focusing on the subjects of maths and English, a physical fitness test (specifically the 5.4 bleep test), a structured formal interview, a medical examination, and if successful in all the preceding stages, then a formal offer to join The Service is made. Prospects who accept the offer to join RCIPS will undergo 17-22 consecutive weeks of initial training. Upon completion of this training, they will graduate before being officially deployed under the guidance of a tutor.

Following graduation, Recruit Constables will embark on a

two-year probationary period. Throughout this duration, they will engage in continuous training and development, gaining exposure to various units including Community Policing, Traffic, Drugs and Serious Crime, Criminal Investigations, Financial Crimes, Firearms Response, Air Operations, Security Intelligence Unit, and the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub. This period also provides opportunities for Recruit Constables to interact with senior officers and explore areas where they exhibit a natural inclination. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, Recruit Constables will then culminate in their formal designation as Police Constables.

For more information, please visit the RCIPS website at www. rcips.ky. You can also find them on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn or email the RCIPS Human Resources Unit at RCIPSRecruitment@rcips.ky. To apply to an open recruitment, visit the Cayman Islands Government website at www.career.gov.ky — recruitment season varies from year to year.

Fire Service

Firefighting is an extremely physical career path. To join the Cayman Islands Fire Service, you must be over 18 years of age, be able to regularly lift 20-30lbs, and occasionally lift up to 165lbs. You must also be physically fit, be able to swim, have a clean police record, have no fear of heights and show no signs of claustrophobia. Applications are welcomed from both men and women. All officers must complete a Trainee Firefighter course, which is a comprehensive course that covers all areas that the Service is responsible for. This includes the Domestic Division (which deals with structure and motor vehicle fires) and the Aerodrome Division (which deals with aeronautical/aircraft rescue and firefighting, etc.) Completion of this comprehensive course will give you an internationally recognised certification in Aeronautical Firefighting. The Fire Service also offers internships, which can be a great way to get involved with the Service early on. For more information, visit www.cifs.gov.ky or call (345) 949 2276.

Prison Service

To join H M Cayman Islands Prison Service (HMCIPS), the requirements are as follows: you must be 18 or over, have three high school pass grades (including maths and English), and a clear criminal record. The recruitment process involves three stages. First, a written exam, then a fitness assessment and finally, an in-person interview. If successful, you will begin a 9-11 week training course comprised of classroom work and field-based training that will lead to a six month probationary contract followed by an open contract (for Caymanians) and a two-year contract (for non-Caymanians). Tel: (345) 640 3000 or email: prisoncareers@gov.ky.

Inclusion Cayman is a non-profit organisation supporting individuals with disabilities in their vision of accessing inclusive education, recreation/community, and employment. Please contact them on (345) 623 2957, email: info@inclusioncayman.ky or visit www. inclusioncayman.ky if you would like more information.

the Listings

Preschools, Primary & High Schools, Home Schooling, Tutoring, Paediatric Therapy

Nurseries & Preschools

The Ministry of Education's Early Childhood Care and Education Unit conducts regular support visits to all preschools to ensure that children are being stimulated with age-appropriate activities. Each preschool is required to have a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) whose job it is to identify children who might have developmental delays. The Ministry also offers funding to assist in the cost of access to early childhood care and education (ECCE) for qualifying young Caymanian children. Applications for ECAP are means-tested and depending on your overall household income, and the number of dependents you are supporting, you can expect to receive a maximum of CI$500 per month per child or the basic funding amount of CI$305 per month per child. For more information, email: ecap@gov.ky or call (345) 244 3155. It is also worth noting that all Caymanian children who remain in preschool until they turn five will now be placed in Year 1 when they go to primary school. If you choose to leave your child in preschool or at home until they are five years old, then you, or their preschool, should ensure that your child is taught the look and the sound that the letters of the alphabet make when on their own or in combination with other letters.

ABC Kids

1866 Shamrock Road, Savannah. Tel: (345) 945 5626

Email: info@ABCKids. ky Web: www.abckids.ky Ages: 12 months-5 years Monthly fees: 12-18 months CI$925, 18 months+ CI$850.

The Achievement Center

295 Shamrock Road, Red Bay. Tel: (345) 947 5050

Email: achieve4u@ achievementcenter.net Ages: 12 months-4 years Monthly fees: CI$725.

Bloom Learning Centre

Seven Mile Shops, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 746 4444

Email: info@bloom.ky Web: www.bloom.ky Ages: 6 weeks-5 years Monthly fees: Infants CI$1,549, Toddlers CI$1,449, Early Preschool and Preschool CI$1,349 (full time).

Cayman Academy

Accepts preschool children from 3 years (if potty trained)-16 years Annual fees: CI$5,843 (full time). See page 133 for more information.

Cayman International School (CIS)

Accepts preschool children from 2 years (Pre-K2)-4 years (Pre-K4) Annual fees: CI$17,390 (full time). Students must be 2 by 1st September the year they start in Pre-K2. See page 128 for more information.

Discovery Kids Preschool

Sigma Building, 93 Hospital Road, GT. Tel: (345) 946 5437 Email: dkids.ky@ gmail.com Web: www.discoverykidscayman.com Ages: 6 months-5 years Monthly fees: 6-19 months CI$1,410, 20 months-4 years CI$1,110.

First Baptist Christian School

Accepts preschool children from 2-4 years, 11 months Annual fees: CI$9,827. See page 124 for more information.

Grace Christian Academy

Accepts preschool children from 3-5 years Annual fees: CI$10,486 (full time).

See this page for more information.

Island Montessori

491 Crewe Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 945 5814 Email: info@ islandmontessori.org Web: www.islandmontessori.org Ages: 16 months-6 years (Toddler and Casa) Monthly fees: From CI$1,200.

Little Trotters Farm & Nursery School

39 Columbus Close, off Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 4080 Email: littletrotters@candw.ky Web: www.littletrotters.ky Ages: 18 months-5 years Monthly fees: CI$1,315-CI$1,590 (11 months).

Miss Nadine's Preschool and Jack & Jill Nursery

90A Anthony Drive, George Town. Tel: (345) 746 3552 Email: ncvopreschool@ ncvo.org.ky Web: www.ncvo.org.ky Ages: 3 months-4 years Monthly fees: CI$600.

Montessori By The Sea Accepts preschool children from 21 months-12 years Annual fees:

Grace Christian Academy

An island school where family matters (3-18 years)

Grace Christian Academy is nestled in West Bay, surrounded by lush greenery. The newly renovated campus includes a swimming pool, offering students a comprehensive swimming programme. They follow an American curriculum from Pre-K to Grade 12, with specialised classes in Spanish, music, art and PE. Classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art smartboards, and small class sizes are maintained to ensure one-on-one attention and top-quality education. Grace Christian Academy is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment that encourages students to excel academically, socially and emotionally.

Highlights:

Swimming pool • STEAM programme • Steel pan room • Classrooms fully equipped with state-of-art technology

• Member of WIDA International School Consortium

Details:

Head of School: Mrs Bernice Scott

Annual fees (full time): Preschool: CI$10,486, K-Grade 5: CI$11,564, Grade 6-8: CI$12,911, Grade 9-12: CI$13,049

Sibling discount: 5% for second child, 10% for third

(345) 945 0899 | 21 Crescent Close, WB | officeadmin@ gca.ky | www.gracechristianacademycayman.ky

Montessori del Sol

Nurturing curious and creative minds (18 months–6 years)

Celebrating over 25 years of early childhood education in the Cayman Islands, Montessori del Sol offers an authentic Montessori programme with a holistic approach to learning. The small and wholesome school environment is a place where children thrive and are actively engaged in a happy, purposeful community. A unique outdoor environment boasts an abundance of shade trees where children freely explore and play. The light, airy and well-prepared classrooms are equipped with a full complement of Montessori materials according to the standards set out by Association Montessori Internationale (A.M.I.).

Curriculum: The dedicated, highly qualified and experienced team ensures that every child’s potential is nurtured while cultivating kindness, independence and creativity. Rich and varied Montessori subjects include literacy, maths, social-emotional learning, mindfulness, art, science, geography, music and movement, sensory learning, food preparation and other practical life activities, thoughtfully aligned to the Cayman Islands Early Years Curriculum Framework and with Spanish bilingual opportunities for all age groups.

Highlights:

Authentic Montessori programme • Dedicated, highly trained and experienced staff • Beautiful, shady outdoor learning environment • Light and airy classrooms • Afterschool clubs • Spanish bilingual opportunities • Located in the heart of South Sound • Camps available during holidays

Details:

Hours: 7.45am-4pm (Offering a Morning programme, Full Day or Extended Day until 4pm) Monthly fees: From CI$1,300

(345) 949 3222 | 11 Hinds Way, off Walkers Road | office@montessoridelsol.com | www.montessoridelsol.com

Village Montessori

It takes a village (18 months–12 years)

Located in Camana Bay, Village Montessori is a fully licensed private school, which prides itself on being a unique and innovative environment where children experience inclusion, culture, respect and a sense of community. Children are given the opportunity to develop independence in an educational environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Curriculum: The school curriculum is based on the Montessori framework which allows children to learn at their own pace according to their own capabilities in a non-competitive environment, while also adhering to the Cayman Islands Primary National Curriculum (2019) Standards and Objectives.

Highlights:

Children are given the skills and knowledge to become productive members of their community • The school’s environment encourages children to be respectful of themselves, others and their surroundings • They employ certified teachers who work collaboratively with parents and children

Details:

Principal: Simone Ross

Monthly fees: CI$1,250-CI$1,400, based on age and programme

After-school care: CI$300 (3pm-5pm) per month

Age range: 18 months to 12 years Student population: 120

(345) 640 7827 | 94 Solaris Ave, Camana Bay | info@villagemontessori.ky | www.villagemontessori.ky

Island Montessori

Creating lifelong learners (16 months–6 years)

Island Montessori provides a nurturing, supportive environment in a beautiful, spacious garden created to establish a love of active learning. At the heart of the school is a team of highly qualified, passionate teachers who create an age and developmentally appropriate environment. The school’s bright and spacious classrooms are complemented by an expansive 1.5-acre garden featuring a nature trail, sports court and areas for unstructured play and exploration.

Island Montessori learners draw as much inspiration from nature and being in the tropical outdoors as they do from the guided activities inside their classrooms. The staff combine their passion for early childhood education with an inclusive culture of curiosity, respect and flexibility that helps your child and your family thrive in the best learning environment possible.

Curriculum: Island Montessori is guided, but not limited, by the Montessori philosophy, and uses the very best Montessori practices and materials aligned with the Cay man Islands Early Years Framework. All classes are underpinned by a belief that children should be active, and outdoor learning is blended into each day.

Island Montessori

Highlights:

• Highly qualified and experienced class and specialist teachers

Island Montessori

• 1.5 acres of shade trees, natural gardens, outdoor learning, play and sports areas

• Bright and spacious classrooms utilising a wide range of Montessori and nature-inspired materials

Island Montessori

• Montessori curriculum aligned with the Cayman Islands Early Years Framework

• Providing Toddler and Casa classes for children ages 16 months to 6 years

Details:

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7.30am3pm (daily after-care available until 5pm)

Monthly fees: From CI$1,200

Age range: 16 months-6 years

(Nursery to Year 1)

Sibling and prepayment discounts: Yes

CI$13,728-CI$15,229. See also page 123.

Montessori del Sol

11 Hinds Way, off Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 3222 Email: office@montessoridelsol. com Web: www.montessoridelsol.com Ages: 18 months-6 years Monthly fees: From CI$1,300.

Montessori School of Cayman

519 South Church Street, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 0202 Email: info@caymanmontessori. com Web: www.caymanmontessori.com Ages: 18 months-6 years Monthly fees: Toddler CI$1,280-CI$1,400, Casa CI$1,200-CI$1,315.

Precious Gems Preschool

369 Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 939 5142 Email: preciousgems369@yahoo.com Ages: 12 months-4 years Monthly fees: CI$800.

Quality Child Care Preschool

247 Powell Smith Road, West Bay. Tel: (345) 949 2415 Ages: 12 months-4 years Monthly fees: CI$800.

Rite Start Daycare & Preschool 1548 Shamrock Road, Savannah. Tel: (345) 945 3432 Email: ritestartcayman@hotmail.com Ages: 3 months-4 years Monthly fees: 3-22 months CI$950 and 22 months-4 years CI$900.

St. George’s Anglican Preschool 64 Courts Road, off Eastern Avenue, GT. Tel:

(345) 945 0441 Email: stgeorgespreschool123@ gmail.com Ages: 2-5 years Monthly fees: CI$700.

St. Ignatius Catholic School/Early Years Centre

599 Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 9250 Email: general@st–ignatius.com Web: www.st–ignatius.com Ages: 3-5 years Monthly fees: CI$1,381. See page 129 for more information.

Shining Stars Childhood Care & Education Centre

20 Pasadora Place, off Smith Road, GT. Tel: (345) 943 7077 Email: shiningstarscayman@ gmail.com Web: www.shiningstarscayman.com Ages: 1-5 years Monthly fees (2023/24): 1 year CI$1,245, 2 years CI$1,145, 3-4 years CI$1,095 (includes meals).

Sister Janice's Early Learning Centre 41 Desmond Drive, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2524 Email: sisterjanicepreschool@yahoo.com Ages: 1-4 years Monthly fees: CI$650.

Sprogs Garden Playschool

832 Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 746 7529 Email: info@sprogs.ky Web: www.sprogs. ky Ages: 1-5 years Monthly fees: CI$1,200 (morning)-CI$1,690 (full time).

Tiffany's Preschool

82 Boltins Avenue, West Bay. Tel: (345) 945 7977 Email: tiffanyspreschool@candw.ky Ages: 1-4 years Monthly fees: CI$600.

Tiny Tots Academy

(6 weeks–5

Tiny Tots Academy offers a comprehensive early years programme designed to nurture children's social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Their carefully crafted sequential learning curriculum is specifically designed to prepare children for kindergarten and elementary school. Placing emphasis on inclusivity, their early years curriculum also supports the growth and learning of all children, including those with diverse learning needs, and is built upon a holistic approach which incorporates observation-based assessments for children from birth to reception. Tiny Tots is a place where diversity is celebrated, curiosity is encouraged, and exploration is championed in every child. Caregivers provide a structured, yet child-led preschool environment that emphasises mutual respect, engagement, discovery and literacy. At Tiny Tots, emphasis is put on the learning journey, encouraging children to actively construct their own knowledge and develop critical thinking skills, as opposed to focusing solely on the end product or outcome.

Highlights:

Expert team of teaching staff • State-of-the-art Early Years Centre • Specific classrooms for every age • Curriculum includes home science, technology studies and visual arts • Morning and full-day sessions available

Details:

Director: Jenna Hydes Hours: 7.30am-5.30pm Monthly fees: CI$700-CI$950 (depending on age and number of days) Sibling discount: 10% on lowest tuition.

Tiny Tots Academy

109 Hinds Way, off Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 623 8687 Email: info@tinytotscayman. com Ages: 6 weeks-5 years Monthly fees: CI$700-CI$950.

Village Montessori

Accepts children from 18 months-12 years. See page 120 for more information.

Education – Government Primary

Creek Infant & Spot Bay Primary School (Brac) 28 Student Drive in Cayman Brac. Tel: (345) 948 0226 Catchment area: All areas east of Faith Hospital to the eastern end of Cayman Brac. Covers Nursery to Year 2. Spot Bay Primary School, which is located on 170 Spot Bay Road, Cayman Brac covers Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. The school is located on two different sites but is managed and run by the same team.

East End Primary School

17 Sea View Road, East End. Tel: (345) 947 7428 Catchment area: East of the Frank Sound junction, and including all of East End to Colliers.

Edna M. Moyle Primary School

907 North Side Road, North Side. Tel: (345) 947 9516 Catchment area: All of Frank Sound up to Old Man Bay (west) to Cayman Kai and Robins Road.

(345) 623 8687 | 109 Hinds Way, off Walkers Road | info@tinytotscayman.com | www.tinytotscayman.com

Montessori By The Sea

A legacy of limitless possibilities (21 months–12 years)

Montessori By The Sea (MBTS) opened its doors by the seaside over twenty years ago and it has grown steadily to become a firmly established, vibrant, close-knit community of over 134 joyful students, plus their dedicated families and teachers. From Toddler to Upper Elementary, MBTS shines as a beacon of excellence in Montessori education in the Cayman Islands. Curriculum: Montessori By The Sea implements an enriched Montessori curriculum using international standards as a benchmark while utilising inquiry-based study, cross-curricular integration and life skills education, complemented by specialised instruction in Spanish, ICT, Physical Education, the Arts and Music. Graduates do not just excel academically, but emerge as well-rounded, confident, creative and compassionate individuals.

Highlights:

Rated 'Excellent' by OES • Individualised, inquiry-based learning approach • Warm, inviting and inspiring classroom environments • Cultivates life skills such as concentration, confidence, communication and creativity • Half-day and fullday programmes available for Toddler and Pre-K • Before school care, after-school clubs, after-care and summer camps

Details:

Principals: Debbie Thompson & Kourtni Jackson

Student population: 134

Student-teacher ratios: Toddler 5:1, Casa 10:1, Elementary 15:1

Annual Fees: CI$13,728-CI$15,229

(345) 947 0684 | 277 Prospect Point Road, Prospect | mbts@mbts.ky | www.mbts.ky

Montessori School of Cayman

Fostering a lifetime love of learning

(18 months–6 years)

Curriculum: The curriculum is based on authentic Montessori practices, incorporated with the Cayman Islands Early Years Curriculum Framework. MSC is committed to providing students with engaging, meaningful activities which provide experiences that stimulate the senses, enrich language development, and give opportunities to gain a sense of self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence.

Highlights:

Centrally located • Small and loving school community • Passionate, highly qualified and experienced teachers • Large, spacious and shaded outdoor areas • Beautifully prepared learning environments • Friendly furry friends to care for and interact with • Out of term camp opportunities throughout the year • Extracurricular lessons in Music, Yoga, Dance, PE and Spanish

Opening in 1988 as the very first Montessori school on the island, Montessori School of Cayman remains a beautifully inclusive school, with a goal to deliver a whole-hearted, holistic Montessori approach. They offer a happy, safe and stimulating prepared environment where children are able to explore and thrive, therefore developing a love of learning. At Montessori School of Cayman, they believe in the development of the individual child and thoroughly understand that every child is unique and requires a variety of methods to support and nurture their social, emotional and academic journeys. (345) 949 0202 | 519 South Church St, George Town | info@caymanmontessori.com www.caymanmontessori.com

Details: Principal: Mrs Briana Bergstrom Currie Annual fees: Toddler Programme CI$12,480-CI$13,650, Casa Programme CI$11,700-CI$12,800

Little Cayman Education Service

210 Spot Bay Road, Little Cayman. Tel: (345) 948 0356 Catchment area: All of Little Cayman.

Joanna Clarke Primary School (formerly Savannah Primary School)

1659 Shamrock Road, Savannah. Tel: (345) 947 1344 Catchment area: East side of SpottsNewlands Road to Beach Bay Road, and including the greater Pedro area.

Marie Martin Primary School (formerly George Town Primary School)

168 School Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2689 Catchment area: South of Government House up to Memorial Avenue. North along Walkers Road to Maple Road, and east along Smith Road up to the Crewe Road airport junction. Plus the area that is north of Airport Road, through the junction in Industrial Park, and all areas north and east past the airport up to North Sound.

Prospect Primary School

169 Poindexter Road, Prospect. Tel: (345) 947 8889 Catchment area: From Prospect Drive eastward, to the west side of Spotts-Newlands Road and the west side of Chime Street on the Bypass/East-West Arterial (including all of Prospect Park, Patrick’s Island, Ocean Club, Mariners Cove and Cascades Drive).

Red Bay Primary School

271 Shamrock Road, Red Bay. Tel: (345) 947 6333 Catchment area: South side of Memorial Avenue,

along Walkers Road to Maple Road and south side of Smith Road, both sides of Crewe Road bordered by Owen Roberts Drive to the north, and South Sound to the South Sound border on the east side of Victory Avenue.

Sir John A. Cumber Primary School

44 Fountain Road, West Bay. Tel: (345) 948 0356 Catchment area: North of Government House up to Spanish Bay Reef and including all of West Bay.

Theoline L. McCoy Primary School (formerly Bodden Town Primary School)

6 Condor Road, Bodden Town. Tel: (345) 947 2288 Catchment area: Area to the east of Beach Bay Road, continuing up to Breakers and including Northward.

West End Primary School (Brac)

10 ABC West End Road, Cayman Brac. Tel: (345) 948 1425 Catchment area: West end of Cayman Brac, up to Faith Hospital on the north side of the island, and correspondingly across the Island to the south coast.

Education – Government High Schools & CIFEC

Clifton Hunter High School

311 Frank Sound Road, Frank Sound. Tel: (345) 947 7353 Catchment area: All areas on the east side of Spotts-Newlands Road and the east side of Chime Street, the Bypass or the East/West Arterial.

John Gray High School

73 Academy Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 9444 Catchment area: The west side of SpottsNewlands Road, and the west side of Chime Street, the Bypass or the East/West Arterial.

Layman E. Scott High School (Brac) 941A Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac. Tel: (345) 948 2226 Catchment area: All areas of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

CI Further Education Centre (CIFEC) 515 Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 3285 Email: admin@cifec.edu.ky Director: Mr Mark Seerattan Ages: 16-18 years Curriculum: CIFEC offers BTEC and City and Guild vocational courses at Levels 1-3, which are the equivalent of GCSE (level 2) and AS Level (level 3). Each TVET programme includes an internship with an employer. See schools.edu.ky/CIFEC for more information.

Education – Private, Primary & High Schools

Calvary Baptist Christian Academy 191 Walkers Road, GT. Tel: (345) 946 5834 Email: info@cbca.edu.ky Ages: 5-18 years Annual fees: K-Grade 2 CI$7,000, Grade 3-6 CI$7,500, Grade 7-12 CI$8,250 Curriculum: Abeka, American.

Cayman Academy 211 Walkers Road, GT. Tel: (345) 640 2630 Email:

First Baptist Christian School

Learn, Serve, Lead (2–14 years)

First Baptist Christian School (FBCS) provides a student-centred American educational programme in a Christian environment. They offer programmes for preschool, elementary and middle school education up to Grade 8. FBCS is a culturally diverse school with students from around 14 different countries across the world, with approximately 63% of their students being Caymanian. Their school seeks to help students become independent, resilient learners who set goals, monitor their progress and persist in challenging tasks in order to succeed. FBCS uses an American curriculum and follows the Virginia State Standards. Their strengths include their strong relationships, and caring, nurturing environment. They are a supportive, encouraging, diverse school community, that demonstrates respect for self, others and God so that they can serve their families, school, community, churches and the global community.

"Preparing students in a Christ-centered environment to learn, serve, and lead in innovative and creative ways so that they can make meaningful contributions to the global community."

Highlights:

ACSI Member school • OES rating 'Good' • Renaissance Learning partner school • American curriculum • 1:1 student-device ratio across the school • Good range of clubs and activities • Data driven school • Broad and balanced curriculum • Coding & Robotics classes in Technology

Details:

Principal: Janet Durksen Vice Principal: Marsha Seerattan

Student population: 240 (including preschool)

Annual fees: Preschool: CI$9,827 Kindergarten-Grade 5: CI$11,414 Grades 6-8: CI$12,440 (Sibling discounts available)

(345) 945 7906 | 920 Crewe Road, George Town | fbcs@fbcs.edu.ky | www.fbcs.edu.ky

Little Trotters Farm & Nursery School We cherish childhood (18

months–4 years)

In a quiet corner of George Town awaits a magical schoolhouse where the joy of childhood abounds. Once you cross the bridge, Little Trotters is a haven filled with laughter, imagination, play and endless opportunities for social interactions. The primary focus is on traditional values, kindness and responsibility. The children feed the animals, water the plants, bake, paint, perform in plays, sing, dance and truly become their best selves. Little Trotters offers valuable experiences in all pre-academic skills, and maths and literacy are an integral part of the curriculum across the school. Additionally, the staffing body brings a range of training, experience and specialist areas, including a full-time SENCo and Jolly Phonics teacher.

Highlights:

Graded 'Excellent' in all categories, including Teaching, Exploration, Respect, Communication, Wellbeing, Learning, Assessment, Curriculum, Health and Safety, Support and Guidance, Leadership, Links to Parents and the Community, Self Evaluation and Planning Ahead, and Staffing and the Learning Environment (May 2024 OES Report) • Teachers aim to foster a love for learning that ensures that the children view school and learning as exciting, joyful and validating

Details:

School Manager: Lesley Maddock School Owner: Joanna Boxall

Monthly fees: CI$1,315-CI$1,590, for half or full day (September to July)

Hours: 7.30am-12.30pm (half day) or 7.30am-5.30pm (full day)

Student population: 80

(345) 949 4080 | 39 Columbus Close, off Walkers Road, George Town | littletrotters@candw.ky | www.littletrotters.ky

Rite Start Daycare & Preschool

Giving your child the Rite Start to a Christian education (3 months-4 years)

Rite Start Daycare & Preschool is located in Savannah. At Rite Start, your child can interact with others in a safe, warm and stimulating environment conducive to their development. Not only do they provide for your child's emotional, physical, social and cognitive growth, they also introduce your child to a Christian education. Their mission is to provide a comfortable learning environment with the highest standard of care and wellbeing for those entrusted to them. Rite Start uses the Cayman Islands national curriculum for Early Childhood Education. This curriculum integrates language, maths, science, music, movement and art studies.

Highlights: Located in the Savannah area close to Countryside • Highly skilled and nurturing teachers and caregivers • Provides opportunities to enhance selfhelp skills and hands-on activities to facilitate growth • Provides healthy lunches daily

Details: Monthly fees: 3-22 months: CI$950, 22 months-4 years: CI$900 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm

(345) 945 3432 | 1548 Shamrock Road, Savannah ritestartcayman@hotmail.com

Sister Janice's Early Learning Centre

Prepare to teach and teach to prepare (1-4 years)

Sister Janice’s promotes the whole growth of the child through hands-on learning and experiencing. Each child is cherished and encouraged to develop their social, physical and emotional development. The school promotes the wellbeing of the child within a Christian-centered atmosphere.

Highlights:

Creative early childhood education • Promoting hands-on experiences • Developing the whole child • Christian-based education

Details:

Student population: 50

Hours: 7am-5pm (although a grace period can be given, pick-up must be by 5.30pm)

Monthly fees: CI$650 includes breakfast and lunch. Parents are asked to provide snacks and fruits daily.

(345) 949 2524 | 41 Desmond Drive, George Town sisterjanicepreschool@yahoo.com

Island Primary

A community where every child can thrive (4–11 years)

Island Primary is a community-minded school offering class spaces for children aged 4-11 from Reception to Year 6. The spacious new campus, conveniently located at Buttonwood Park off Linford Pierson Highway, is designed to create a friendly, welcoming environment and foster learning both indoors and out. With a highly experienced and strong leadership team, Island Primary is committed to nurturing talent in both teachers and students, offering a rounded education that gives children the skills they need to fulfil their potential in and out of school.

Curriculum: Based on the British national curriculum, Island Primary is focused on evidence-based teaching with flexibility to adapt topics relevant to Cayman. Set on more than four acres of landscaped and natural gardens, the school takes learning outside for all year groups to incorporate nature into daily lessons. Flexible classroom designs and a strong technology platform support academic goals across all subjects, with specialist subject teachers and a comprehensive learning support provision.

Island Primary strives to create a true island school, whose abundant play and sports areas are enhanced by Buttonwood Park’s facilities, including nature trails, community fields and wellness parks.

Highlights:

• Experienced and engaged teachers and staff

• High-quality teaching based on British curriculum

• Specialist subject and support teachers with a strong SEN provision

• Brand new campus set on over four acres of gardens

• Bright and spacious classrooms and outdoor learning decks

• Strong community focus

• Convenient location

Details:

Principal: Stephen Coles

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7.30am-5.30pm

Programmes: Reception to Year 6

Monthly fees (2024-25): CI$1,570

Sibling discounts: Yes

CF School

Work Hard Be Kind (11-16 years)

CF School firmly believe that when children are happy and healthy, they succeed. For this reason, personal wellbeing and happiness are as important to CF School as academic success. Their small, nurturing environment enables each child to receive individual attention. Staff know their students very well and care about them deeply as individuals. Academics are important, but of equal importance is ensuring each child is responsible, resilient and kind.

Curriculum: CF School follows the English curriculum leading to Cambridge IGCSEs at the end of Year 11. CF School is the only school on Island to offer Latin to all students. Studies show that students who study Latin perform more highly in English and modern foreign languages (MFL).

Facilities: A brand new bespoke high school is under construction and will be open for September 2025 in Buttonwood Park, adjacent to Island Primary.

Extracurricular: The CF School package is inclusive of the After-school Enrichment Programme. A daily choice of homework support, subject clinics, sports and clubs is offered. Children can receive additional help in any subject or take part in clubs such as Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh, robotics, chess, musical clubs and a wide range of sporting activities.

Highlights:

• Small, nurturing environment

• Full school day inclusive of the After-school Enrichment Programme

• Child-centric focus

• Holistic approach to a child’s academic, emotional & social development

• Small class sizes of around 15 children per class

• Rigorous, broad & balanced curriculum

Details:

Student population: 225

Annual fees (2025-26): CI$19,740

(inclusive of the After-school Enrichment Programme)

Sibling discount: 5%

Average class size: 15

Meals: On-site lunch provider

Cayman International School (CIS)

Connect | Inspire | Serve (2-18 years)

Cayman International School (CIS) is a private, college preparatory, non-sectarian, co-educational school that provides strong academic and extensive extracurricular programmes. The 15-acre campus located in Camana Bay includes early childhood, elementary, middle and high school divisions. Students represent more than 40 nationalities and the majority of students are dual passport holders. CIS has a strong sense of community where children learn, play and support each other in a modern, safe and student-centered environment. CIS is accredited by the Middle States Association and is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Facilities: CIS completed a major expansion project, adding a new state-of-theart Early Childhood Centre and a cutting-edge High School building with a double gymnasium, library, common area and performing arts spaces. The current purposebuilt campus features a 139,000+sq ft facility. It consists of a library, STEAM Lab, computer/video production lab, two science labs, two music rooms, two art rooms, two student support centers, 42 classrooms, an amphitheater and an administration building. In addition, the school has a full-sized, artificial turf soccer pitch with a FIFA 2-Star rating, a swimming pool, two tennis courts and two basketball courts.

Curriculum: American, IB Diploma, IB Certificates, United States High School Diploma

Extracurricular: Students are offered a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Athletes participate in the Private Schools Association (PSA) and compete in football, volleyball, netball, cricket, basketball, flag rugby, track & field and swim. They partake in musical, choral and theatrical productions, including an annual performance in Steel Pan Band, Jazz Band and Rock Band. Students can also participate in Model United Nations, National Honors Society, High School Student Council, Debate Team, Mock Trials, Robotics and 3D modelling and printing, and many other afterschool clubs. Students provide leadership in community service initiatives and/or internships outside school boundaries and are involved in local movements, such as Plastic Free Cayman and Protect Our Future, that address environmental issues and concerns.

CIS Staff Statistics:

• 28 countries embodied in their staff

• 61% of teaching staff have 10 or more years of experience

• 42% of teaching staff have a Master's degree or higher

Highlights:

• 97% International Baccalaureate Diploma pass rate in the last five years

• STEAM Labs

• Project Based Learning

• Athletic, Arts & Service Programmes

• Extensive after-school activities

• Whole-child approach

• Purpose-built, modern facilities

Details:

Director: Jim Urquhart

Grade levels: Pre-K2 to Grade 12

Student population: 990

Average class size: 17

Faculty size: 142

Annual fees (2024-25): CI$14,720–CI$28,700

Sibling discount: 10% reduction for the second child and 15% for the third and subsequent children

(345) 945 4664 | 95 Minerva Drive, Camana Bay | admissions@cis.ky | www.cis.ky

St. Ignatius Catholic School (3-18 years)

Catholic education as an integration of Body, Mind and Spirit

At St. Ignatius, the holistic development of each individual is their primary purpose. Their staff strive to know and nurture each pupil, working together to promote strengths and self-worth, in mind, body and spirit. They work diligently so that all pupils leave them as discerning believers, effective communicators, reflective, creative and holistic thinkers, self-directed lifelong learners, collaborative contributors, caring family members and responsible citizens. They invite you to join the St. Ignatius community of 30 nationalities, providing a rich diversity of cultures and perspectives.

Curriculum: British Curriculum (IGCSE and GCSE); AS and A Levels – Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and WJEC.

Facilities: Four science labs, music wing (including sound–proof practice rooms), learning support, canteen with full kitchen, art room, school hall, modern classrooms, sports field, basketball and netball courts, laptop programme for Years 7–13 and a multipurpose sports hall.

Extracurricular: After-school clubs, art, drama, music, sailing, tennis, diving, cricket, rugby, soccer, Cub Scouts, Brownies, cooking clubs, annual music production, house activities. After-school care available 2.30pm–5.30pm daily. Weekly learning support available, football (girls and boys), netball, table tennis, field hockey, volleyball, badminton, and fitness.

St. Ignatius Catholic School is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children.

Highlights:

British curriculum • Four science labs • Music wing • 1:1 laptops for high school • Wide variety of after-school clubs

Details:

Principal: Mr Peter Embleton

Vice Principal Primary: Mr James Hickey

Student population: 715

Annual fees (2024-25):

Nursery–Year 6: CI$12,597

Years 7–11: CI$14,573

Years 12–13: CI$17,514

Sibling discount: Third and subsequent child receives 20% discount on fees

Average class size: 24

Meals: Hot lunches CI$7-CI$9 daily

Footsteps School

Helping your child achieve their goals, one step at a time (4-13 years)

Footsteps School is Cayman's first and only accredited beach school on Island. A nondominational private school, Footsteps offers the UK National Curriculum for children aged 4-13 years old (Reception to Year 8). Footsteps integrates outdoor learning into their curriculum, taking advatage of Cayman's natural beauty and landscape while encouraging exploration, investigation and independence. Their broad, balanced and relevant curriculum was graded 'excellent' by OES. Footsteps is a school that continues to grow and has some significant expansion and development plans in place.

Highlights:

UK curriculum • Highly skilled and experience staff team • Beach and outdoor learning • Central George Town location • Small classes • Tutoring in all curriculum areas • Non-dominational • Full and part-funded scholarships for outstanding Caymanians.

Details:

Average class size: 15 Student population: 100 School directors: Emma Kendall & Bryony Platt Annual fees: CI$14,750

Hours: Monday-Friday 8.15am-3.15pm

(345) 748 3635 | 210 Eastern Avenue, GT | www.footsteps.ky | management@footsteps.ky

Cayman Learning Centre & School (CLC&S)

(5–14 years)

Cayman Learning Centre & School (CLC&S) offers classes with a small student-teacher ratio, a tailored learning support plan with a full British curriculum, hands-on projectbased learning, and evidence-based reading, spelling and math intervention. Students benefit from the world-renowned Arrowsmith Programme, helping to strengthen underlying cognitive functions that are responsible for a range of learning difficulties to make the learning process easier. CLC&S’s population is inclusive and consists of students requiring Additional Learning Support Needs (ALSN) and students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SpLD), including dyslexia (impairment in reading and/ or spelling), dyscalculia (impairment in Maths) and dysgraphia (written expression). They support students with developmental issues, including mild Non-Verbal Learning Difficulties (NVLD) and ASD (Mild/ Level 1), and Executive Function Difficulties (ADHD).

Highlights: British Curriculum • Cognitive Enhancement programme • Evidence-based reading, spelling and maths intervention • Initial comprehensive assessment to identify specific strengths and weaknesses • Small teacher-student ratio • Specialised teachers

Details: Monthly fees: Seat fee + CI$1,550-CI$1,860 Average class size: 10 students per teacher, some interventions as small as 3:1 student teacher ratio Curriculum: British National Curriculum, Evidence-Based Intervention Programmes, Cognitive Enhancement Programme for more efficient learning.

(345) 943 7323 | 7 Pasadora Plc, Smith Road, GT | info@caymanlearning.com | www.caymanlearning.com

Cayman Prep and High School

Dedicated to lifelong learning (4–18 years)

At CPHS students are placed at the centre of learning and teaching. Differentiated instruction enhances learning for all students by engaging them in activities that respond to particular needs, strengths, and preferences and is effective in supporting and challenging the full range of ability levels in the classroom. Their Christian ethos is evident throughout the school and inspires their students to think about what sort of contribution they will make to the world, how they will make a difference. The school supports them in such a way as to ensure they grow into responsible, mature, and engaged members of the school community and citizens of the world.

Curriculum: Revised National Curriculum of England (2014), IGCSE & GCSE, AS and A-levels - Cambridge International Examinations and Welsh Joint Education Committee.

Facilities: IFA Grade multipurpose astro-turf playing field and multipurpose hardcourt, computing and media suites with tablets and laptops, music wing, arts rooms with kilns, state-of-the-art science labs, interactive technology in every class room.

Extracurricular: Primary after-school care until 5.30pm daily. After-school clubs include art, drama, music, rugby, cricket, badminton, basketball, netball, GAA, football, volleyball, robotics, key club, science, Duke of Edinburgh, homework club, diving, snorkelling, junior MUN, senior MUN and more.

Mission

"Cayman Prep & High School provides a stimulating learning environment, firmly rooted in Christian principles, in which our students become critical creative thinkers, responsible citizens and lifelong learners in an ever-changing world."

Highlights:

Key Strengths of CPHS (as per the OES inspection report, October 2023):

1) Students are articulate, communicate their learning well and demonstrate EXEMPLARY attitudes to their work.

2) Students receive EXCELLENT support and guidance across the school.

3) The excellent provision in the High School results in EXCELLENT outcomes.

4) Students develop their understanding of environmental issues and understanding of Caymanian culture and traditions to an EXCELLENT level.

5) Links with parents and the community are EXCELLENT. Parents are highly appreciative of the school and the support that their children receive.

Details:

Student population:

Primary school: 521

High school: 491

Annual fees (2024-25):

KG-Year 6: CI$14,075

Years 7-9: CI$15,270

Years 10-11: CI$16,170

Years 12-13: CI$17,860

Sibling discount: 3rd and subsequent children get 10% off

office.secretary@caymanacademy.ky Web: www. caymanacademy.ky Ages: 3-16 years Annual fees: Pre-K-Year 6 CI$5,843, Year 7 CI$7,410, Year 8 CI$7,743, Year 9 CI$8,788, and Years 10 and 11 CI$9,073 Curriculum: CI National Curriculum leading to CXCs.

Cayman International School (CIS) 95 Minerva Drive, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 945 4664 Email: cis@cis.ky Web: www.cis. ky Ages: 2–18 years Student population: 990 (approximate) Application fee: CI$350 Annual fees: Pre-K2 (5 days/week, half-day) CI$14,720, Pre-K2-Pre-K4 (5 days/week, full-day) CI$17,390, Kindergarten-Grade 2 CI$20,850, Grades 3-5 CI$24,050, Grades 6-8 CI$26,980, Grades 9-12 CI$28,700 Average class size: 17 Curriculum: American, IB Diploma, IB Certificates, US High School Diploma.

Cayman Learning Centre & School (CLC&S)

7 Pasadora Place, Smith Road, GT. Tel: (345) 943 7323 Email: info@caymanlearning.com Web: www.caymanlearning.com Ages: 5-14 years Monthly fees: Seat fee + CI$1,550-CI$1,860 Curriculum: British National Curriculum, Literacy and Numeracy intervention and Arrowsmith’s Cognitive Enhancement Programme. See their Tutoring listing on page 130.

Cayman Prep & High School

Primary School site: 242 Smith Road, GT. Tel: (345) 949 5932 Email: psoffice@cayprep.edu. ky High School site: 559 Walkers Road, GT. Tel: (345) 949 9115 Email: hsoffice@cayprep.edu. ky Web: www.cayprep.edu.ky Ages: 4–18 years Registration fee: CI$750 Annual fees: Kindergarten-Year 6 CI$14,075, Years 7–9 CI$15,270, Years 10-11 CI$16,170, Years 12-13 CI$17,860 Student Population Primary School: 521 Student Population High School: 491 Curriculum: British based. IGCSE, GCSE, AS and A Levels (Cambridge International and Welsh examination boards).

CF School

Buttonwood Park, George Town. Tel: (345) 516 4623 Email: admissions@cfschoolcayman.com Web: www.cfschoolcayman.com Ages: 11-16 years (approximate) Curriculum: English National Curriculum leading to Cambridge IGCSEs Annual fees: CI$19,740 (inclusive of the after school Enrichment Programme).

First Baptist Christian School

920 Crewe Road, Red Bay. Tel: (345) 945 7906 Email: fbcs@fbcs.edu.ky Web: www.fbcs.edu. ky Ages: 2-14 years (KG-Grade 8) Application fee: CI$150 Annual fees: Preschool CI$9,827, Kindergarten-Grade 5 CI$11,414, Grades 6-8 CI$12,440 (sibling discount available) Student population: 240 (including preschool) Average class size: Preschool 10-12, KG-Grade 8 15-22 Curriculum: US Curriculum.

Footsteps School

210 Eastern Ave, George Town. Tel: (345) 746 3635 Email: management@footsteps.ky Web: www.footsteps.ky Ages: 4–13 years (now to

Year 8) Annual fees: Reception–Year 7 CI$14,750 (paid over 10 months) Student population: 100 Class size: 15 Religion: Non-denominational Curriculum: UK National Curriculum with a nature-learning focus. Footsteps is Cayman's first accredited beach school.

Grace Christian Academy

21 Crescent Close, off Boltins Ave, West Bay. Tel: (345) 945 0899 Email: officeadmin@gca.ky Web: www.gracechristianacademycayman.ky Ages: 3–18 years Application fee: CI$225 Annual fees: Preschool CI$10,486, Grades K–5 CI$11,564, Grades 6–8 CI$12,911, Grades 9–12 CI$13,049 Sibling discount: 5% for second child, 10% for third child (inquire for four or more children) Curriculum: American.

Hope Academy

Units 1-8 Grand Harbour Shoppes, Red Bay. Tel: (345) 769 4673 Email: office@hopecayman. com Web: www.hopecayman.com Ages: 5-18 years Application fee: CI$150 Annual fees: Kindergarten-Grade 12 CI$15,900 (fees for additional programmes vary. Sibling discount provided) Student population: 120-130 Maximum class size: 12-15 Curriculum: American.

Island Primary

Buttonwood Park, George Town. Tel: (345) 746 1600 Email: info@islandprimary.org Web: www. islandprimary.org Ages: 4-11 years Monthly fees: CI$1,570 Curriculum: British Curriculum.

Montessori By The Sea

277 Prospect Point Road, Prospect. Tel: (345) 947 0684 Email: mbts@mbts.ky Web: www. mbts.ky Ages: 21 months–12 years (Toddlers–Grade 6) Student population: 134 Application fee: CI$300 Annual fees: CI$13,728-CI$15,229 Teacher-student ratio: Toddler 1:5, Casa 1:10 and Elementary 1:15 Curriculum: Follows the Montessori philosophy, while aligning with English and Cayman Islands standards.

St. Ignatius Catholic School

599 Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 9250 Email: general@st–ignatius.com Web: www.st–ignatius.com Ages: 3–18 years Student population: 715 Average class size: 24 Application fee: CI$100 Annual fees: Nursery–Year 6 CI$12,597, Years 7–11 CI$14,573, Years 12–13 CI$17,514 (fees can also be paid per term and per month) Curriculum: British Curriculum (IGCSE and GCSE), AS and A Levels – Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC).

Triple C School

74 Fairbanks Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 6022 Email: triplec@triplecschool.org Web: www. triplecschool.org Ages: 5-18 years Student population: 300 Average class size: 20 Application fee: CI$100 Annual capital fee: CI$400 Annual fees: KG-Grade 3 CI$9,588, Grades 4–5 CI$9,974, Grade 6-8 CI$10,572, Grades 9–10 CI$12,453, Grade 11 CI$12,646, Grade 12 CI$12,839.

Truth For Youth School

84 Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2620 or (345) 949 7041 Email: truthfys@candw. ky Ages: 4-11 years Monthly fees: KG-Grade 5 CI$600.

Village Montessori

94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 640 7827 Email: info@villagemontessori.ky Web: www.villagemontessori.ky Ages: 18 months-12 years Monthly fees: CI$1,250-CI$1,400.

Wesleyan Christian Academy

150 North West Point Road, West Bay. Tel: (345) 949 1121 Email: principal@wcacayman.com Ages: 4-18 years Annual fees: Pre K–Grade 12 CI$5,750 (inclusive of book fee. Lunch and other fees not included) Curriculum: American, Cayman Islands National Curriculum Grades 1-6.

Universities & Colleges

Civil Service College (CSC) Web: www.gov.ky/csc. The CSC provides learning and development opportunities with the aim of building capability across the Civil Service.

Construction Trades Training Centre (CTTC)

370 North Sound Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2547 Email: pwd.apprentice@gov.ky Web: www.gov.ky/pwd. A division of the Public Works Department where Caymanians from 16-29 years can take City and Guild construction trade training courses and internships.

International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI) 595 Hirst Road, Newlands. Tel: (345) 947 1100 Email: info@icci.edu.ky Web: www.icci.edu.ky.

Northwestern Caribbean Baptist Theological Seminary

Cayman Islands Baptist Church, 163 Pedro Castle Road, Savannah. Tel: (345) 946 2422 Email: info@ ncbts.edu.ky Web: www.ncbts.edu.ky.

St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine

Regatta Office Park, Leeward 3, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 945 3199 Email: admissions@ stmatthews.edu Web: www.stmatthews.edu.

School of Veterinary Medicine

Regatta Office Park, Leeward 4, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 814 3177 Email: admissions@ stmatthews.edu Web: www.stmatthews.edu.

Truman Bodden Law School (TBLS) Artemis House, George Town. Tel: (345) 945 0077 Web: www.lawschool.gov.ky.

University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) 168 Olympic Way, GT. Brac campus: Avistar Building, West End, CB. Tel: (345) 623 8224 ext. 1 Email: admissions@ucci.edu.ky Web: www.ucci. edu.ky.

University of the West Indies - Cayman Olympic Way, GT. Tel: (345) 946 8322 Cell: (345) 925 8042 Email: cayman@open.uwi.edu Web: www.open.uwi.edu.

Educational & Psychological Assessments

Aspire Therapeutic Services

Crown Square Plaza, Eastern Avenue, GT. Tel: (345) 743 6700 Email: info@aspire.ky. Offers psychological, neuro-psychological and developmental assessments.

Hope Academy Clinical Services

Units 1-8 Grand Harbour Shoppes, Red Bay. Tel: (345) 769 4673 Email: office@hopecayman. com Web: www.hopecayman.com. Offers psychoeducational and neuro-psychological evaluations to children from 2-18 years old, as well as adults.

KidsAbility Paediatric Therapy Clinic

Dr Laurence van Hanswijck de Jonge, PhD 8 Midtown Plaza, 273 Elgin Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 5437 Email: info@kidsability.ky. Paediatric therapy clinic offering developmental neuropsychology services, counselling services, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, a feeding clinic, literacy clinic, social skills groups, parent, teacher and allied health workshops and telehealth services.

Paediatric Therapy Services

For medical practitioners who can help diagnose physical or behavioural problems, see the Health listings on page 168-179.

Hope Academy

Working Together To Be The Best (5–18 years)

Aspire Therapeutic Services Ltd.

Unit A13, Crown Square, Eastern Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 743 6700 Email: info@aspire.ky. Aspire offers psychological assessments, therapeutic intervention, mental health and trauma-informed services.

Cayman ABA

Pasadora Place, Unit 15, Smith Road, GT. Tel: (345) 947 5477 Email: info@caymanaba.com. Provides evidence-based Applied Behaviour Analytic (ABA) interventions for children and adolescents.

CHATTERBOX

Casuarina Point, 218 South Church Street, GT. Tel: (345) 949 7065 Email: chatterbox@ candw.ky Web: www.chatterboxcayman.com. Currently provides speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, English language support, Early Years Programmes (ages 2-5 years), support for children and adults with autism and a women's cancer rehabilitation programme. They work with children and adults who have language or learning disorders, learning disabilities, motor disorders, anxiety disorders, autism, ADHD and gifted children.

Hope Academy Clinical Services

Grand Harbour Shoppes, Units 1-8, Red Bay. Tel: (345) 769 4673 Email: office@hopecayman.com Web: www.hopecayman.com. Offers speech and language therapy, behaviour therapy, schoolbased ABA therapy and neuropsychological and

Hope Academy offers an American curriculum that fosters learning through creativity, discovery, and imagination within a small learning environment. Online courses are also available for middle and high school students. The inclusive classrooms and flexible methodology cater to each students’ individual needs.

Highlights:

American curriculum • Small class sizes • Additional learning programmes for students needing extra support

Extracurricular activities and sports • After-school programmes, including clubs • Homework assistance and tutoring • Full online programme available

Details:

Director: Dr Samantha Tibbetts Principal: Ms Sue Horrocks

Student population: 120–130 Maximum class size: 12-15

Annual fees: CI$15,900 (fees for additional programmes vary)

Sibling discount available: Yes

(345) 769 4673 | Units 1-8, Grand Harbour Shops, Red Bay | office@hopecayman.com | www.hopecayman.com

psychoeducational evaluations. These services are also available for those not attending Hope Academy.

KidsAbility Paediatric Therapy Clinic

8 Midtown Plaza, 273 Elgin Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 5437 Email: info@ kidsability.ky Web: www.kidsability. ky. Paediatric therapy clinic offering neuropsychology services, counselling services, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, a feeding clinic, literacy clinic, social skills groups, parent, teacher and allied health workshops and telehealth services.

The Lighthouse School

Shamrock Road, Red Bay. Tel: (345) 947 5454 Web: https://schools.edu.ky/lhs. A government school for children from ages 5–17 years who have moderate to severe special educational needs, or for children with complex or multiple challenges to their learning.

Sunrise Adult Training Centre (SATC)

Eden House, Elizabethan Square, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 3330 Email: kimberly.voaden@ gov.ky Web: www.sunrise.gov.ky. The SATC is the only comprehensive, governmentoperated centre to serve adults with additional learning needs and disabilities. Clients can be served through a theraputic day programme, vocational training and inclusive, supported employment opportunities.

Cayman Academy

I

can do all things through Christ (3-16 years)

Cayman Academy, a member of the Atlantic Caribbean Union school system, empowers students in a dynamic Christ-centered learning environment to develop character, acquire knowledge, and utilise skills for service to God and man. The mission of Cayman Academy, in cooperation with parents and other stakeholders, is to attract and educate students in a dynamic learning environment committed to the holistic development of the faculties. They aim to foster an experiential relationship with God through Bible-based values to create confident, responsible citizens equipped with the knowledge and skills to positively impact the world with selfless service.

Highlights: After-school activities including netball, cricket and performing arts • Vegetarian canteen providing healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks • Competent and committed teachers • Christ-centered learning

Details:

Annual fees: Pre K-Year 6: CI$5,843, Year 7: CI$7,410, Year 8: CI$7,743 Year 9: CI$8,788, Years 10-11: CI$9,073 Sibling discount: 5% for 2 children, 10% for 3+ children. Average class size: 20-25 Curriculum: CI Curriculum leading to CXCs

(345) 640 2630 | 211 Walkers Road, (GT) | caymanacademy.ky office.secretary@caymanacademy.ky

Educational Support Services

Baobab Education Ltd.

Tel: (345) 924 9103 Email: admin@baobab.ky Web: www.baobab.ky. Provides a range of support services for academic and social-emotional needs for ages 2 years to adulthood. Services include reading intervention or enrichment, dyslexia support, early literacy, social thinking, second language development, academic tutoring and play based nature play workshops.

Early Intervention Programme

515 Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 926 1413 or (345) 525 7832 Email: eip@cayman. edu.ky. Services provided include early intervention teachers, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, programme for the visually impaired, teachers for the hearing impaired, counsellor and educational psychologist.

Inclusion Cayman

81 Godfrey Nixon Way, GT. Tel: (345) 623 2957 Email: info@inclusioncayman.ky Web: www. inclusioncayman.ky. A non-profit organisation supporting individuals with disabilities in their vision of accessing inclusive lives. They work with families, schools, employers, recreation/ leisure providers and others to ensure all community members can meaningfully access, participate and belong in the Cayman Islands.

Tutoring Companies

100% Math

Palm Grove, 265 Smith Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 327 MATH (6284) or (345) 327 1872 Email: info@100percentmath.com Web: www.100percentmath.com. Maths tutoring company for Kindergarden to Grade 12. One-onone, small group and online tutoring available.

Alpha Academy

6 Paddington Place, Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 327 1695 Email: info@ alphaacademy.ky Web: www.alphaacademy.ky. Full-time tutors in STEM-related courses such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Technology, Engineering and Maths, as well as English and Spanish from primary school age to college level.

Baobab Education Ltd.

Tel: (345) 924 9103 Email: admin@baobab.ky Web: www.baobab.ky. Provides a range of support services for academic needs for ages 2 years to adulthood. Services include reading intervention or enrichment, dyslexia support, early literacy, social thinking, second language development, academic tutoring and play based nature play workshops.

Cayman Learning Centre & School (CLC&S)

7 Pasadora Place, Smith Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 7323 Email: info@caymanlearning. com Web: www.caymanlearning.com. Offers evidence-based intervention in literacy and

numeracy skills, including reading, writing, spelling and comprehension alongside the world-renowned Arrowsmith programme, aimed at getting to the root of learning difficulties. Their Neuroscience programme aids students with learning disabilities to learn more efficiently. CLC&S also offers a full-time school programme. See school listing on page 130.

Ceibo Tutoring

Email: info@ceibotutoring.com. Web: www. ceibotutoring.com. Offers in-home or online tutoring in English, Maths, Spanish and French, Science and Art. They also offer extra support to families needing help implementing their homeschooling programme, and for Art and Spanish, they can provide the curriculum.

CF School

Windjammer Building, Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 516 4623 Web: cwww.cfschoolcayman. com. Offers an after school academic and enrichment programme for students from Years 4-11. Also runs educational camps over the holidays.

High Achievement Academy

Windjammer Place, 461 Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 746 5555 Email: info@haacayman. com Web: www.haacayman.com. Educational and professional tutoring for all ages (5+) and abilities in small groups or one-on-one. Classes available six days a week, including holidays, during day or evening hours.

I Read For Life

Barnett Building, 24 Huldah Avenue (next to the Red Cross building), George Town. Tel: (345) 947 1497 Email: admin@ireadforlife.ky Web: www.ireadforlife.ky. Offers a method of reading remediation that helps struggling readers gain self-confidence, improve comprehension and read faster. Offers traditional tutoring as well as online tutoring.

Math Tutoring With Claude Bailey

Tel: (345) 926 3812. A former Golden Apple recipient, Mr Bailey offers Maths tutoring for Grades 3-12 and help for university level Maths.

Studious Cayman

Tel: (345) 926 0560

Email: breanne@ studiouscayman.com Web: www. studiouscayman.com. The owner, Breanne Gill, can review your homeschooling curriculum and then help fill in any gaps to keep the children on track. She specialises in primary school aged children and teaching Maths and English.

School Placement Advisory Service

BvS Education/Niall Browne

Tel: +44 (0) 28 9532 0374, Email: niall@bvseducation.com Web: www.bvs-education.com. Although not based in the Cayman Islands, Niall Browne offers a service whereby he will help you choose the right boarding school to suit your child whether in Canada or the UK. He visits Cayman

a couple of times a year, and he organises the annual Boarding School Fair at the Marriott.

Dorm & Day

2 Harbour Drive, George Town. Tel: (345) 936 3676 Email: admin@dormandday.ky Web: www.dormandday.ky. Offers an exclusive schools placement advisory service assisting with all aspects of the schools search and admissions process at home and overseas. Services include reviewing transcripts and applications, financial aid and scholarships and test and interview preparation.

Extracurricular Classes

ACTING & THEATRE CLASSES

Cayman Drama Society (CDS)

Prospect Playhouse, Red Bay. Tel: (345) 936 1907 Email: training@cds.ky Web: www.cds.ky. Caystage offers ongoing after school acting classes for children ages 7-18 years and adults of all experience levels, as well as summer acting and drama camps. CDS has a full-time Training Officer on staff. On occasion, they offer writing, directing and technical production courses.

Cayman Music School

82 Market Street, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 938 3838 Email: caymanmusicschool@gmail.com Web: www.caymanmusicschool.com. Runs acting and musical theatre programmes for ages 7-15+ years, as well as music lessons in most instruments. All classes are categorised by age.

Centre Pointe Dance Studio (CPDS)

108 Alissta Towers, North Sound Road, GT. Tel: (345) 926 5889 or (345) 926 9603 Email: centrepointedance@gmail.com Web: www. centrepointedancestudio.com. CPDS is the leading performing arts studio in the Cayman Islands. They teach all genres from Ballet to Drama and accept students from ages 9 months-adult.

ART & CERAMIC CLASSES

Cayman National Cultural Foundation

Tel: (345) 949 5477 Email: cncf@artscayman. org Web: www.artscayman.org. CNCF offers year-round cultural education opportunities for Cayman’s children and educators. CNCF organizes tours of the 'Mind's Eye' centre, allowing a glimpse into traditional Cayman life and the intuitive art of Miss. Lassie. Also regularly hosts lectures and workshops to further develop Cayman's life-enriching cultural community. Follow @caymanculture on Instagram, as well as the Cayman National Cultural Foundation on Facebook, to receive updates for CNCF’s ongoing fun education initiatives.

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands

Esterley Tibbetts Highway, south of Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 945 8111 Web: www.nationalgallery. org.ky. Home to the National Art Collection, art library, education centre and sculpture gardens. The Gallery hosts temporary exhibitions, cultural events and workshops throughout the year for all age groups and skill levels.

3 Girls & A Kiln

47 South Church Street, George Town. Tel: (345) 640 9990 Email: 3girlsandakiln@gmail.com Web: www.3girlsandakiln.com. Offers a wide selection of fun monthly art classes for kids and adults.

Art Nest

Elizabethan Square, 80 Shedden Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 927 2258 Email: events@ artnestcayman.com Web: www.artnestcayman. com. Offers a variety of weekly classes for both adults and children. Their adult classes include pottery wheel throwing, canvas painting, resin art, culinary and craft workshops . They also offer art camps over school holidays for kids.

Art'y Parties

6 Devon Road, Prospect. Tel: (345) 928 0284

Email: artypartiescayman@yahoo.com Web: www. artypartiescayman.com. Art'y Parties specialises in art parties, painting classes, traditional face painting, airbrush face painting/tattoos, personalised school labels and personalised party supplies.

CADET CORPS

Cayman Islands Cadet Corps

Tel: (345) 946 9810 (Grand Cayman) or (345) 938 8824 (Cayman Brac) Email: cadetcorps@gov.ky Web: www.cicadetcorps.ky. Cadets learn life skills, develop morals and high standards of conduct through challenging, military-style activities. Offers a wide range of activities, including drills, field craft, adventure, navigation, first aid, music

and water-based activities. Accepts male and female high school students from ages 11-18. They are always looking for adult volunteers from a cross-section of the Caymanian community. There are groups of cadets in both Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.

COOKING CLASSES

The National Trust Mission House, 63 Gun Square, Bodden Town. Web: www.nationaltrust.org.ky. The National Trust often hosts cooking classes for teens and adults, focussing on traditional Caymanian dishes. Visit their website for more information on upcoming events.

DIVING COURSES

See page 283 for listings.

ETIQUETTE WORKSHOPS

Minerva Cayman

Tel: (345) 746 0990 Email: contact@minerva. ky Web: https://minerva.ky. Delivers courses in children's etiquette in a casual, friendly and non-judgemental manner. This course includes workshops on table manners, setting the table and greetings.

FIRST AID, CPR, WATER RESCUE COURSES

Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) 34 Huldah Avenue, George Town. Email: firstaid@ redcross.org.ky Web: www.redcross.org.ky. Offers the American Red Cross (ARC) syllabus

High Achievement Academy

and certification in Infant/Child/Adult First Aid, CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator), Lifeguarding and Basic Water Rescue. All certifications are valid for two years.

CF School/Nic Sowerby

Tel: (345) 516 4623 Email: nic@cleverfishcayman. com. Offers the Emergency First Responder (EFR) certification course. The course covers practical and theoretical adult, child and infant CPR, AED and First Aid, including administering EPI pens. Lifeguarding and Water Safety courses are also offered.

CPR Respiratory Cayman/Melissa Shaw

Tel: (345) 926 0219 or Email: melissashawky@ gmail.com. Melissa is a certified instructor for both the American Heart Association and the American Safety & Health Institute. She offers the following courses: ASHI Advanced Cardiac Life Support, ASHI Basic Life Support, ASHI Pediatric Advanced Life Support, ASHI Basic and Advanced First Aid, ASHI Child/Babysitting Safety and Pediatrics. For more information or to schedule one of these CPR courses please call or email her.

Fitness Connection

1 Bambi Close, Glen Eden Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 8485 Email: fitness@fitness.ky Web: www.fitness.ky. Teaches the ASHI CPR/AED course as well as the SAI Safety Training Aquatic Rescue Course and Starguard Life Guard training.

Highlights: Subjects: Maths • English • Science • Geography • Business Studies • Languages • Accounting • ICT/Computing courses: Primary and Secondary • CXC • (I)GCSE • IB • A Levels • SAT • Study skills • Homework help • College coursework support (ICCI, UCCI and others)

Details: Personalised learning approach to meet your objectives • Day and evening sessions available • Spacious, modern learning environment • Tutors who care and are dedicated!

High Achievement Academy (HAA) offers small group and one-on-one tutoring for all ages and abilities. Sessions are offered seven days a week and are provided by highly qualified and experienced teachers from the UK, USA and Canada. They are knowledgeable in the UK, US, Caribbean and IB curriculums. Programmes range from exam preparation (CXC, GCSE, A Levels, IB and SATs), homework help, study skills, English as a second language and workplace training. Daytime, evening and weekend sessions are available. HAA also welcomes the travelling student who requires provisional study while visiting Cayman. (345) 746 5555 |

Thrive Fit

Tel: (345) 938 1113 Email: info@thrivefitcayman. com Web: www.thrivefitcayman.com. Private and group courses on first aid, CPR and basic water rescue, as well as Nanny Water Safety courses.

HIV, AIDS, GENDER & SEXUALITY AWARENESS AND EDUCATION

Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) Cayman Corporate Centre, Hospital Road, GT. Email: childprotection@redcross.org.ky. Offers a basic information course on HIV, AIDS and STIs, and courses on child sexual abuse prevention, such as Stewards of Children (both in-person and virtual) and Recognising and Reporting Abuse and Neglect (virtual), created by Darkness to Light. CIRC also offers monthly (every third Tuesday) HIV, AIDS and STI testing free of cost in partnership with HSA.

LANGUAGE COURSES

French Tuition Cayman

Tel: (345) 928 7526 Email: frenchtuitionky@yahoo. com Web: www.frenchtuitioncayman.com. Offers French classes in your own home for children ages 5+ and adults, from beginner to advanced levels, including GCSE and A Level exam support.

Modern Language Institute

25 Butternut Close, Beach Bay, Bodden Town. Tel: (345) 943 8254 Email: modernlanguages11@ yahoo.com. Offers regular tutoring in English as a second language and Spanish to all ages and levels. Also offers an array of translation and interpretation services in all modern languages. Recognised by the Office of the Deputy Governor as a Translator within the Cayman Islands.

SELF-DEFENSE

The Academy Grand Cayman Cannon Place, Unit 115, North Sound Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 323 9778 Email: info@ theacademy.ky. Offers classes for children in Brazilian jiu jitsu, mixed martial arts, boxing and fitness. Also offers self-defense training for men, women and children ages 4+. The specialised teenage self-defense course teaches teens how to recognise unsafe situations, plan exit routes and learn how to defend themselves.

Sunday School & Church Services

See page 282 for a list of Sunday Schools and church services.

Music Equipment & Lessons

MUSIC EQUIPMENT

The Music Box Market Street, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 929 2999 Email: caymusicbox@gmail.com. Sells musical instruments, accessories, music books and recording equipment. Also repairs and rents musical equipment.

MUSIC LESSONS

Cayman Music School

82 Market Street, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 938 3838 Email: caymanmusicschool@gmail.com Web:

www.caymanmusicschool.com. Tuition is offered in most musical instruments, voice training, rock school, music theory, music appreciation, composition, drama, DJing and musical theatre. Also helps with exam preparation.

Jukebox

Whatsapp: (345) 321 5731 Email: info@jukebox. ky Web: www.jukebox.ky. Offers a mobile music service providing enriching instrumental and singing lessons within the comfort of your own home. Their holistic approach to music education focuses on nurturing creativity, fostering a love for music and promoting overall developmental growth. Their popular early years sensory classes, which now include a full Kindermusik programme, are held throughout the week at the Kula Kids Yoga Studio on Smith Road.

Musicians Ltd.

4 Dot Com Centre, Dorcy Drive, Airport Industrial Park. Tel: (345) 525 6787 Email: janine@ musicians.ky Web: www.musicians.ky. Offering instrumental lessons both at local schools and in their studio, during the week or at the weekends. Individual lessons cover piano, voice, violin, cello, guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, drums, composition, DJ production and theory. Students can prepare for external theory and practical examinations year-round, following the Trinity Guildhall Syllabus. There are also group classes, such as Vocal Troupe, Rock School, Ukulele Group, Flute and Clarinet Groups. Performing Arts Classes cater to all ages: Broadway Tots (3–5 years), Broadway Stars (6–9 years), Musical Theatre (10–16 years), with Junior and Senior Drama classes during the week. Scholarships are available to support students.

Spark! School of Performing Arts

AvCom Building, 21 Breezy Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 929 2190 Email: janelle@sparkcayman.com Web: www.sparkcayman.com. They offer private lessons in Piano, Guitar, Voice, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Steel Pan, Drum-kit and Music Technology. They also offer musical theatre which incorporates music, singing, drama and dancing and they put on an annual show.

Medical Health Providers for Children

See page 168-179 for a list of medical health providers for children. These include paediatricians, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, counsellors and psychologists.

School Health Screenings

See page 78 for information on getting your child a school health screening.

School Uniforms & Embroidery

Services

Becky's Closet 90 Godrey Nixon Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 938

1111 or (345) 939 0007 Email: beckyscloset345@ gmail.com. Sells uniforms for most government primary schools as well as for CIS, Triple C and Wesleyan Christian Academy. They also sell navy and khaki pants, skirts, shorts and skorts.

Island Embroidery

119 Dorcy Drive, opposite the Airport Park, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 4733 Email: islandemb@candw.ky. Embroiders school uniforms for various schools.

Teen Leadership Training

YMCA

Tel: (345) 926 9622 Email: info@ymcacayman. ky Web: https://ymcacayman.ky/teens. The YMCA Teen Leader On programme utilises the Ropes Challenge Course and other adventurebased elements across the Island to provide teens with speciality leadership training. The programme is offered free of charge to teens, aged 13-17, one week in the summer and requires an application and an interview process for successful participants.

Professional Development & Training

Cayman Islands Marketing Professionals Association (CIMPA)

Email: info@cimpa.ky. A non-rofit organisation, CIMPA runs professional development courses on a variety of topics including e-commerce, content creation, ethical marketing, public speaking, SEO optimisation, event planning, budget management and analytics. Members and non-members are welcome.

Cayman Islands Society of Human Resources Professionals (CISHRP)

Email: info@cishrp.ky Web: www.cishrp.ky. Every year, CISHRP offers a Certificate in HR Management course which includes modules on Cayman's immigration, pension and labour laws, health insurance rules and the essentials of HR Management. Exams are scheduled twice a year.

Chamber's Training Centre

Governors Square, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 949 8090 ext. 123 Web: www.caymanchamber. ky. The Chamber of Commerce Training Centre offers a comprehensive range of two-hour, fourhour, one-day and two-day courses on topics such as Legal Assist, Ken Blanchard Leadership Series, Workplace Essentials, Made For You and Small Biz Boot Camp.

CPD Courses for Accountants

Email: admin@ciipa.ky Web: www.ciipa.ky/ Live-Training/Events. All regular members of the Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants (CIIPA) must comply with the Continuing Professional Development requirements of their overseas accounting institute or the International Education Standards. The CIIPA Training Committee has developed an annual training calendar of diverse courses to support members’ professional development.

Health

Childhood nutrition, dental, vision, immunisations & more...

Childhood Obesity p138 in the Cayman Islands

Keeping Up With Your Health p143

Common Childhood Illnesses p148

Identifying Learning, p152 Behavioural or Cognitive Issues

Doctors Q&A p156

Positive Dental Attitude: p158

Dental Care for Kids

Children's Orthodontics p160 Explained

Protecting Your Child's Vision p162

Sound Advice: p164 Nurturing Young Ears

Getting Immunisations Right p166

The Listings p168

Photo courtesy of Daria Keenan

Childhood Obesity in Cayman

To get a better understanding of obesity in the Cayman Islands, it’s important to look at the root cause of the problem. In order to do this, Rachel Corbett, the Cayman Islands' National Epidemiologist at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, provided Cayman Parent with the latest data from screenings by the Cayman Islands School Health Programme.

These health screenings are offered to all children when they start school and then again in Year 6. They can also take place when a new student immigrates at any age.

What is Obesity?

Although terms like 'overweight' and 'obese' are often used interchangeably, there are some significant differences between the two. Overweight describes people who have an excess of fat deposits, but obesity is a chronic disease that is often much more complex.

To help determine which category people fall into, medical professionals use something called the Body Mass Index or BMI. Every person is unique, which means everybody carries weight differently. Therefore, we can’t simply use a number on a scale to determine where a person nets out. What might be a healthy weight for one person could be dangerous for another. BMI uses a combination of someone's weight and height to calculate a distinct measurement: BMI = weight/height².

That being said, additional factors should always be considered when it comes to determining a person’s health. For example, muscle is actually denser than fat, which can add a lot of weight to one’s body. A very athletic person may have a BMI categorised as 'obese' but still be healthy. While BMI isn’t a perfect system, it’s still an essential tool when it comes to tracking obesity levels.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines overweight as someone with a BMI equal to or greater than 25. For obesity, it’s a number equal to or greater than 30. The exception to this

rule is children. Because of the different rates at which they grow, other factors need to be considered, like age and gender.

Why is Obesity Dangerous?

While all overweight people have excess fat deposits, those categorised as obese have an amount that can seriously impair health. From an increased risk of type 2 diabetes to higher rates of heart disease, there are many ways obesity can harm the body. Even reproduction rates can be affected, and the chance of developing cancer also rises.

For example, a report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found consistent evidence of a link between higher amounts of body fat and an increased risk of cancer. In one study, they found that endometrial cancer was seven times as likely in people with severe obesity, and esophageal cancer was 4.8 times as likely.

Their research also revealed that people who have a higher BMI at the time their cancer is diagnosed have an increased chance of developing a second, unrelated cancer. This also includes people who have survived cancer before but have a high BMI post-recovery.

Obesity is something that must be taken seriously and research has proven that there are genuine risks. From premature death to life-altering chronic conditions, obesity needs to be understood and recognised as the global epidemic that it is.

Obesity in the Cayman Islands

In 2023, the STEPS survey was conducted in Cayman. The goal

of this survey was to obtain clearer data on how the Cayman Islands is affected by obesity. Across all three islands, a sample of 3,300 individuals were randomly selected and invited to take part in this research project. The people polled were a mix of residents aged 18-69 years old.

The survey, which you can see below, revealed that an estimated 69.7% of Cayman’s population is overweight; almost seven in every ten people. Within that range, 32.7% were classified as obese. Interestingly, although men were more likely to be overweight (41% compared to 32.7% in women), women were much more likely to be obese (41.1% versus 24.6% in men).

STEPS 2023 National Health Survey BMI Results

Because the data collected came from a sample of the overall population, the results have been adjusted to indicate what the true prevalence of obesity is in the Cayman Islands. This is shown as the '95% CI' or '95% Confidence Interval', which is a range with an upper and lower number calculated from a sample. In this case it indicates a high likelihood of the statistic being accurate.

For comparison purposes, an obesity estimation of 32.7% puts the Cayman Islands above Canada (30%) and the UK (25.9%), but below the US (42.4%).

Childhood Obesity in the Cayman Islands

To get a better understanding of obesity in the Cayman Islands, it’s also important to look at where it begins.

As mentioned previously, the Cayman Islands School Health Programme includes a health screening at the time that all children enter primary school and again in Year 6. These screenings are important because they can provide early detection and treatment for a number of health problems. Assessments cover growth and development, vision and hearing,

and a dental check is done.

During these health screenings, the BMI of the student is recorded. As mentioned, BMI is tracked a little differently in children. A child’s age and gender are considered, along with the standard height and weight measurements. From this information, a percentile result is calculated, which reveals how a child’s BMI compares to other children of their respective age and sex. These percentiles represent different BMI categories, which have been recommended by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

BMI category Percentile Range

Underweight Less than the 5th percentile

Healthy weight 5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile

Overweight 85th to less than the 95th percentile

Obese Equal to or greater than the 95th percentile

The latest results from the 2023-2024 School Entry Screening show that 70% of the children entering Reception were of healthy weight, 8% were underweight, 9% were classified as overweight and 13% were obese.

In comparison, older children (7-18 years) who entered school after Reception had slightly higher percentiles, with 14% defined as overweight and another 20% defined as obese. The BMI results are laid out in the table below.

School Entry Screening BMI Results, 2023-2024

*Reception includes those aged 3-6 years

While the BMI of children entering Reception has remained relatively consistent over the years, childhood obesity in primary school students has fluctuated in Cayman. Although

new data has shown a small decrease in recent years, we also experienced a large peak between 2021 and 2022. During this school year, the number of children entering Reception with obesity increased from 14% to 22%.

It’s too early to say whether obesity levels will continue to decrease or ramp upwards again, but there are many things we can do now to manage the situation.

Ways to Combat Obesity

Eat Healthier Foods

A balanced diet will help your body feel happy and healthy. Some examples of wholesome and nutritious foods are:

• Whole grains: Steel cut oats, brown rice and quinoa have more fibre than refined grains and can help lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

• Vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts and spinach are all low in calories and great for gut health.

School Entry Screening among children entering Reception, 2017-2018 to 2023-2024

Note: Data is not available for 2020-2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic

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Cayman Wellness & Medical Center

• Fruit: When it comes to fruit, try to stick with fresh or frozen varieties. Many dried or canned fruits contain added sugars or syrups.

• Lean proteins: White-fleshed fish like cod, haddock and bass are excellent low-fat high-protein sources. Skinless chicken and turkey breasts are also great options.

• Legumes: Chickpeas and lentils are another fantastic source of protein. They are a perfect vehicle for 'meatless Mondays' or other vegetarian/vegan meals.

• Nuts: Nuts contain an abundance of heart-healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Studies show that the antioxidants in almonds may even protect against chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.

Everyone has their favourite comfort foods, but consider trying healthier variations. For example, making chicken noodle soup from scratch is much more nutritious than buying the tins!

Move Your Body

In Cayman, we’re surrounded by beautiful spaces to move our bodies. From walking on the beach to swimming in the sea, it’s easy and inexpensive to be active.

For kids struggling with weight gain, getting out as a family can inspire a more active lifestyle. If you have a pet, go on long dog walks together or invest in some bikes and ride around the neighbourhood. Reducing screen time and getting outside is crucial.

In general, the NHS recommends some type of physical activity every day, but exercising just once or twice a week can have a big impact on your health. At least 150 minutes of moderateintensity activity each week is suggested, and for kids, the CDC recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Enrolling your little ones in sports leagues or other after-school activities can help.

Team Up

Changing your lifestyle can be challenging, but an accountability buddy will help keep you motivated! Find a friend or family member with similar goals and team up.

Go for walks, especially in the cool of the day and at the weekends, or try a new sport; not only will it be sociable but you may find it is great fun! Support and encourage each other, and enjoy the journey together.

Speak to a Professional

When it comes to combatting obesity, so much of the work starts at home. Making changes to our routines and listening to our bodies is so important. That being said, obesity can lead to serious medical issues, and talking to a doctor can help those struggling with chronic issues.

Healthcare professionals can perform physical exams that will help gather more information about your current condition. They may recommend a dietician, behavioural counsellor or obesity specialist to help with treatment.

To get back to a healthy weight, reducing calories is often an essential part of the process. However, you should speak with a dietician or medical professional that specialises in obesity to determine the best way to do so for your body and your health.

NOTE: Dr Joan Harriott is from the Cayman Wellness & Medical Center located in Governors Square, West Bay Road. The Center specialises in obesity management and offers comprehensive care and support.

Overcoming obesity can take time, but people struggling should try not to get discouraged. Progress isn’t always linear, and it’s important to treat yourself with kindness. Build new habits, make lifestyle changes and consider chatting with a medical professional about next steps. Many say that 'health is wealth', and investing time and care into our bodies will help us live longer and happier lives.

Statistics from Rachel Corbett, National Epidemiologist at the Ministry of Health & Wellness.

D ed i ca te d to p rov i din g psychological, mental health and developmental support across the lifespan, for over 20 years!

The

Wellness Centre is a licensed health facility, with a team

of

clinical specialists who provide a wide range of comprehensive psychological, mental health, behavioural interventions and corporate wellness services to individuals, families and organizations.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

• Clinical & Educational Assessments

• Specialized Diagnostic Services

• Reﬂective Supervision | Clinical Supervision

• Marriage & Family Therapy

• Individual Therapy (child & adult)

• Child & Parenting Services

• Maternal Wellness & Infant Mental Health

• CBT | DBT | ACT | EMDR

• SPACE

• Play Therapy | Filial Therapy | TheraPlay

• Perinatal Mental Health

• Corporate Wellness Services

Smith Road Medical Centre

Smith Road, George Town

Box 10462, Grand Cayman, KY1-1004

(345) 949 9355

info@wellnesscentre.ky www.wellnesscentre.ky

DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT SERVICES

• Autism & ADHD Community Experts

• Developmental Screening & Assessment

• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

• Practical Functional Assessments

• Skills Based Treatment (ABA)

• Play2Grow: an enrichment early childhood programme

• The Growing BrainTM Training

• Parent / Caregiver Training & Support

• Social Skills: PEERSTM

• Vocational & Independent Living Skills

• Disability Employment Support

• Disability Policy Consultation

• Dementia Capable Care Specialist Services & Training

MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS WE SUPPORT

• Anxiety Disorders

• Depression | Mood Disorders

• Behavioural Disorders

• Grief & Loss

• Trauma

• Suicide & Self-Harm

• Infant Mental Health (PostNatal & Attachment)

• Eating Disorders

• Personality Disorders

• ADHD

Keeping Up With Your Health

Throughout your life, it is important to have regular health screenings to ensure you are maintaining good health. Advances in medical technology now mean we have access to a wide range of health tests. By staying on top of these screenings, we ensure early detection, which is key to the successful treatment of many diseases. — Dr Virginia Hobday MBE MBBS MRCGP MPHIL at Cayman Clinic

Standard screenings start as young as 21, or even younger if you have a family history of certain diseases, so it’s not something that should be delayed until you are older.

As parents, we lead busy lives, but nothing is more important than our health and being there for our children. So make sure you prioritise your health by getting the recommended screenings for your gender and age.

All the screenings covered in this article are offered in the Cayman Islands and are performed by world-class doctors using the latest equipment and methods.

Benefits of Screenings (Source: NHS)

• Screening can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms.

• Detecting a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective.

• Finding out you have a health problem, or an increased risk of a health problem, can help people make better informed decisions about their health.

• Screening can reduce the risk of developing a condition or its complications.

• Some deaths from bowel cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer can be prevented.

Costs of Screening Tests

The cost of screening tests varies depending on your insurance policy, so check with your doctor or GP to find out the costs. Some charities in Cayman also offer free screening services. See page 147 for details.

MORE INFORMATION: Contact your doctor to find out what screenings are available to you. Turn to page 168 for a list of doctors in the Cayman Islands.

Screening Tests

Blood Pressure Screening

• What does the test detect? It checks if your blood pressure is too high or too low.

• Why is the test important? High blood pressure, or hypertension, can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

• What’s involved in the test? A blood pressure cuff is wrapped around the top part of your arm. Your doctor

will inflate the cuff, from which a gauge will measure your blood pressure.

• What happens next? If your blood pressure is too high or too low, you may be required to make lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy balanced diet and establishing a regular exercise routine. You may also be required to take medication to control your blood pressure.

• Screening age & frequency: The NHS recommends that all adults over 40 years of age have their blood pressure tested at least every five years so any potential problems can be detected early.

Breast Cancer Screening

• What does the test detect? It can detect breast cancers when they are too small to see or feel.

• Why is the test important? 1 in 8 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime and the likelihood of getting it increases with age. Early detection through mammogram screening is key to having a good chance of recovery. Regular mammograms also allow your doctor to compare changes in the breasts over the years.

• What’s involved in the test? A mammogram is an X-ray picture of your breast with a special machine. A mammographer will place your breast on a plastic plate. Another plate will firmly press your breast from above. The plates will flatten the breast, holding it still while the X-ray is being taken. The steps are repeated to make a side view of the breast. The other breast will be X-rayed in the same way. It can be uncomfortable for a few moments at a time but the whole process is over in about 10 minutes or less.

• What happens next? If the results come back abnormal, that does not always mean there is cancer, but you will need to have additional exams and a possible biopsy before the doctor can tell for sure.

• Screening age & frequency: Women ages 40-44 can start to have mammograms every one to two years. Women ages 45-75 should have a mammogram every one to two years, depending on their risk factors.

Cervical Cancer Screening

• What does the test detect? This is a test that checks for changes in the cells covering the neck of the womb/uterus. These changes could later develop into cervical cancer if they are not treated. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can also be checked at the same time.

• Why is the test important? It’s extremely effective at preventing cervical cancer and saves around 4,500 lives every year in the UK alone.

• What’s involved in the test? After undressing from the waist down, you lie on your back with your knees bent and apart. Your nurse or doctor will use an instrument called a speculum to gently open the vagina, so that they can see your cervix. They'll then use a small brush to take a sample of cells from your cervix, which they'll send to a lab to be tested. The test takes just a minute or two, and while it can feel uncomfortable, it usually does not hurt.

• What happens next? If you get an abnormal result, it doesn’t mean you have cancer. You may be asked to repeat the test. If the abnormality is not resolved, you may be invited back for a colposcopy which is a 15-20 minute procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed for examination in a laboratory. If these cells are found to be abnormal, you will then have a further procedure to remove all the abnormal cells. This procedure is carried out in a doctor's office while you're awake, but your cervix is numbed and you can go home the same day. You will then need to have regular screenings every six months to check for abnormal cells and HPV.

• Screening age & frequency: In the Cayman Islands,

screening for cervical cancer begins at the age of 21 and continues every two years until age 65. Women over 65 only need to be screened if one of the previous three tests were abnormal. Women of any age who receive abnormal test results may be advised to have more frequent screenings.

Cholesterol Tests

• What does the test detect? It measures if you have too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood.

• Why is the test important? Having too much cholesterol can block your blood vessels and increases your risk of having heart problems or a stroke. There are no symptoms of having high cholesterol. The only way to measure it is with a test.

• What’s involved in the test? It’s a simple blood test. Your doctor may recommend a blood draw from your arm with a needle or a finger-prick test.

• What happens next? The test measures four levels: 1) Good cholesterol (called HDL) – this makes you less likely to have heart problems or a stroke, 2) Bad cholesterol (called LDL and non-HDL) – this makes you more likely to have heart problems or a stroke, 3) Triglycerides – a fatty substance similar to bad cholesterol, and 4) Total cholesterol – an overall measurement. If your levels of bad cholesterol are high, then the doctors will look at other risk factors, including your family history, blood pressure, BMI and lifestyle to recommend a course of action. This might include a lifestyle overhaul that involves eating

OceanMed

better, giving up alcohol and smoking, and increasing physical activity. Doctors may also recommend further, more detailed cholesterol testing. You may be prescribed medication that will help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

• Screening age & frequency: Healthy adults between the age of 40-74 should have a cholesterol test every two years. If you have a family history of heart disease, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing.

Making Waves in Women's Healthcare

OceanMed specializes in women’s health and imaging services. Located in George Town, the advanced clinic and world-class health care team deliver leading-edge obstetrics and gynaecology care in a patient-centred environment, designed specifically to enhance their well-being. OceanMed features a relaxation lounge offering a calm, private space for patients to relax before or between appointments, and sensory-calming exam suites equipped with soothing visuals, music and aromatherapy for an enhanced experience.

The state-of-the-art facility provides innovative and sophisticated imaging technology, operated by a highly trained and experienced team of doctors, nurses, sonographers, radiographers and support staff. OceanMed delivers an unrivalled portfolio of women’s health and diagnostic services.

Services: General gynaecology care

• Abnormal Pap smears & colposcopy

Pregnancy & fertility care • Breastfeeding support • Pre-natal classes

Menopause management & dietitian services • Menstrual irregularities

Urinary incontinence • Pelvic prolapse treatment • Genetic screening • General, pregnancy, and breast ultrasound • Mammography • Elective 3D and gender ultrasounds • Biopsies & pathology testing

Details: Open: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Saturday 8am-1pm. All local private insurance policies accepted.

(345) 946 2326 | info@oceanmed.ky | www.oceanmed.ky | Bayshore Mall, Level 2, South Church Street, GT

Bowel Cancer Screening

• What does the test detect? It checks for traces of bowel cancer, which includes cancer of the colon and rectum.

• Why is the test important? Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second most fatal cancer; however, bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.

• What’s involved in the test? There are three types of tests involved. For screening purposes, you will most likely be offered the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) or Faecal Occult Blood (FOB), which looks for indicators of cancer in your stool. If any abnormalities are found, then you will be invited for a colonoscopy or a virtual coloscopy. In order to prepare for the test, you will be given a special laxative to empty the bowel. A colonoscopy is a 30-45 minute procedure where a long, thin, flexible tube with a small camera inside it is passed into your rectum and colon. The doctor will look for pre-cancerous polyps and any other abnormalities. A virtual coloscopy is a 3D scan of your abdomen and pelvis, which will show polyps or other abnormalities in the colon or rectum.

• What happens next? Before you go home, your doctor will tell you if they removed any growths (polyps) or tissue samples (biopsies) from your bowel. These will be tested for cancer and you will receive the results in a few weeks.

• Screening age & frequency: Healthy adults aged 5074 should have a FOB screening test every 1-2 years and a colonoscopy every 7-10 years. Those with a family history

DOCTORS

(345) 333-4444 (Pharmacy)

of bowel cancer may be advised to start screening earlier.

Skin Cancer Checks

• What does the test detect? A full body skin exam can identify suspicious growths or spots that may be a symptom of skin cancer. Automated Total Body Dermoscopy screening, also known as mole mapping, scans the whole body and photographs every mole and blemish. At future screenings, moles can automatically be compared to the previous scans and any moles that have changed can be reliably identified.

• Why is the test important? Living in the Cayman Islands, we are exposed to dangerous UV rays 365 days a year, so it’s important to remain vigilant. With skin cancer, early detection is key and the survival rate is over 98% at five years if the cancer hasn’t spread.

• What’s involved in the test? With Automated Total Body Dermoscopy screening you are required to stand in your underwear while the computer takes pictures of your whole body. It takes about 15 minutes. The computer captures and records all your moles.

• What happens next? If there are any moles causing concern, then you will be invited back for a biopsy which will then be sent to the lab for testing for skin cancer.

• Screening age & frequency: All adults in Cayman should see a dermatologist or their GP at least every 12 months.

Prostate Cancer Tests

• What does the test detect? A blood test, called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, measures the level of PSA which may help detect prostate cancer, even early cases. This is usually combined with a Direct Rectal Exam (DRE).

• Why is the test important? Prostate cancer is more common in older men and in Afro-Caribbean men.

• What’s involved in the test? Patients will have a simple blood test, and the sample will be sent to the lab for testing.

• What happens next? If you have a raised PSA level, you may be offered a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) if you've not had one, or an ultrasound of the prostate. Doctors may also order an MRI scan or a biopsy of the prostate to help decide if you need further tests and treatment.

• Screening age & frequency: Screening for AfroCaribbean men begins at age 45. All other men over 50 should be offered a PSA test every year.

Annual Wellness Checks (AWC)

An Annual Wellness Check is a preventative health check, a bit like a full body MOT, that gives you an overview of your current health. An AWC can help spot any issues early on, meaning you get timely treatment. Adults of any age can start getting AWCs to keep on top of general health; most adults begin having them regularly when they become parents as health becomes even more important to them.

An AWC can include any number of tests and examinations, usually with add-on tests available. Tests can include: Complete Blood Count (CBC), Fasting Blood Sugar, A1c, Lipid (Fats) Profile, Liver Function Panel, Kidney Function Panel, Uric Acid, Thyroid Panel (FT3, FT4 and TSH), Urine Examination, ECG, Chest X-Ray, and a consultation with a physician. Additional tests can range from cardiac testing, ultrasounds, cervical cancer screening, Bone Health Screen, Diabetic Screening and many more. Each AWC can be tailored to your needs.

Contact your GP, Cayman Clinic, Health City, Optimal Healthcare, Integra, Health Services Authority (HSA) or Total Health to book your AWC. You can also check with your current health services provider if they administer AWCs.

Free Screenings

If you have a basic health insurance policy or no insurance, then the following local charities can help you:

• The Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) provides vouchers for mammograms and breast ultrasounds for all Cayman residents whose health insurance doesn’t cover them or for those who have no insurance at all. It also offers many other free services for those worried or diagnosed with breast cancer. For more information, call (345) 923 1135 or email: info@bcfcayman.com.

• The Lions Club of Tropical Gardens gives free mammogram vouchers during the month of October to highlight breast cancer awareness. Email: bcawareness@ gmail.com.

• The Cayman Islands Cancer Society (CICS) provides screenings for people in Cayman who are fighting cancer. Individuals are able to access their Charity Voucher Programme, which offers pap smear tests, prostate exams and mouth and throat cancer screenings. The Cayman Islands Cancer Society also provides financial aid for cancer patients in need. For more information, call (345) 949 7618 or visit www.cics.ky.

• The Lions Club of Grand Cayman provides free prostate cancer screenings (PSA tests) in mid-November at the Lions Center every year. For more information, visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ LionsClubGrandCayman.

• The Cayman Heart Fund provides free wellness screenings to the public regardless of their status or insurance coverage. Tests include blood pressure, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, cholesterol and glucose. Financial aid is also possible on a case-by-case basis for Cayman residents and to families in Cayman when their child suffers from a congenital heart defect. For more information, call (345) 916 6324 or visit www.caymanheartfund.ky.

Common Childhood Illnesses

The promotion of health and preventative care is crucial as we strive to keep our children safe and well. Here you’ll find invaluable information about common childhood ailments, how to treat them at home and more importantly, guidance for knowing when to call a paediatrician. — Dr Linden Swan MBBS DM (Paediatrics) at George Town Hospital

Worms

Brief Description

Pinworms and threadworms are intestinal parasites that are common in children and they have the tendency to spread very easily. Sometimes you can see the worms in the stool, but not always, so your child may only need treatment based on their symptoms.

Common Symptoms

•Irritability and restlessness

•Abdominal pain

•Itchiness, especially at night

•Disturbed sleep

•Recurrent bladder infections/irritation

How to Treat at Home

•Use over-the-counter medications recommended by a pharmacist

•Treat the whole family and implement strict hygiene measures

•Take an additional dose two weeks later to kill any eggs

See Your Paediatrician If… • Your child is younger than two years old or has recurrent episodes.

Sore Throat

Brief Description

Often caused by a viral infection which gets better with supportive treatment. Sometimes caused by bacteria called Group A Streptococcus (strep throat), which needs treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Strep throat is unusual in children under two years of age. Children over four years may also present with a rash. In rare cases, sore throat can be a symptom of a more serious illness such as Infectious Mononucleosis.

See Your Paediatrician If…

Common Symptoms

•Painful throat

•Fever

•Bad breath

•Reduced oral intake

•Vomiting

•Swollen neck glands

•Trouble swallowing

How

to Treat at Home

•Use over-the-counter pain relief, like paracetamol or ibuprofen

•Make sure your child takes enough fluids

•Offer soft and cold food, like yoghurt or frozen ice lollies

•In older children, try using an oral antiseptic spray or gargle with an antiseptic solution

• Their fever does not respond to paracetamol (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil), or lasts more than 48 hours• Child is not taking fluids and is at risk of dehydration • Child is drooling because they are unable to swallow their saliva • Child is lethargic or irritable • Your child has been in contact with someone who has strep throat.

Skin Infections

Brief Description

Skin infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Skin gets infected easily if it is already affected by a different problem such as eczema, insect bites, cuts and scrapes.

If the infection penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, it is called cellulitis, a very serious condition.

Common Symptoms

The rash depends on what the infection is caused by. The most common rashes are:

•Impetigo, caused by bacteria

- Blisters, crusts or little ulcers anywhere on the body, but mainly around the mouth or hands

•Ringworm, caused by fungi

- Red, itchy, or scaly patches, with defined edges that may resemble a ring, anywhere on the body

How to Treat at Home

•Remember to keep the skin clean and moist

•Try to avoid irritants to the skin such as soap or fragrances

•Try to avoid scratching the skin

See Your Paediatrician If… • Your child's condition gets worse or becomes cellulitis• If the rash/area is getting bigger or will not stop bleeding • Please note: all cases of impetigo or ringworm must be treated with topical or oral medications.

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Head Injury

Brief Description

Head injuries often occur from falling from a significant height, like a bed or changing table. This may also happen when the child is running and playing, or is hit by an object (e.g. a ball). Head injuries can be external, to the scalp, or internal, involving the skull, with bruising/bleeding to the brain. Fortunately, most childhood falls or blows to the head cause injury to the scalp only.

Common Symptoms

•Visible external injuries

•Headache

•Vomiting

•Lethargy

•Irritability

How to Treat at Home

•Remain calm yourself to avoid distressing the child

•Comfort your child

•Look for external injuries

•Apply ice if appropriate

Paediatric Care & Well-Child Checks

Early identification, intervention and ongoing care.

Dr Sara Watkin

Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist

MB ChB, MRCP (paeds), FRCPCH, MD

• Behavioural issues

e.g. ADHD & ASD

• Allergies & intolerances

• Fever & viruses

• Asthma

• Immunisations

• and much more…

(345) 745-7070

See Your Paediatrician If…

•Your child has fallen from a significant height • Loses consciousness, even for a very short time • Is irritable or will not stop crying • Is lethargic and not interested in distraction

•Is unable to wake up • Vomits • Is unsteady on their feet

•Your child is less than two years old.

NOTE: If you are at all concerned that your child may have a minor or severe head injury, see or call your paediatrician immediately, or go straight to the Emergency Room at the George Town Hospital.

Hand, Foot & Mouth

Brief Description

This is a mild, contagious viral infection common in younger children, resulting in sores and a rash on the hands and feet.

Hand, Foot & Mouth can spread through person-toperson contact and bodily fluids, but with proper hygiene, the risk of spread can be reduced significantly.

Common Symptoms

•Fever

www.optimal.ky team@optimal.ky

•Blister-like lesions on tongue and mouth

•Red rash, sometimes with blistering, on palms, soles of

•Irritability (particularly for infants and toddlers)

•Buy over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol

• Fever reaches 38.5°C (101.3°F) • You feel that symptomatic relief is needed.

As a parent, it is important that you know how to resuscitate your child in the case of any medical emergency. The Cayman Islands Red Cross offers CPR certification courses for infants, children, and adults. Call (345) 925 0715 or visit www.redcross.org.ky for more information. Also, see page 135 in the Education chapter for a full list of First Aid, CPR and Water Rescue course providers.

Vomiting & Diarrhoea

Brief Description

Usually caused by a stomach bug, although it can be caused by food poisoning. In rare cases, it can be a symptom of a different illness, such as a urinary tract infection.

Common Symptoms

•Loose and frequent stools

•Mucus and/or blood in the stool

•Vomiting food and fluids

•Loss of appetite

•Abdominal pain

•Fever

How to Treat at Home

•Keep infants hydrated by frequent nursing, and older children by offering them fluids in small amounts but often (like Pedialyte, water or diluted apple juice)

•Avoid solids until vomiting settles

See Your Paediatrician If… • Your child is not keeping any fluids down and thus at risk of dehydration • Their vomit contains blood or bile • There is reduced urine output • Your child becomes lethargic or restless.

Ear Infection

Brief Description

Ear infections are caused by fluid behind the ear drum (middle ear infection) or an infection of the ear canal (swimmer’s ear). Under 5s are at higher risk of ear infection, especially after or along with upper respiratory tract infection. Occasionally, earache may be due to tooth pain radiating to the ear.

Common Symptoms

•Ear pain

•Pulling or rubbing the ears

•Fussiness and irritability

•Fever

•Reduced oral intake

•Leakage from the ear

•Redness around or behind ear

•Reduced hearing

How to Treat at Home

•Administer over-the-counter pain relief, like paracetamol or ibuprofen

•Press a warm cloth to the ear

•Nurse or feed infants frequently (sucking helps reduce pressure in tube between nose and ear)

•Try to keep the ear dry

See Your Paediatrician If… •There is no improvement with paracetamol or ibuprofen within 48 hours • The earache is also associated with fever • There is ear pain in both ears• There is leakage from ear • There is redness and swelling around and behind ear • Your child appears unwell and lethargic • Your child is off-balance.

NOTE: Avoid other childhood illnesses and diseases by staying on top of Cayman’s child immunisation schedule. Vaccines can be provided for free by the Public Health Department. Please turn to page166 to find out more.

TOP TIPS: With such an abundance of water-based activities to enjoy in the Cayman Islands, it is very likely your child will get an ear infection at some point in their lives. According to the CDC though, there are things you can do to mitigate the risk of it happening often:

•Use a bathing cap, ear plugs or custom-fitted swim moulds

•Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or showering

•Don't put objects in the ear canal (incl. cotton-tip swabs)

•Don't remove ear wax. It protects the ear from infection.

Family Medicine

Dr. Sarah Cuff, MRCGP MB ChB DFSRH

Dr. Beatriz Esteban, MD

Dr. Thomas Quin, MRCGP MB ChB DFSRH

Dr. Adam Steed, MD CCFP

Registered Dietician & Diabetes Educator

Kristen Lomas, RD CCDE

Identifying Learning, Behavioural & Cognitive Issues

For many parents, the idea that your child may be developmentally delayed can be particularly unsettling. You may notice that your child is not meeting milestones as quickly as other children, or that they engage in unusual behaviour beyond the anticipated childhood 'growing pains'. But what should you do next?

Seeking Diagnosis

When your instinct tells you that things are not going the way they should, be guided by it. While a million questions may run through your mind, following these steps should result in a smoother journey through the assessment and/or diagnosis process:

1. Talk to anyone who helps you care for your child: A teacher, nanny, carer or grandparent. Check whether they have any concerns about your child’s development.

2. Document your concerns: Make a list of specific observations that you believe are a cause for concern. It will be easier for you to discuss these concerns once they are written down, and you won’t have to worry about forgetting any key areas you want to discuss with your paediatrician.

3. See your child’s paediatrician: Paediatricians are not only there for when your child is feeling sick. Healthcare providers are also there to assist you with tracking your child’s development. Discuss your concerns with them so that an action plan can be developed. These are individuals

who see children on a daily basis and are familiar with what the range of typical development looks like. Allow them to assist you in this process with securing the appropriate referrals and to ease any concerns you may have.

4. Follow through with referrals: Your paediatrician may recommend that your child see one or more service providers on-Island. Please do not wait! Proceed with making the necessary appointments for your child based on your paediatrician’s recommendations. Keep in mind that for some services, there may be a short waiting period between when the appointment is made and when your child is seen.

5. Report back to your paediatrician: After following through with your child’s referrals, forward any results to your child’s paediatrician. Not only will they be able to decipher technical aspects of the report, but they can also make subsequent referrals for any therapy that is required. Many insurance companies will not cover services without a physician’s referral, so your paediatrician is an integral part of your team.

Next Steps

Under 5s

If your child is under the age of five, consider enrolling them in the Cayman Islands Early Intervention Programme (EIP). This programme involves a group of early childhood teachers and therapists who specialise in assessing your child’s overall development, and providing additional support and services if your child demonstrates a need for them. Their goal is to prepare your child for school. Call (345) 926 1413 or email: eip@cayman.edu.ky for more information. Additionally, parents may seek support through the Health Services Authority (HSA) or through one of the privately owned medical service providers on-Island. For a full list of providers, see page 168.

School Age

Work with Your Child’s School

If your child is over the age of five or enrolled in school, seek school-based guidance. For children already enrolled in primary or secondary school, the process for getting help varies based on the school. Most public and private schools have a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), or an equivalent position. Discuss your concerns regarding your child with their classroom teacher and the SENCo for your child’s school. The SENCo will coordinate a meeting with all of the parties so that they can discuss all concerns and assist you with getting the necessary referrals.

For children who attend government schools, many services

such as Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy and Educational Psychology are offered within the school system. For children who attend private schools, parents may need to seek support through the HSA or through one of the privately owned medical service providers on-Island.

Ask for an Individualised Education Plan

This is a plan that outlines in writing what services will be provided to your child and what accommodations can be offered to them in an academic setting. It also includes shortterm and long-term goals that your child’s therapy team and teachers will focus on. Establishing an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) will assist your child’s therapy team with

Cayman Theraplay

Speech & Occupational Therapy

Cayman Theraplay provides speech-language therapy and occupational therapy for infants, toddlers, children and teens; as well as parent and play programmes to support caregivers in bolstering their babies' development. Cayman Theraplay offers 5,000 sq ft of therapy spaces designed to optimise your child’s development. They provide families with access to the most specialised therapy environment because they believe that every child deserves the best chance to reach their potential. Their team of occupational therapists and speech-language therapists are highly experienced senior clinicians ensuring your child receives the best care possible.

Highlights:

Occupational Therapy • Speech-language Therapy • Infant Development programmes for newborns to pre-walkers • 11 bespoke therapeutic spaces • Caregiver workshops • Highly qualified professional clinicians • Enrichment programmes for handwriting, literacy and typing with a keyboard

Details:

Open Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5.45pm. Assessments required prior to commencement of therapies. AETNA, BritCay, Cayman First, CINICO, Pan-Am, and BAF insurance plans accepted.

planning and implementing goals that will enhance your child’s academic success. IEPs are often written by a school’s SENCo (or equivalent) in consultation with all stakeholders included. As a result, it encourages an open dialogue between you, your child’s teacher and your child’s service providers. IEPs are updated annually, however, these can be updated more or less frequently, depending on your child’s unique academic needs.

Seek Support

be overwhelming. As a parent, it is very natural for you to go through periods of grief, denial, sadness, anger or anxiety as you try to wrap your head around their diagnosis and navigate the way forward. Seeking support from other parents who have gone through similar experiences can help you come to terms with your child’s diagnosis. Additionally, there are nonprofit agencies on-Island, such as Inclusion Cayman, that are available as a resource to families to provide access to training, guidance and general support as you and your family go through this difficult period. Remember that any diagnosis does not and should not change who your child is to you. As you go through the therapy process, take time to appreciate the small gains your child will make. The small changes eventually add up to greater transformations over time — and these are worthy of celebration — no matter how small!

Different Types of Diagnoses

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurological disorder that affects communication, cognition and social skills. It is usually noticeable prior to three years of age. It is an umbrella term that is used to describe a wide range of behaviours and abilities, hence the reason it is referred to as a 'spectrum' disorder. There are several 'red flag' characteristics across three domains that provide strong indicators that ASD may be present.

Communication:

If your child has been diagnosed with a delay or disorder, it can

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In -home Inter ventions

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Psyc hoeducational As ses sments

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We are able to work with most insurance companies.

For a FREE, confidential consultation contact Pauline VanderGrinten at pauline@mentalhealthci.com

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•Does not respond to his or her name

•Seems to hear sometimes, but not other times

•Used to say a few words or babble, but now does not

•May engage in 'echolalia' or repetition of words or phrases heard in conversation or from other sources (toys/television, etc.) but no functional communication is initiated.

Social Interaction:

•Displays poor eye contact

•Lack of warm, joyful expressions

•Seem to be in their 'own world'

•Is not interested in interacting with other children or people

•Does not like to play social interaction games like 'peek-aboo'.

Behaviour:

•Repetitive movements with objects or repetitive verbalisations

•Odd movements or posturing of body, arms, hands or fingers (such as hand flapping, rocking, etc.)

•Plays with toys unusually (i.e. only playing with a small part of the toy, like the wheel of a car, or lining toys up instead of playing with them)

A diagnosis of autism is usually made by a developmental paediatrician or a clinical psychologist. Obtaining a diagnosis should involve a multidisciplinary team of therapists, such as Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists who evaluate and treat children with ASD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder of the brain that affects a person's ability to pay attention and concentrate on tasks. This neurological disorder is characterised by delayed frontal lobe development, which impacts a child's ability to attend to tasks, stay organised, manage impulsive behaviours and follow through with instructions. According to the CDC, ADHD is three times more likely to occur in boys than girls. There are three types of ADHD:

Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive and Combined. Here are the red flags:

Inattentive:

•Easily distracted by noises and activities around them, i.e. looking around frequently and sporadically

•Often found to be 'daydreaming'

•Difficulties with staying focused on one task or activity

•Difficulties with remembering instructions

•Difficulties paying attention to detail

•Difficulties with organising belongings and tasks.

Hyperactive-Impulsivity:

•Always engaging in movement

•Fidgeting when asked to sit still

•Difficulties with remaining seated

•Often stands instead of sitting at a table

•Often touching objects

•Excessive talking, often during inappropriate times

•Difficulties with taking turns

•Difficulties with standing in line

•Impulsive behaviour or decisions.

Combined:

•Characteristics from both the Inattentive type and HyperactiveImpulsivity type are observed.

ADHD is usually diagnosed by a psychologist, but treatment of the disorder may include the guidance and care of a psychiatrist.

Diet, environmental changes, therapy and medication are all methods used to treat ADHD. Families usually work closely with their child’s paediatrician to monitor a child’s response to treatment methods.

Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are neurologically-based processing difficulties which interfere with the development of executive functioning skills and impact the ability to learn basic skills such as reading, maths and writing. Children with a learning disability typically have difficulties with learning new tasks, remembering and recalling key pieces of information, answering questions appropriately, telling time, and often mixing up the order of information (e.g. mixing up letters during spelling or mixing up a story's plot). These disorders can include: auditory processing disorders, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, nonverbal learning disorders and visual motor/visual processing disorders.

Communication (Language) Disorders

The American Speech Hearing Association describes a language disorder as when a person has difficulties understanding others (i.e. receptive language) or sharing thoughts, ideas and feelings completely (i.e. expressive language) or a combination of the two. Typically, children with language disorders have difficulty expressing themselves clearly and fluently.

Many types of communication disorders fall under the diagnosis of a 'Language Disorder' including:

•Preschool Language Deficits (typically this is seen as a language delay, which is the result of atypical language acquisition)

•Language-Based Learning Disabilities (these typically involve learning disabilities that affect a child’s ability to develop reading, writing and spelling skills)

•Selective Mutism

•Cognitive Deficits (where cognitive challenges affect language acquisition and development)

•Executive Functioning Deficits (where metalinguistic skills, such as organisation, attention and self-regulation, are delayed).

Many parents are cautious and scared about having their child ‘labelled’ or classified as having a delay or disorder. The fear that a child with different learning needs will be ostracised by their school, educators, peers and by society, in general, is a very real one that many parents struggle with on a daily basis. However, in most cases, having a diagnosis is beneficial to the child and entitles them to a myriad of services, classroom support and educational accommodations which, ultimately, will help them succeed.

Inclusion Cayman is a non-profit organisation supporting individuals with disabilities in their vision of accessing inclusive lives. They work with families, schools, employers, recreation/leisure providers and others to ensure all community members can meaningfully access, participate and belong in the Cayman Islands. Visit www. inclusioncayman.ky.

Q&A

Dr Alison Beadsworth

Why did you choose your field of speciality?

You have to be versatile and think on your feet. The skills you acquire as an emergency physician make it easy to work in a variety of locations, so it really is the specialty of adventure. The TV show ‘ER’ definitely had an influence on me choosing emergency medicine - I wanted to be Dr Susan...and marry Dr Doug Ross!

Who or what inspired you to become a doctor?

As a child, I remember reading about the Khmer Rouge massacres in Cambodia, and seeing the images of the Ethiopian famine in 1984. I think both events sparked a desire in me to pursue a career in medicine and use my skills in humanitarian disasters. However, my path to medicine wasn’t straightforward as I didn’t get the required grades, and I ended up doing a Law degree initially.

Which doctor or medical professional on-Island would you recommend for a ‘Golden Stethoscope Award’ and why?

My colleague and friend Dr Grant Rogers. He is a great doctor with a wealth of experience. He and his wife Wendy have been instrumental in helping me settle in to work and life in Cayman.

What do you do to relax during time off from work?

My favourite pastime is spending time with my family and friends, preferably with a cold glass of champagne or cup of good coffee. I love the outdoor lifestyle of Cayman and I swim, cycle and play pickleball as often as work allows. If I’m feeling less energetic, I love the monthly culture showings of theatre and opera at the cinema in

Dr Alison Beadsworth MBBS FRCEM UK is an Emergency Medicine Consultant at Doctor’s Hospital.

Dr Binoy Chattuparambil

Why did you choose your field of speciality?

Ever since I was a little boy, I had an innate curiosity about opening the heart, and saving lives through touching the hearts of patients, literally and metaphorically!

What qualities do you think are most important in a good doctor?

You have to love the profession and be passionate in your work. There is no point in doing it for the wealth, the accolades or the prestige. At the end of the day your abilities as a doctor depend on your love for the game. Once you have that passion, everything else will fall into place.

Which doctor or medical professional on-Island would you recommend for a ‘Golden Stethoscope Award’ and why?

I would recommend the award go to the recently retired Dr Sook Yin, for her pioneering efforts towards the development of healthcare in Cayman, her unwavering passion for the profession, and dedication and commitment to her patients.

Which actor would you choose to play you in a film about your life?

My daughter has been consistently pointing out physical similarities between me and Jeremy Strong, who plays Kendall Roy in the TV show Succession.

What excites you about medicine in general?

Last year when I was back home in India, visiting our hospital in Bangalore, a lady came running to me with her teenage son, and informed me that I had operated on him as a baby! The love and gratitude they expressed rendered me emotional and speechless. I live for these moments, and those birthday photos and videos that I receive from the parents of the babies that I have

Dr Binoy Chattuparambil is a senior Cardiovascular & Thoracic surgeon with over 25 years of experience.

Dr Jemma Facenfield

What qualities do you think are most important in a good dentist?

You need to be kind, caring and empathetic, and if practising paediatric dentistry then a good sense of humour and a love of Disney and Marvel is a must!

What are the most common issues you see in your clinic?

Early childhood caries (tooth decay) and rampant caries in older children, usually from high sugar diets or infrequent brushing.

What excites you about dentistry in general?

Dentistry is forever evolving and the gold standard of treatment is so different from 5 years ago. I love that it’s a constant learning curve and you can always learn new techniques to help improve patient care.

How do you handle a patient/relative challenging your professional opinion with the information they found online?

I’m always happy to chat through different options or treatment modalities with parents as I find it interesting. Being a parent myself, I’m guilty of looking up diagnoses and treatments for minor illnesses. I know parents have their child’s best interest at heart and I will always look at the evidence of any research they present. All my treatments are chosen on evidence-based practices, the gold standard for treatment at that moment in time and recommendations from national and international paediatric dentistry committees, and most importantly, on what is in the best interest of the child.

Which dentist on-Island would you recommend for a ‘Golden Stethoscope Award’ and why?

Dr Scott McFarlane. The surgery he has created at 7DentalKids is amazing and really encompasses everything a child-centred practice should be. Plus, his cosmetic work is flawless.

Dr Jemma Facenfield, recently joined the team at 7Dental as their paediatric dentist.

Dr Shannon Seymour

What are the challenges you have faced during your career and how have you overcome them?

The stigma of mental health care has always been a challenge we face. It is certainly less now, but we continue to encounter misinformation and misconceptions about mental health and treatment of mental health problems.

What do you enjoy the most about working in Cayman?

I love the close-knit community. It’s really easy to collaborate or consult across disciplines because we are small.

How do you think we can improve the lives of children and adolescents in Cayman?

By building more community parks and playgrounds where kids can gather and play freely, without parental oversight. When kids gather and play independently they are learning critical emotional regulation, problem solving and social skills, which form the foundation of good mental health.

What are your main concerns about the increased use of technology/devices amongst children and adolescents?

I don’t have enough space to discuss this! I am very worried about the isolation that technology and in particular social media creates. When we increase connection in the virtual world, it usually comes at the expense of connection in the real world.

In your opinion what makes young people feel burnt out and unmotivated?

Cayman is highly focused on academic success. Many young people feel incredible pressure to perform. When a B+ is considered average we are going to see children and teens overwhelmed.

Which book would you recommend for parents who want to help their children thrive?

I think every parent today should read ‘The Anxious Generation' by Jonathon Haidt. He provides a compelling link between smartphones, social media and mental health problems in adolescents.

Dr Shannon Seymour, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of clinical experience.

Positive Dental Attitude: Dental Care for Kids

Developing proper oral hygiene habits early in childhood is crucial for ensuring continued practise into adulthood. This means starting very early, even before your baby’s teeth have emerged.

Instilling your young children with sound dental practices not only prevents expensive dentist bills later on, but sets the foundation for a confident and radiant smile as they grow.

As babies, this simply involves ensuring they are used to having their gums and then teeth touched when they first appear. As they develop, successful teeth brushing techniques, maintaining good oral hygiene in general, regular dental visits, and a well-rounded diet are all important.

At birth, start by cleaning your child’s gums with a soft cloth and water. This oral stimulation may help prevent fungal infections, such as oral thrush, and also makes acceptance of the toothbrush less of a challenge once the teeth start to erupt.

Primary tooth enamel is much thinner and less resistant to decay than adult teeth, so following these essential guidelines will likely set your child up for a lifetime of good dental health.

First Visit to the Dentist

The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend establishing a 'Dental Home' for your child by one year of age, with follow-up visits every six months. Your child’s first visit will likely include a quick check-up to help them become familiar with the sights and sounds of a dental clinic. Turning this appointment into a fun and warm experience ensures your child will feel excited and motivated to return.

“Consistency is everything. The earlier these good habits are established, the more easily children will accept and tolerate both

home care and the vital, routine dental visits," recommends Dr Jemma Facenfield, dentist at 7Dental Kids. “During the first visit, a dentist will also discuss teeth-friendly diet recommendations, tips and tricks, measures on preventing the onset of tooth decay, and how to encourage your child to brush and maintain healthy teeth and gums for life."

Should My Child Brush Their Own Teeth?

Dr Facenfield believes that fostering early independence in maintaining oral hygiene is important for your child’s development, and will have a significant impact on their future health routines. However, until around eight years of age, toothbrushing should be both supported and monitored by a parent, to ensure that all surfaces have been adequately cleaned. At the same time, allowing your child to assist in the process will help to build their confidence and dexterity.

Proper Tooth Brushing, Frequency & Technique

Prevention is key; the AAPD recommends using fluoridated toothpaste once the teeth begin erupting. Fluoride aids in remineralisation of enamel and helps to prevent childhood tooth decay which can spread quickly. Start with a small smear of toothpaste, gradually increasing to a pea-sized amount, once all 20 primary teeth have erupted. A soft age-appropriate toothbrush is recommended.

TOP TIP: Have a positive dental attitude! In between meals, always opt for savoury snacks and limit sweets or candies. Instead of sugary sports drinks and sodas, choose water. It's the best option to promote healthy teeth and proper hydration.

Brush gently, but thoroughly, twice a day. The last brush of the day (evening) should be after your child's last food and drink (other than water). The final brush of the day will eliminate food particles from the mouth before bed, reducing potential cavitycausing bacteria, which are more active at night when kids are asleep and there is less saliva in the mouth.

Flossing

When teeth begin to erupt, they will likely be close together, or touching. These contact points between teeth (proximals) are almost impossible for a toothbrush to access, even for adults, which means decay can become established. Flossing once daily (preferably before bed) with assistance from a parent will effectively clean these hard-to-reach areas. Dr Jemma recommends using flossers or floss wands which come in smaller sizes for children's teeth and are often colourful and fun-flavoured, adding, "Look for those that contain fluoride for added protection against cavities."

Breast Feeding & Bottle Use

The most common cause of early childhood tooth decay is frequent exposure to liquids containing natural or artificial sugars. These include milk (including breast milk), juice, formula, and sweetened drinks. Therefore, giving a child anything other than water at bedtime can increase the risk of tooth decay. Sugary drinks can sit and pool around vulnerable baby teeth, producing acids that attack the enamel. This type of decay is known as 'baby bottle caries'. Once your child has had their last bottle (or feed) for the day brush their teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste to remove any milk or dietary sugars before they sleep.

The Toddler Teeth Brushing Battle

Here are a few tips to get your toddler to brush their teeth:

1. Add a fun song to it! Make up your own teeth-brushing song, or have your kids listen to a ‘Brush Your Teeth’ song! YouTube has great options: one of the best is Sesame Street’s ‘Brushy Brush’ song.

2. Model the behaviour you want to see. Lead by example and let your toddlers see you brushing your teeth. More than likely, your child will want to imitate their parents’ behaviour.

3. Give praise for teeth brushing. Create your own reward chart and add a star, tally or sticker every time your child brushes their teeth on schedule. Let them work towards a goal, e.g. one whole week of brushing morning and night gives your child more time to play outside on the weekend.

TOP TIP: Not all toothpastes in Cayman contain fluoride, so this is something you should check either yourself or with your dentist. Toothpastes containing 1,000 or 1,500ppm of fluoride are most effective for children over three years old. Children under three should brush twice daily with a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm of fluoride.

7Dental is proud to introduce our latest expansion, the only paediatric-centric dental clinic in Cayman: 7DentalKids! Our themed space is an underwater oasis for kids of all ages, combining top-quality dental care with endless fun! Kids can ride our pirate ship slide, create their own animations with our ‘Draw Alive’ technology and meet our dedicated paediatric team. With our board-certiﬁed orthodontist, your child’s dental health is fully covered, with everything from braces and retainers, to Invisalign. Be sure to visit for a fun, deep sea adventure in dentistry your kids will never forget.

(345) 943 7400 l Marquee Place, Seven Mile Beach

Opening times: Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm l www.7dental.ky

Children's Orthodontics Explained

When you hear the word 'orthodontics', your first thought is probably a teenager with braces. But the truth is, taking your kids to see an orthodontist before they enter their teens is super beneficial! From initial appointments to final treatments, the answers below will help ensure that everyone is completely aligned! — Dr Terry Giangreco DDS MS at Cayman Dental (Orthodontics)

When Should My Child First See the Orthodontist?

Orthodontic treatment is extremely important for children, but many parents may not know the best time to begin. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist by age seven. This may seem too young, but it’s actually best to visit an orthodontist when the child has both baby and permanent teeth. The orthodontist will be able to recognise spacing or bite issues, even in their earliest stages, and can intervene before any damage is done or more invasive treatment is needed.

If your child is younger than seven and you notice something that appears 'off', it’s not necessary to wait or get a recommendation from your dentist for a first check-up. Similarly, if your child is eight or older, it is not too late for their first check-up with an orthodontist.

Possible Signs of Orthodontic Trouble

If you’re still not sure your child needs braces or other early orthodontic treatment, you can check for the following signs:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Difficulty biting and chewing

• Protruding teeth, difficulty closing lips

• Crowded, crooked and blocked out teeth

• Irregular teeth spacing

• Mouth breathing and airway issues

• Upper and lower teeth do not meet when biting

• Grinding or clenching teeth

• Frequently biting cheek or roof of mouth

• Thumb and finger sucking or other oral habits

• Speech difficulties

• Facial asymmetry, chin off-centred

• Self-esteem concerns with how their teeth look.

These symptoms do not necessarily mean your child will need treatment, but the orthodontist will use their education, expertise and experience to create a customised plan to address all concerns.

What is the Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

Dentistry is a broad medical speciality that deals with oral health — specifically your teeth, gums, nerves in the mouth and

jaw. A dentist generally provides the following treatment: tooth extraction, filling cavities, repairing teeth, removing tooth decay, root canals, gum care, and the list goes on. Orthodontists are general dentists who undergo additional training in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. They provide a wide range of treatment options to straighten crooked teeth, fix bad bites and align the jaws correctly.

Since an orthodontist receives specialised training to diagnose and treat problems affecting the alignment of the teeth, they’re your best bet for correcting these issues. An orthodontist doesn’t just have more training than a dentist in this particular area of oral health, they also take part in ongoing training to stay up to date on the latest breakthroughs in oral healthcare. Not to mention, aligning teeth is what they do all day, every day!

It is important to remember that even if you are referred to an orthodontist, you should not stop seeing your general dentist. They are not one and the same, as your general dentist will still need to evaluate your overall oral health, during and after your treatment by an orthodontist. Your orthodontist is there to help correct alignment issues affecting your teeth, while your dentist is there to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your entire life.

What to Expect During Your First Visit to the Orthodontist

When you or your child first go to the orthodontist, you will meet with a team member and have records collected, which include a panoramic X-ray and intraoral photos. After an oral exam and a review of the dental records, your orthodontist will inform you of any concerns or potential issues they see. They will then discuss with you what the best course of corrective treatment will be.

Your child’s first appointment is an excellent time for you to give the orthodontic team any medical or personal history about your child that could help determine the best course of treatment. Having your child visit the orthodontist early helps them get comfortable with the dentist and their team.

How Long Will Treatment Take?

When it comes to moving the teeth and jaws safely, it usually takes at least a year for early-phase treatment and over a year for full-phase treatment to get the teeth fully corrected, biting correctly, and in harmony with the jaws and lips. The technology and materials orthodontists use, and the time it takes to properly move teeth, make treatment an important investment in longterm dental health.

FUN FACT: Four years of dental school + 3,700 hours of specialised orthodontic training = 100% focus on aligning teeth and jaws. - American Association of Orthodontists.

Protecting Your Child's Vision

Children are potentially at risk from a wide range of eye disorders. Annual comprehensive eye examinations are key to improving early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment. — Dr Natalie DaSilva BsC OD at Tropical Optical.

Common Eye Problems

In 2024, a local charity conducted a vision screening programme at eight Cayman nurseries and preschools. They discovered that out of the 260 children examined, 62 required further testing and more than 1 in 20 were subsequently found to need glasses. Working with an eye specialist throughout your child's development is vitally important as many conditions can be corrected if treatment begins early enough. Some common eye problems that can present in children include:

Refractive Errors: They arise when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, causing blurry vision. Common types include near-sightedness (Myopia): distant objects appear blurry; far-sightedness (Hyperopia): nearby objects appear blurry, and astigmatism, which causes blurry vision at any distance. These can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or even laser surgery.

Tropical Optical

• Providing quality eye care services for over 25 years

• Comprehensive eye exams for the whole family

• Extensive selection of designer, independent, and boutique eyewear brands

• Knowledgeable, attentive staff

• Frame and lens options to suit all budgets

• Large inventory of contact lenses available

• Insurance accepted

Amblyopia: Also known as ‘lazy eye’. This is a vision disorder that can be caused by poor alignment of the eyes. Over time, the brain fails to process inputs from the affected eye, favouring the other. If left untreated, images from the affected eye will be blocked out permanently. Regular eye checks can catch amblyopia at an early stage.

Binocular Vision Disorders (BVD): This disorder occurs when the eyes struggle to work in unison. It disrupts the brain's ability to form a single clear image, leading to problems like double vision, headaches, and dizziness. BVD can be caused by misaligned eyes, focusing issues or weak eye-teaming skills. Treatment may involve glasses, vision therapy and in extreme cases, surgery.

Conjunctivitis: More commonly referred to as ‘pink eye’, conjunctivitis is a highly contagious (although rarely serious) inflammation of the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye. This inflammation causes a redness, or ‘pinkness’ of the white of the eye and is usually accompanied by a thick, yellow discharge, indicating an infection. Visit your eye specialist if you suspect your child has pink eye.

Strabismus: Also known as 'crossed-eyes' or a 'squint', it is a condition where the eyes don't point together. This happens because the muscles controlling the eyes aren't working well. It can cause one eye to turn inward, outward, upward or downward. Strabismus is treatable and early detection is important to prevent vision problems later in life.

Four Tips for Eye Health

Here are some proactive ways parents can help maintain their child’s eye health:

Regular Eye Examinations: The first line of defence in maintaining eye health. Your paediatrician will examine the eyes of your baby sometime within the first six weeks after birth. After that, the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that children have their first eye exam between 6-12 months of age, then at least one other eye exam between the ages of 3-5 years. From ages 6-17 years, the AOA advises annual eye exams to ensure optimal eye health and development.

Balanced Diet: A healthy diet lays the foundations for good eye health. Zinc, lutein, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E can help prevent infections, reduce any future risk of eye diseases, and even fight night blindness. Include lots of fruits, leafy greens and good fats in your child’s diet.

Protect Eyes from the Sun: A child's eyes, which are not yet fully developed, let in 70% more of the harmful UV rays emanating from sunlight than an adult's. Excessive UV exposure has been linked to cataracts, retinal damage and even eye cancer. Always ensure that your child is wearing sunglasses that block 99%-100% of UV light to ensure maximum protection.

Limit Screen Time: As children spend large amounts of time online, protecting young eyes from over exertion has never been more important. Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes children should look away from the screen at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds — this will help with eyestrain.

Watch for Warning Signs

Keep an eye out for the following symptoms, which could suggest your child is struggling with a vision problem. If you suspect there is an issue, speak to an eye specialist.

- Rubbing their eyes frequently

- Squinting when reading or focusing on something

- Light sensitivity

- Poor hand-eye coordination

- Excessive tiredness.

For a list of eye specialists in Cayman, see page 176-177.

Family History: As with any physical trait, eye health (and eye weaknesses!) can be passed down from parents to children. If parents are near-sighted, farsighted or have an astigmatism, there’s a chance their child will present with the same eye issues too. Speak to your eye specialist about any specific concerns you have about your family history with eye health.

Childhood Eye Development

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, as an infant grows, their visual acuity is constantly improving. The ability to focus, perceive depth, track moving objects and convergence (both eyes focusing at the same time on an object,) are strengthening each day. As your child develops, watch for these eyesight milestones:

3-4 Years Old

•Enhanced hand to eye coordination, evidenced by better puzzle solving and toy building.

•Visual memory improvements. Can draw shapes from memory

•Can read most lines of an eye chart.

4-6 Years Old

•Immediate letter and object recognition.

•Reading skills. Improved convergence, helping a child to follow the words across a page.

•Eyes working together well, so depth perception is excellent.

•Can easily judge spatial distances between objects and themselves.

•Comfortable playing basic sports and traversing confidently.y

Specialist Ophthalmologist

Sound Advice: Nurturing Young Ears

Dr Annette Stephenson AuD ABAC F-AAA, lead Audiologist at the Cayman Hearing Center, takes a detailed look at how you should be protecting your child's hearing, the key milestones, common problems, and the importance of getting regular hearing tests.

Hearing plays a pivotal role in a child's social, emotional and academic development, shaping their ability to absorb knowledge, engage in meaningful communication and immerse themselves in the wonders of our world. As children today are often exposed to loud sounds while wearing headphones and watching screens, it is crucial that parents are vigilant in protecting and monitoring their child's hearing.

Routine Hearing Screenings

Every child born in the Cayman Islands is given a non-invasive hearing screening before leaving the hospital, however, regular check-ups are recommended at specific milestones: within the first month, then at ages 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, and annually during adolescence if there are risk factors or concerns.

Importance of Hearing Tests

Regular hearing tests are crucial in identifying and addressing any hearing issues early. Here’s why they are essential:

Early Detection and Intervention: The earlier a hearing problem is detected, the sooner intervention can begin, which is critical for speech and language development. Early intervention can include hearing aids, speech therapy or medical treatment, significantly improving outcomes.

Educational Impact: Hearing is directly linked to a child’s ability to learn and perform academically. Hearing issues can affect a child’s ability to follow instructions, participate in classroom activities and socialise with peers.

Social and Emotional Development: Children with untreated hearing loss can experience social isolation and frustration, impacting their emotional wellbeing. Identifying and managing hearing problems helps children to fully engage with their environment and build better relationships.

Common Hearing Problems In Children

Despite parents' best efforts in nurturing a child's development, staying vigilant for potential hearing problems is important. Early detection is vital for effective intervention. Parents should stay informed about common hearing issues, such as:

Hearing Loss: This can range from mild to profound and may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired. Signs include:

• Lack of response to sound: not reacting to loud noises or not turning towards sound sources

• Delayed speech development: slow progress in speech and language milestones

• Inattentiveness: difficulty hearing may lead to inattentiveness or behavioural issues, often mistaken for learning disabilities.

Otitis Media: This is a common middle ear infection, particularly in young children. Symptoms include:

• Ear pain and fever: often accompanied by fussiness in infants

• Fluid drainage: a sign of infection, requiring medical attention

• Hearing difficulty: fluid excess can temporarily impair hearing.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Children with APD may have normal hearing but struggle to process auditory information correctly. Signs include:

• Difficulty following instructions: especially in noisy environments

• Problems with reading and spelling: challenges in distinguishing similar sounding words.

Protecting Your Child’s Hearing

One of the most effective ways to protect your child's hearing is to limit their exposure to loud noises. This can be achieved by:

Monitoring Volume Levels: Ensure personal audio devices are set to a safe volume. Many devices now come with volume limiters, which parents can use to restrict the maximum volume.

Using Protective Gear: When attending concerts, fireworks displays or engaging in noisy sports events, it is essential to use earplugs or earmuffs designed for children to reduce the risk of hearing damage significantly.

Creating Quiet Zones: Identify areas where noise levels can be controlled at home. Designate quiet zones or times when noiseproducing activities like vacuuming or playing loud music are minimised.

Sounds like Success

Hearing is crucial for a child's development, affecting everything from language acquisition to social interactions and academic success. Parents can take proactive steps to protect their child's hearing health by understanding hearing milestones, recognising common problems and preventing exposure to loud noises. Early detection and intervention are essential for helping children to reach their full potential. d enjoy a rich, com

Hearing Milestones in Children

Understanding typical hearing milestones can help parents recognise potential problems early. Here’s a general guide to what parents should expect at various stages of their child’s development:

Newborn-3 Months

•Reactions to loud sounds: newborns should startle or cry in response to sudden loud noises.

•Comfort from familiar voices: babies often calm down when they hear a familiar voice, especially that of a parent.

4-6 Months

•Eye movement or head turning: infants begin to look toward sounds.

•Responding to music and noise-making toys: babies may show enjoyment or curiosity toward musical toys and other noise-making objects.

•Babbling: starting to babble and make a variety of sounds.

7-12 Months

•Responding to names and simple words: babies should respond to their names and simple words like 'no' or 'bye-bye.'

•Imitating speech sounds: they often imitate different speech sounds and use their voice to attract attention.

1-2 Years

•Following simple commands: children begin to follow simple instructions and understand basic questions.

•Vocabulary growth: most children can say a few words by their first birthday. By age two, they typically use simple sentences and have a vocabulary of about 50 words.

2-3 Years

•Understanding and using words: children can understand more complex instructions and use a broader range of words to express themselves.

•Interest in stories and songs: children usually show an interest in listening to stories, rhymes and songs. an

and musician’s

Cerumen

Aural

Getting Immunisations Right

Vaccines are an integral part of any child's routine health care. As Cayman's population hails from all over the world, besides following the Cayman Islands immunisation schedule, schedules from other home countries are also adhered to and followed.

The Cayman Islands has one of the lowest incidences of vaccine-preventable diseases in the world, and diseases such as polio have been fully eradicated.

While immunisations are not mandated by law in the Cayman Islands, they are highly recommended by the Public Health Department, who has oversight for monitoring and administering immunisations in the country. According to UNICEF, vaccine-preventable diseases are one of the major causes of illness and long-term disabilities among children in both industrialised and developing countries. The prevention of paralytic polio in hundreds of thousands of children worldwide since the beginning of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is just one example of the effectiveness of vaccines.

Immunisations are one of the most effective ways of protecting

your child's health from the very beginning of their life. Protecting your baby from over 16 serious diseases with the help of vaccines is a powerful defence that is tested, safe and effective. As Dr Chela Lamsee-Ebanks, Consultant Paediatrician with the Health Services Authority points out, “The absence of these vaccine-preventable diseases within the Cayman Islands does NOT indicate the absence of risk for outbreaks, especially in our extremely globalised community.”

There are cases when Public Health officials have recommended deferring a vaccination due to medical reasons or if a child is experiencing ill health. You may contact the Public Health Department (Tel: (345) 244 2648), which provides routine vaccinations to children free of charge, or speak to a paediatrician if you have any questions about vaccinating your children — prices often vary between clinics for the same

Childhood Immunisation Schedule - 2024

CAYMAN ISLANDS

immunisation. See page 168 for a list of paediatricians.

Vaccine 101

Hepatitis B (HEP B):

Hep B is an infectious disease spread by exposure to infectious blood or body fluids. It affects the liver and can cause acute and chronic infections. Many people have no symptoms at first, but later symptoms include vomiting, yellowish skin, tiredness, dark urine and abdominal pain.

Tuberculosis (BCG):

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection which generally affects the lungs. It is contagious and spreads from one person to another through the air. Symptoms include chronic cough, difficulty breathing, fever and weight loss, amongst others.

Diphtheria (DTaP):

Diphtheria is a bacterial disease that spreads easily and occurs very quickly. It mainly affects the upper respiratory system, including the nose and throat. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes and general weakness.

Tetanus (DTaP):

Often called Lockjaw, Tetanus is a bacterial infection that causes painful muscle spasms and can lead to death. Symptoms include painful muscle contractions, difficulty in breathing and intermittent muscle spasms.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) (DTAP):

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways which can cause severe breathing problems and even death in small children.

Polio (IPV):

Polio is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Symptoms may range from nonparalytic fever and throat infection to limb deformity and complete paralysis.

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HiB):

HiB is a bacteria responsible for causing severe infections like meningitis, pneumonia and epiglottitis — a life-threatening problem which causes swelling in the throat. Depending on the type of infection, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, cough, breathing problems, fever and muscle pain.

Rotavirus (RV):

Rotavirus is a very contagious disease that most commonly affects infants, young children and those who work or live with children. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain.

Human Papilloma-Virus (HPV):

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Highrisk strains can lead to cervical cancer and mouth and throat cancers. A symptom of HPV is genital warts; however, most people with HPV don’t show signs of infection.

Immunisation

Top Facts

•The Cayman Islands follows immunisation standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

•The last case of Polio in Cayman was in 1957. The last case in the Caribbean was recorded in 1982. The last case of Measles in Cayman was in 1990. The last case of Rubella was in 1996.

•DTaP and HPV vaccines are often administered to children by school nurses at schools in Cayman, but only when written consent from a parent has been received. The Cayman Islands Public Health Department administers immunisations for free (or a parent may take their child to a private physician).

•If a parent chooses not to immunise their child, they must sign a legal document accepting full responsibility if their child contracts a vaccinepreventable disease. Schools in Cayman will request to see your child's immunisation record and a health screening report prior to enrolment.

the Listings

Paediatricians, Family Doctors, Dentists, Insurance, Support Services

Paediatricians

Dr Ramon Lacanilao MD FAAP

Doctors Hospital, 19 Middle Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 325 9000 ext. 6504

Email: dhcarecentre@doctorshospital.ky; r.lacanilao@doctorshospital.ky.

Dr Chela Lamsee-Ebanks MBBS DM Paediatrics MHA

Dr Marilyn McIntyre MBChB DRCOG FRCM

Dr Earl Robinson MD FAAP

Dr Linden Swan MBBS DM Paediatrics

Dr Tonita Rankin MD

Dr Krystina Chin (Registrar)

George Town Hospital, 95 Hospital Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 244 2857 Email: chela.ebanks@hsa.ky; marilyn.mcintrye@hsa.ky; earl.robinson@ hsa.ky; linden.swan@hsa.ky Web: www.hsa.ky.

Dr Binoy Chattuparambil (Chief Cardiac Surgeon, Chief Cardiac Doctor, Senior Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeon)

Dr Aritra Mukherji MD FNB (Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist)

Dr Sripadh Upadhya (Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist)

Health City Cayman Islands, 1283 Sea View Road, East End. Tel: (345) 640 4040 Emergencies: (345) 526 2108 Email: info@healthcitycaymanislands.

Optimal Healthcare

Dr. Sara Watkin

MB ChB MRCP (Paeds) FRCPCH MD

At Optimal Healthcare Ltd., their mission is to transform health and healthcare alike, to deliver an optimal health span within a long lifespan, and thus vibrancy to life. The clinic is home to Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Dr Sara Watkin MB ChB, MRCP (paeds), FRCPCH, MD, who offers a range of paediatric and newborn care. At Optimal Healthcare Ltd., they are committed to bringing the highest possible standards of modern care to your precious children.

Highlights:

Newborn care • Neonatal care (from 24 weeks) • Tertiary trained Neonatologist and Paediatrician with 30+ years' experience • General paediatrics & complex care

Services Include:

Baby checks • 1st year of life care • Well-child checks

Behavioural issues e.g. ADHD and ASD • Allergies and intolerances • Fever and viruses • Immunisations and guidance • And more...

Details:

Open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm, Saturday 9.30am-1pm Most health insurance policies accepted

(345) 745 7070 | Cayman Center, Unit B11-15, GT team@optimal.ky | www.optimal.ky

com Web: www.healthcitycaymanislands.com.

Dr Sarah Newton MBChB FRACP (paeds) DCH

Dr Siobhan Jaques MBBS BSc DRCOG FRCPCH

Dr Tamara Bugembe, MbChb MRCPCH MSc

Dr Zanele Balang MBBS DM

Samantha Sparg BSc (Paediatric Physiotherapist) Integra Healthcare Ltd. (two locations) > Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB. Tel: (345) 745 7450 > Harbour Walk, 52A Edgewater Way, Grand Harbour. Tel: (345) 623 7999 Email: team@integra.ky; s.newton@integra.ky; s.jaques@integra.ky; t.bugembe@integra.ky; z.balang@doctorshospital.ky; s.sparg@integra.ky Web: www.integra.ky.

Dr Gordon Smith MB ChB MRCP (UK) MRCGP DRCOG

The Children’s Clinic & Family Practice, Windward Centre, 93 Smith Road, GT. Tel: (345) 949 2970 Email: drgoffice@candw.ky Web: www. thechildrensclinic.ky. Attended to over 4000 newborn babies in Cayman since 1992.

Dr Sara Watkin MB ChB MRCP (paeds) FRCPCH MD

Optimal Healthcare, Cayman Center, Unit B11-15, GT. Tel: (345) 745 7070 Email: team@optimal.ky Web: www.optimal.ky. Consultant Paediatrician providing neonatal, paediatric and complex paediatric compassionate care.

General & Family Doctors

Dr Virginia Hobday MBE MBBS MRCGP MPHIL

Dr Denise Osterloh MB ChB

Dr Fiona Robertson MBBS DRCOG MRCGP

Dr Melissa Mascaro MD CAQSM

Dr Heidi Fahy MBBS DRCOG MRCGP

Dr Nadia Balleram BMSc MBBS PGDipFM

Dr med. Sophia D Rado DM

Nina Baxa RDMS Cayman Clinic, 439 Crewe Road, GT. Tel: (345) 949 7400 Email: info@ caymanclinic.ky Web: www.caymanclinic.ky. Other languages: French, Farsi, Tagalog and Afrikaans. Ultrasound, sports medicine, dermatology, lab services, and the Ideal Protein weight loss programme.

Dr Eryka Simmons Cert Hon NP MBBS MScCD

Dr Imilla Barredo-Sedano MD

Dr Karlo Barredo Sedano MD PhD (General Practice)

Dr Ricardo Clarke MD

Dr Orrett Thane MBBS

Dr Adiaris Williams-Rodriguez MBBS

Dr Gerard Christian MBBS

Dr Moses Gallow MD

Dr Lorna Jackson MD

Dr Anna Matthews MD

Dr Fiona Robertson MBBS DRCOG MRCGP

Dr Joy Wallace-Grant MBBS

Dr Grace Onah-Ezema MBBS MPH

Dr Davina McCoy BSc MBBS PGDip

Dr Joanna Kregiel MD (Cardiologist)

Dr Brian Noronha MD MRCP MRCPI CCDS (UK) (Cardiologist) Smith Road Medical Centre, 150 Smith Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 244 7520/7683 Web: www.hsa.ky.

Dr Else Christoffersen MB BCh LRCP & SI MSc Dermatology

Cayman Doctors, West Shore Center, 508 West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 943 6363 Web: www.cayman-doctors.com

Dr Sidney Ebanks MB BS (UWI) (Family Physician)

Dr Rina Bernard MD (Family Physician)

Doctors Hospital, 16 Middle Road, off Walkers Road, GT. Tel: (345) 325 9000 Email : dhcarecentre@doctorshospital.ky Web: www.doctorshospital.ky.

Health Services Authority (HSA)

Committed to Caring for You

People in the Cayman Islands can receive world-class healthcare services right here at home with the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA). The country’s premier healthcare provider offers the most comprehensive range of inpatient, outpatient and public health services at nine locations on all three islands, including the 127-bed hospital in Grand Cayman and 18-bed hospital in Cayman Brac. It is also fully accredited by the Joint Commission International for world-class quality patient care and safety.

The HSA provides patients the highest quality of care with services including prenatal care, paediatrics, maternity, women’s health, physiotherapy, family medicine, dental, online pharmacy refills and much more.

Whether you need a routine wellness check by one of our general practitioners or Family Medicine doctors, or need further testing such as radiology imaging, laboratory services, surgery or emergency services, the HSA offers the highest degree of care, comfort and safety, delivered by a highly skilled, knowledgeable and professional team of physicians, nurses and support staff.

Mission

"Our mission is to provide the highest quality healthcare and improve the wellbeing of people in the Cayman Islands through accessible, sustainable patientfocused services by highly skilled, empowered and caring staff in collaboration with our partners."

Highlights:

• 24hr Accident & Emergency

• Maternity & NICU

• Online Pharmacy Refills

• Immunisations

• Alex's Place (Adolescent Mental Health Hub)

Services Include:

• Paediatrics

• Obstetrics/Gynecology

• Women’s Health

• Mental Health & Psychology

• Speech & Occupational Therapy

• Physiotherapy

• General Practice & Urgent Care

• Public Health

• Anesthesiology & Pain Management

• Cardiology

• Chiropractic

• Dentistry

• Dermatology

• Dietary & Nutrition Services

• Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

• ENT & Oral Surgery

• General Surgery & Internal Medicine

• Interventional Radiology

• Laboratory Services & Blood Bank

• Nephrology, Dialysis & Urology

• Neurology & Neurosurgery

• Oncology, Hematology & Chemotherapy

• Ophthalmology

• Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

• Pharmacy

• Primary & Critical Health Care

• Radiology

• Respiratory Therapy

• Rheumatology

| www.hsa.ky

Doctors Express Healthcare for the whole family

Doctors Express is healthcare for the whole family. This urgent care facility is a new concept for Cayman. An urgent care facility functions just like a walk-in GP clinic, except they have upgraded equipment like in-house X-rays and labs that most GPs don’t provide.

No Appointments Necessary: Just walk in and get the care you need. Doctors Express cares for your whole family’s healthcare needs. Everything from minor ailments like cough, colds, fever and flu all the way up to very severe illnesses and injuries like bad burns, fractures and cuts that need stitches. With in-house X-ray and lab, Doctors Express can care for these urgent issues that might otherwise send you to the emergency room.

Hours of Operation: Open 7 days a week from 9am-9pm, including most Public Holidays. So, if you don’t have a GP on-Island or if you can’t get in to see your usual GP, they have you covered.

Other Services: They’re also a one-stop-shop for work permit medicals. You can come to Doctors Express and have your X-ray, bloodwork and medical exam done under one roof — usually in less than 45 minutes! They know your time is just as valuable as their doctors’, so their goal is to get you in and out in under an hour.

Highlights:

• Open 7 days a week, 9am9pm (including most Public Holidays)

• On site lab

• On site X-ray & pharmacy

• GP and ER consultant physicians

Services Include:

• Walk-in (no appointments needed)

• Urgent care

• GP services

• Prescription refills

• Allergies

• Cold/flu/fever symptoms

• Urinary tract infections

• Fractures & sprains

• Lacerations

• Burns

• Back pain

• Women’s health

• School physicals

• Work permit & immigration medicals

• Wellness exams

• Pre-employment physicals

• Drug testing

• Imaging & radiology

• Laboratory services

• Pharmacy

• Medical cannabis consultations

Mission

"One-stop premium healthcare. We're your doctors 7 days a week. Open 9am-9pm."

Dr Francisco Martinez

Dr Andrew Robinson BMedSci MBBS

Dr Tanushree Bhakta-Perry MBChB MRCGP

Dr Pedro Toscano Puelles MBChB MRCGP

Integra Healthcare Ltd., Grand Pavilion, SMB. Tel: (345) 745 7450 Email: team@integra.ky; francisco.martinez@integra.ky; andrewrobinson@ integra.ky; tanushree.bhakta-perry@integra.ky; p.toscana@integra.ky Web: www.integra.ky.

Dr Samantha Digby BMBS DCH DRCOG MRCGP

The Family Practice, Smith Road Plaza, 60 Smith Road, GT. Tel: (345) 945 6077 Fax: (345) 949 0531.

Dr Louis A. Cona MD

The Strand Medical Centre, The Strand Shopping Centre, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 945 7077 Email: thestrandmedicalcentre@candw.ky Web: www. caymandoctor.ky.

Doctors Express

81 Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 745 6000 Email: info@ doctorsexpress.ky Web: www.doctorsexpress.ky.

Dr Pinkey Bala MD

Dr Sandeep Mahendra (Consultant Internal Medicine Specialist)

Dr Tarun Sheshagiri (Consultant Critical Care Medicine and Internist)

Dr Sunku H Guptha FRCP UK (Consultant in General Medicine and Specialist in Medicine for Older Adults)

Health City Cayman Islands, 1283 Sea View Road, East End. Tel: (345) 640 4040 Emergencies: (345) 526 2108 Email: info@healthcity.ky Web: www. healthcitycaymanislands.com.

Faith Hospital

215 Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac. Tel: (345) 948 2243 Web: www. hsa.ky. The HSA's 18-bed community hospital serving the residents of the Sister Islands with primary, secondary and emergency care.

Dr Joan Harriott MBBS MD ABOM ABIM Cayman Wellness & Medical Center, Unit# 5-101 Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay Ave, Grand Cayman. Tel: (345) 943 4500 Email: info@ caymanwellnessmedical.ky Web: www.caymanwellnessmedical. ky. Internal medicine specialist and general adult, primary care doctor. Laboratory services with quick turnaround time.

Dr John Addleson MB ChB Dip Mid COG

International Medical Group, Unit 30, Pasadora Place, Smith Road. Tel: (345) 945 2881 Email: draddleson@intmedicalgroup.com.

Dr Victor Look Loy MBBS

Island Medical Center, Unit 4, 2nd Floor, Windward Centre, 93 Smith Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 7535.

Dr Joseph Marzouca BSc MBBS

Marzouca Medical Clinic, Suite 29, Pasadora Place, Smith Road. Tel: (345) 949 6631.

Dr Michelle Mon Désir BSc MBBS

Oasis Medical Group, 101 Centennial Towers, West Bay. Tel: (345) 943 6066 Email: info@omgcayman.com Web: omgcayman.com.

Dr Charles H. Reid MA (Oxford) BM BCh

The Brac Clinic, Tibbetts Square, West End, CB. Tel: (345) 948 1777 Email: clinic@bracmed.com.

Dr Sarah Cuff MB ChB MRCGP DFSRH

Dr Beatriz Esteban Benavides MD

Dr Thomas Quin, MB ChB DFSRH MRCGP

Dr Adam Steed MD CCFP

Seven Mile Medical Clinic , Queens Court, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 949 5600 Email: admin@sevenmileclinic.ky.

Dr Gordon Smith MB ChB MRCP (UK) MRCGP DRCOG

The Children’s Clinic & Family Practice, 93 Smith Road, GT. Tel: (345) 949 2970 Web: www.thechildrensclinic.ky.

Dr Wilmoth Shillingford MBBS MRCP MRCGP MBA

Dr Chris Wedderburn MBBS

Dr Dominic Caudeiron

Dr Obinna Eleweanya MSc PEM Dip. IBLM MBBS

Dr Courtney Maylor

Dr Paul Anthony Williams MD DM Fam Med ACC

Dr Hortense Mitchell-Smith

Dr Kurdell Espinosa Campbell

Dr Jannice Beckford

George Town Hospital, 95 Hospital Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 244 2512

Web: www.hsa.ky.

Dr Alison Beadsworth LLB (Hons) MBBS (Emergency Medicine Consultant)

Dr Winston Isles BSc (Hons) MBBS MSc (General Practitioner)

Dr Grant Rogers MBChB DOH MDC/PL/MED/563 (General Practitioner)

Doctors Hospital, 16 Middle Road, off Walkers Road, GT. Tel: (345) 325 9000 Email : dhcarecentre@doctorshospital.ky Web: www.doctorshospital.ky.

Total Health

The Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB. Tel: (345) 333 2222 Pharmacy: (345) 333 4444 Email: appointments@totalhealth.ky Web: www. totalhealth.ky. If you need medical attention, Urgent Care by Total Health will attend to you right away. Walk-ins accepted. Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm.

Hospitals

George Town Hospital (HSA) 95 Hospital Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 8600 Fax: (345) 949 2998 Email: info@hsa.ky Web: www.hsa.ky. The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) is a Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited organisation and the premier healthcare provider in the Cayman Islands. The George Town Hospital location is a 127-bed facility and offers 24-hour accident and emergency services, ambulance services, an urgent care clinic, a paediatric clinic and ward, a women’s health clinic, full maternity services and NICU, radiology, behavioural health services, including Alex’s Place (an Adolescent Mental Health Hub), a full-service pharmacy, laboratory services, including a forensic unit, and a number of diagnostic and specialist services.

Doctors Hospital

16 Middle Road, off Walkers Road, GT. Tel: (345) 325 9000 Web: www. doctorshospital.ky. Doctors Hospital offers exceptional private healthcare with state-of-the-art medical, surgical and diagnostic services for Cayman residents and visitors seeking international-standard healthcare in the heart of George Town. Inpatient and outpatient services include urgent care, rheumatology, orthopaedics and traumatology, interventional radiology, cardiology, neurology, oncology, diagnostic imaging and more.

Faith Hospital (HSA), Cayman Brac

215 Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac. Tel: (345) 948 2243 Fax: (345) 948 2460 Email: info@hsa.ky Web: www.hsa.ky. The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) is a Joint Commission International (JCI) Accredited organisation and the premier healthcare provider in the Cayman Islands. The

The Family Practice

Dr. Samantha Digby, BMBS DCH DRCOG MRCGP

Conveniently located in Smith Road Plaza, just a five minute walk from the Cayman Islands Hospital, Dr. Samantha Digby is a British trained General Practitioner with over 25 years of experience. She practises Primary Care with a whole body approach to wellness for all ages.

Highlights:

General practice • Family medicine • Women's health, including pap smears and breast examinations • Health screenings • Wellness checks • Insurance physicals • Work permit physicals • Chronic disease management • Co-ordination of specialist care • Blood draws

Details:

Open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm

Appointments encouraged

Most local health insurance policies accepted

(345) 945 6077 | Smith Road Plaza, 60 Smith Road, GT reception@familypractice.ky | www.familypractice.ky

Doctors Hospital

Providing patient-centred private healthcare to Cayman for over two decades

Doctors Hospital (DH) was founded in 2000 as the Chrissy Tomlinson Memorial Hospital with a mission of providing quality, affordable healthcare to the Cayman Islands. In the years since its founding, more and more foreign-owned healthcare facilities have moved into the Cayman Islands, drastically changing the medical landscape. In response to this, a group of local doctors joined together in 2016 to purchase CTMH to ensure it stayed locally owned. They renamed it Doctors Hospital to reflect its employee ownership and quality of care.

Doctors Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Public Holidays as an Urgent Care facility. DH offers the most advanced, state-of-the-art imaging available in the entire Caribbean, ensuring the most reliable clinical diagnostic, screening capability and comfort for patients. In addition to their in-house lab, pharmacy and access to on-call specialists across the island, Doctors Hospital is a one-stop shop for your entire family’s healthcare needs.

Over the years, DH has expanded to provide preventative healthcare as well as expert care for ongoing conditions to diverse communities across the Cayman Islands. DH continues to recruit internationally recognised specialists across disciplines like cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopaedics, rheumatology, internal medicine, imaging, and more.

*Also see Integra Healthcare for an extended list of services offered by Doctors Hospital's partners in health.

Highlights:

• Urgent care doctor onsite 24/7, including holidays

• State-of-the-art MRI & CT, most advanced imaging suite in the Caribbean

• Market-leading surgical services, ranging from minimally invasive to traditional surgeries

Services Include*:

• 24/7 Urgent Care

• Cardiology

• COVID-19 Testing

• Diet & Nutrition

• Imaging Services

• Internal Medicine

• Interventional Radiology

• Laboratory Services

• Maternity Services

• Neurology

• Obstetrics & Gynaecology

• Oncology & Haematology

• Orthopaedics & Traumatology

• Otolaryngology (ENT)

• Pharmacy

• Rheumatology

• Surgical Services

• Wellness

• Women’s & Men’s Health

Mission

"To promote the health and wellbeing of all we serve through the provision of first world, international standard healthcare services in collaboration with all physicians and other providers who share the same vision and values."

Integra Healthcare

Integra Healthcare is passionate about improving the quality of care available to those residing in Grand Cayman and combine clinical quality hand-in-hand with effective service. They explain: ‘doing good things well’ would be the best description for their thinking around this. Integra believes being excellent at healthcare shouldn’t ever mean a lesser bar in customer service and hope you’ll be as impressed by the quality of service and attention that their support teams give, as you are with the healthcare delivered.

Integra Healthcare’s services range from primary care, urology, paediatrics, endocrinology, specialist dermatology and skin cancer screenings along with a multidisciplinary obstetrics, midwifery and tertiary-trained neonatal team with admitting rights to both George Town and Doctors Hospital and a combined 70 years’ consultant-level experience between them! They also offer a host of vaccination and screenings in addition to work permit medicals and school health checks.

Integra Healthcare is open Monday to Friday 8am–5pm and Saturdays 9am–1pm (closed Sundays and Public Holidays). However, every now and again, nature demands more urgent attention. Integra can provide some immediate guidance for urgent care needs and more information can be found at www.integra.ky/out-of-hours.

Mission

"Integra Healthcare provides a comprehensive range of women’s, children’s, family and specialist medical care, all delivered with excellence, integrity, commitment and passion as standard."

Highlights:

• Book appointments online, with instant confirmation

• Blood pressure and skin cancer screenings

• Consultant-level, tertiary trained senior professionals

• Comprehensive set of paediatric care services, with the largest paediatric team on Island

• Paediatric & Neonatal team with admitting rights to both HSA and Doctors Hospital Services Include*:

• Family Health & Medicine

• Endocrinology

• Obstetric Services

• High-Risk Obstetrics

• Midwifery Services

• Fertility Services

• Gynaecology Services

• Newborn & Neonatal Services

• Orthopaedics

• Paediatrics

• Paediatric & Adolescent Gynaecology

• Paediatric Physiotherapy

• Dermatology

• Paediatric & Adolescent Dermatology

• Vaccination & Screening

- Newborn Hearing Screening

- Skin Cancer Screening

- Flu Vaccination

- Blood Pressure Screening

*See Doctor's Hospital for an extended list of services offered by Integra's partners in health.

Faith Hospital location in Cayman Brac is an 18bed community hospital serving the residents of the Sister Islands with primary, secondary and emergency care. Faith Hospital offers 24-hour accident and emergency services, ambulance services, women’s health services, paediatric and maternity services, a full-service pharmacy, behavioural health services, a laboratory and physiotherapy. Physicians from the George Town Hospital visit regularly to deliver additional diagnostic and specialist services.

Health City Cayman Islands

1283 Sea View Road, East End & 9 Forum Lane & Minerva Way, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 640 4040 Email: info@healthcity.ky Web: www.healthcitycaymanislands.com. Health City Cayman Islands provides affordable, compassionate medical services in its state-ofthe-art East End medical facility accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI), its Camana Bay clinic, and its new Camana Bay hospital. Health City offers the highest calibre of care with a team of internationally-trained physicians and surgeons. Medical specialities include adult and paediatric cardiology; electrophysiology; neurology; medical, surgical, and radiation oncology; orthopaedics; nephrology; plastic surgery; imaging and radiology; rehabilitation; nutrition counselling; and more.

Dietitians

Chad Collins RD Anna Zuchniak RD MSc Cayman Nutrition, 227 Smith Rd, George Town. Tel: (345) 525 2019 or (345) 925 1910 Web: www. caymannutrition.com.

Kristen Lomas RD MBA

Seven Mile Medical Clinic, Queens Court

Plaza, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 949 5600 Email: admin@sevenmileclinic.ky Web: www. sevenmileclinic.ky.

Dr Joan Harriott MBBS MD ABOM ABIM

Cayman Wellness & Medical Center, Unit# 5-101 Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay Ave, Grand Cayman. Tel: (345) 943 4500 Email: info@caymanwellnessmedical.ky Web: www. caymanwellnessmedical.ky.

Simone Sheehan

Tamara Whorms-Riley

Mia Zurita

George Town Hospital, 95 Hospital Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 8600 Web: www.hsa.ky.

Taryn Stein RD

OceanMed, Bayshore Mall, Level 2, South Church Street, George Town. Tel: (345) 946 2326 Email: info@oceanmed.ky. Taryn Stein is a trained dietitian and wellness coach, specialising in perimenopause and menopause nutrition management.

Brandi Propas MHSC RD CCDE

Doctors Hospital, 16 Middle Road off Walkers Road, GT. Tel: (345) 325 9000 Web: www. doctorshospital.ky.

Diabetology & Internal Medicine

Dr Rajnish Kumar, MD PG Cert. Diabetology PGD Anaesthesiology MBBS

Total Health, The Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB. Tel: (345) 333 2222 Email: appointments@totalhealth.ky Web: www. totalhealth.ky. Weight Loss Programme: Dr Kumar is a Physician specialising in diabetes and critical care. He has created a successful weight loss programme to empower individuals to take control of their own health by providing tools and knowledge to encourage better lifestyle choices.

The Strand Medical Centre

General Practice & Surgery

Providing all of your family healthcare needs and conveniently located along Seven Mile Beach, The Strand Medical Centre has been serving the Cayman community for over 26 years. The clinic, headed by Dr Louis A. Cona MD, is experienced in caring for all family members. The staff's professionalism and caring nature creates a welcoming environment for every child and parent. The doctors are known for their holistic approach to medicine while simultaneously delivering premium care every day. The Centre also has a network of specialists providing all of your family healthcare needs.

Highlights:

General and family practice • Women’s, men’s and children’s health • Allergy testing and asthma treatment • Medically supervised weight reduction programme • Cayman school and US University physicals • Urgent care • Sports-related injuries • Musculo-skeletal injuries • Diving-related injuries • Minor surgery • Skin disorders • Hormone imbalances

Details:

Open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm, Saturday 8.30am-11.30am

Languages: Italiano, Français, Deutsch and Español Most local insurance policies accepted

Dr Sharon Chambers MBBS (UWI) MD (Res) MRCP (UK) CCT (Rheumatology) (Consultant Rheumatologist)

Doctors Hospital, 16 Middle Road, off Walkers Road, GT. Tel: (345) 325 9000 Email: dhcarecentre@doctorshospital.ky Web: www. doctorshospital.ky.

General Dentistry

Cayman Dental 18 Forum Lane, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 945 4447 Email: caymandentalservices@gmail.com Web: www.caymandental.com.

Dr Shogan Govender BChD PDD MChD

Dr Lyle Bridgeman DDS

Dr Andrea Campbell-Maitland DDS AEGD

Dr Megan Griffith

Dr Michael Leon DMD (Cert Endodontics)

Dr Pratish Munasur BChD MSc

Dr Lavanya Pernapati BDS

Dr Thammy Powery

Dr Cheri De Vos BChD

Dr Harold Phillips

Dr Chrijandri Peenz

Cayman Islands HSA Dental Clinic , George Town Hospital, 95 Hospital Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 244 2741 or (345) 244 2742 Web: www.hsa.ky.

Dr George David DMD

Faith Hospital, 215 Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac. Tel: (345) 948 2243 Web: www.hsa.ky.

Dr Keelin Fox BA BDenSc MFDS (RCSI) MClinDent (Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics)

Dr Jennifer Mountjoy BDS NUI MSc Imp Dent

Dr Alexandra Cutus DMD BSc MSc

The Dental Centre , 2nd Floor, Fidelity Financial Centre, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 943 7000 Email: thedentalcentre1@gmail.com Web: www.

(345) 945 7077 | thestrandmedicalcentre@candw.ky | caymandoctor.ky | The Strand Shopping Centre

thedentalcentrecayman.com. A state-of-theart dental clinic providing everything from routine dental checkups and cleanings to advanced surgical and restorative dental procedures.

Dr Talia Davidson DDS

Dr Grant Woo DMD

Dr Maha Mezher BChD

Hygienists: Peeta Sandhu RDH, Yvonne Tambong RDH, Amy Sacrey RDH

My Island Dentist, Governors Square, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 749 9500 Email: info@myislanddentist.com Web: www. myislanddentist.com. Online booking available. Full service dental clinic providing a wide range of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services to children and families. The experienced team ensures the best care for patients.

Dr Georgios Batgidis DDS FIADFE (USA) FAAID

Dr Aikaterini Fysikoudi DDS HSPD (HonM)

Dr Kris Togias DMD PC Board Certified Orthodontist (USA)

Dr Mauritz Crouse BChD (WCU)

Dr David Chernin (Tufts USA) DMD MLS FICD FACD FAAHD

Pasadora Family Dental Centre, 94 Smith Road, Pasadora Place, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 2222 WhatsApp: (345) 936 3222 Email: info@ pfdc.ky Web: www.pasadorafamilydental.ky

Other Languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Greek, Afrikaans and Tagalog

Dr Scott McFarlane & Associates

7 Dental, Marquee Place, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 943 7400 Email: hello@7dental.ky Web: 7dental. ky IG: @7dental_. Skilled dental professionals providing the highest quality of care. Boasting a well-rounded team of experts covering every aspect of dentistry, including cosmetic, paediatric, periodontics, facial aesthetics, oral surgery, orthodontics and endodontics. Experience a patient-centred approach in a friendly and relaxed

atmosphere.

Dr Florence Enescot DMD DDS

Dr Jan Frank Pultr LT BDS (UK)

The Strand Dental Clinic, The Strand Shopping Centre, off West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 949 3367 Email: florence.enescot@gmail.com or jpultr@ yahoo.com.

Dr Sharn Mentz BChD (Pretoria) Ocean Dental, Grand Harbour. Tel: (345) 949 7623.

Dr Wilbert Veit DMD FACD FAES FICOI

Dr Adam Stang DDS

Dr Youssef Ghobara BDS (Hons)

Dr Wolfe’s Dental Centre, 135 Andrew Drive, Snug Harbour. Tel: (345) 945 4388 Email: info@ wolfedental.ky Web: www.wolfedental.ky.

Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics

Cayman Dental (Orthodontics)

18 Forum Lane, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 949 5090 Email: caymanorthodontics@gmail.com. Cayman Orthodontics boasts a team of boardcertified experts covering periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontic therapy, and orthodontics.

My Island Dentist Governors Square, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 749 9500 Web: www.myislanddentist.com.

Dr Aikaterini Fysikoudi DDS HSPD (HonM)

Dr Kris Togias DMD PC Board Certified Orthodontist (USA)

Dr Mauritz Crouse BChD (WCU)

Pasadora Family Dental Centre, 94 Smith Road, Pasadora Place, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 2222 WhatsApp : (345) 936 3222 Email: info@

Dental and Facial Aesthetics Practitioners

Dr Keelin Fox / Dr Jennifer Mountjoy / Dr Alexandra Cutus

Dentistry

Examination / Cleanings

White Fillings / Crowns / Bridges

Veneers / Root Canal / Extractions

Dental Implants / Orthodontics

Fixed Braces / Invisalign

TMD & Bruxism Treatment

Teeth Whitening Composite Bonding

Facial Aesthetics

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Skin Rejuvenation with Profhilo

Lip Fillers

Cheek, Chin and Jawline Augmentation

Neck Rejuvenation

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Tear Trough Rejuvenation

Nose to Mouth Lines

Hyperhydrosis Treatment

(345) 943 7000

2nd Floor, Fidelity Financial Centre - thedentalcentre1@gmail.com www.thedentalcentrecayman.com

pfdc.ky Web: www.pasadorafamilydental. ky Other languages: English, German and Greek . Pasadora Family Dental Centre offers general dentistry for children and adults. They have resident specialists in dental oral surgery procedures, along with root canal and gum (perio) treatments, cosmetic restorations, orthodontics for all ages, Invisalign treatments, mouth guards, teeth whitening at the clinic (laser and home kits available), oral hygiene services, advanced 3D imaging, NewTom Cone Beam digital X-rays and more. Safe sedation options are also available.

Dr Jemma Facenfield BDS MSc

Dr Andrew Davidson BSc DMD MPH

Dr Kate Horgan BSc NUI

Dr James Moses DDS MSc Board-Certified Orthodontist

7 Dental, Marquee Place, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 943 7400 Email: hello@7dental.ky Web: 7dental.ky.

Pharmacies

Be Well Pharmacy

West Shore Center, 508 West Bay Rd, SMB. Tel : (345) 949 2323 On Call: (345) 927 0489 Email : rx@bewellpharmacycayman.com Open: MonFri 8.30am-6.30pm, Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 10am2pm. Free delivery.

Care Pharmacy

Queens Court Plaza, West Bay Road, SMB. Tel: (345) 943 2273 Email: carepharmacy1@gmail. com Open: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-3pm, closed Sundays and Public Holidays.

Caribbean Pharmacy & Wellness Centre 72 North Church Street, George Town. Tel: (345) 946 0338.

Doctors Express

81 Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town. Tel : (345) 745 6000 Open: 7 days a week, 9am-9pm.

Foster’s (Airport)

63 Dorcy Dr, George Town. Tel: (345) 815 4051 WhatsApp: (345) 926 7485 Open: Mon-Sat 7am9pm, Public Holidays 9am-4pm and closed Sundays, Good Friday, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Foster’s (Camana Bay)

Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 815 4061 WhatsApp : (345) 926 7486 Open: Mon-Sat 7am-9pm, Public Holidays 9am-4pm and closed Sundays, Good Friday, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Doctors Hospital Pharmacy

16 Middle Road, off Walkers Road, George Town Tel: (345) 946 2407 Email: refillsprorx@ caymanpharmacy.com Open: Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat, Sun and Public Holidays 9am-6pm.

Health Care Pharmacy (Two Locations)

The Shoppes at Grand Harbour, 1053 Crewe Road, GT. Tel: (345) 947 8900 Open: Mon-Sat 8am-10pm, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am6pm Email: healthcaregh@healthcarepharmacy. ky Governors Square , SMB. Tel: (345) 949 8900 Email: rx@healthcarepharmacy.ky Open: MonSat 9am-6pm, closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Health Services Authority Pharmacies

> Smith Road Pharmacy (Primary Pharmacy) 150 Smith Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 244 7542/2715 Open: Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat-Sun and Public Holidays 9am–5pm.

> George Town Hospital Pharmacy 95 Hospital Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 7542/2715 Open: Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat-Sun and Public Holidays 9am–5pm.

> Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac

215 Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac. Tel: (345) 948 2243 Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am-8pm, Sat 10am-1pm, Sun and Public Holidays 3pm-4pm.

> West Bay Health Centre Pharmacy

Reverend Blackman Road, West Bay. Tel: (345) 949 3439 Open: Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 8.30am–5pm, Wed 1.30pm–8pm, closed Sat and Sun.

> Bodden Town Health Centre Pharmacy

445A Bodden Town Road, Bodden Town. Tel: (345) 947 2299 Open: Mon, Thurs 1.30pm–8pm, Wed, Fri 8.30am-4pm, no pharmacist on Tues, closed Sat and Sun.

> East End Health Centre Pharmacy

2367 Sea View Road, East End. Tel: (345) 947 7440 Open: Mon, Thurs 8.30am–4pm, closed on all other days.

> North Side Health Centre Pharmacy 1148 North Side Road, North Side. Tel: (345) 947 9525 Open : Tues, Fri 8.30am-4pm, closed on all other days.

Kirk Pharmacy

Kirk Market, Eastern Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 7180 Email: kirkpharmacy@ kirkmarket.ky Web: www.pharmacy.ky Open: Mon-Sat 8am-9pm, Public Holidays 10am-6pm and closed on Sundays.

Quality Pharmacy

Serendipity Building, 78 Hospital Road. Tel: (345) 946 6266 Open: Mon-Sat 8.30am-7pm, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am-5pm.

Savannah Pharmacy & Gifts

Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah. Tel: (345) 929 5045 Email: info@savannahpharmacy. ky Open: Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat, Sun and Public Holidays 9am-6pm.

Total Health Pharmacy

The Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB. Tel: (345) 333 4444 WhatsApp : (345) 324 0274

My Island Dentist

Dr Talia Davidson, DDS

Dr Grant Woo DMD

Dr Maha Mehzer BChD

Hygienists: Peeta Sandhu RDH, Yvonne Tambong RDH, Amy Sacrey RDH

My Island Dentist is a full-service dental clinic providing preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry to families throughout Cayman. They take an individualised approach to every patient's overall wellness.

Services:

EMS Airflow technology for dental cleanings • Fluoride treatment • Oral cancer screening • Tooth coloured fillings • Root canal therapy • Extractions • Nitrous oxide • Sedation dentistry • Teeth whitening • Crowns, bridges & dentures • Veneers & bonding • Cosmetic & therapeutic Botox • Invisalign with digital scanning

Details:

Office hours are Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm, Fridays 8am-4pm and Saturdays 8am-1pm. Book online at www.myislanddentist.com

Email: pharmacy@totalhealth.ky Open: MonSat 8am-8pm.

Valu-Med Pharmacy (Two Locations)

Photo Pharm Centre, Walkers Road. Tel: (345) 949 0442 Email: sales-wr@valRx.com Prescriptions: rx-wr@valRx.com Open: Mon-Sat 8am-10pm, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am6pm. Evron Plaza , Bodden Town. Tel: (345) 946 5511 Email: sales-bt@valRx.com Prescriptions: rx-bt@valRx.com Open: Mon-Sat 8.30am9.30pm, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am-6pm.

West Bay Pharmacy & Gifts

106 Centennial Towers, West Bay. Tel: (345) 945 0777 WhatsApp: (345) 516 0777 Email: westbay@caymanpharmacy.com Open: MonSat 9am-8pm, Sundays and Public Holidays 11am-6pm.

Windward Pharmacy

Shop 1, Windward Centre, 93 Smith Road. Tel: (345) 949 4081 Email: windward@candw.ky Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm and Sat 8.30am1pm, closed Sundays and Public Holidays.

Insurance Companies see page 209

Ophthalmologists & Optometrists

Chris Vuorenmaa BSc OD Thaddeus Daniel OD

Susan Kennedy BSc Optom

Caribbean Optical, Seven Mile Shops, West Bay Road, SMB. Tel: (345) 943 1515 Email: info@ cariboptical.com Web: www.cariboptical.com.

Dr Eugene Foley FRCS MB BCh BAO NUI

Dr Foley's Eye Clinic, 107 Claude Hill Road, off

(345) 749 9500 | WhatsApp: (345) 324 9500 | Governors Square (under the clock tower) | www.myislanddentist.com

Smith Road. Tel: (345) 946 4944 Emergency: (345) 916 6264 Email: info@ drfoleyeyeclinic.com.

Dr Brenda Mulenga (Ophthalmologist)

Dr Zahra Bile (Ophthalmologist)

George Town Hospital - Lions Eye Clinic, 95 Hospital Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 8600 or (345) 244 2818 or (345) 244 2819.

Dr Mellisa Hudell B.A O.D

Louise Cagney BSc (Hons) Dip Tp (IP)

Antony Martin BSc (Hons) MCOptom Dip Tp (IP)

Optical Outlook (3 locations): Anderson Square, GT; Jacques Scott Plaza, WB; Tibbets Square, Cayman Brac. Tel: (345) 746 2020 Email: team@opticaloutlook.ky. Serving the community since 1989, they offer comprehensive eye exams and quality eyewear.

Optique

8 Queens Court Plaza, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 949 3937 Email: info@ optique.ky Web: www.optique.ky.

Dr Priyanka MBBS MS (Ophthalmology) FRCS (Part 2) Glasgow

Total Health, The Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 333 2222 Email: appointments@totalhealth.ky Web: www.totalhealth.ky.

Tropical Optical

14 Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 945 7588 Email: info@tropicaloptical.ky Web: www.tropicaloptical.ky.

VisionWear Cayman

two locations: 72 Market Street, Camana Bay and Country Corner, 32 Hirst Road, Bodden Town. Tel: (345) 943 5151 or (345) 943 5153 Email: info@ visionwearcayman.com Web: www.visionwearcayman.com.

Laboratories

Dr Shravana Jyoti (Pathologist)

Dr Kimone Fraser (Pathologist) Cayman Islands Health Services Authority - Laboratory Services (Pathology, Forensics & Molecular Biology Laboratory), 95 Hospital Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 8600.

Doctors Hospital

16 Middle Road, off Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 325 9000 Web: www.doctorshospital.ky.

Cayman Health Laboratory Grand Harbour Medical Suites. Tel: (345) 946 4715 Email: caymanhealth@ hotmail.com.

MedLab Inc.

10 Smith Road Plaza, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 7331 Email: lab@ medlabcayman.com Web: www.medlabcayman.com.

Phoenix Health Services

21 Eclipse Drive, Rankin Plaza, Eastern Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 8150 Email: phoenixhealthservicesltd@gmail.com Web: www. phoenixhealthservices.weebly.com.

Royale Medical & Wellness Centre Bay Town Plaza, 36 West Bay Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 769 6230 Web: www.royalemedical.ky.

Total Health

The Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 333 2222 Pharmacy: (345) 333 4444 Email: appointments@totalhealth.ky Web: www. totalhealth.ky. Open: Mon-Sat 8am-8pm.

Dermatologists

Dr Christian Aldridge MB BSc (Hons) FRCP (London) Cayman Doctors, West Shore Center, 508 West Bay Road, SMB. Tel : (345) 943 6363.

Dr Alison Duncan MBBS FRCP MSc

Dr Davide Altamura MD (Dermato-Surgery)

Integra Healthcare Ltd., Grand Pavilion, SMB. Tel: (345) 745 7450 Email: alison.duncan@integra.ky; davide.altamura@integra.ky Web: www. integra.ky.

Dr Rebeca de Miguel MD PhD

Derma Ltd., The Grove, 1358 West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 233 1152 Email: info@derma.ky Web: www.derma.ky. Derma Ltd combines a state-ofthe-art facility with patient-centred values, and offers a wide range of dermatological services.

Acupuncture & Alternative Medicine see page 238

Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry & Counselling

Aspire Therapeutic Services

Unit A13, Crown Square, Eastern Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 743 6700 Web : www.aspire.ky.

Dr Marc Lockhart MD

Dr Susanne Neita MB BS DM (Psychiatry)

Dr Sangeeta Srivastava Awasthi, MD

Behavioral Health Associates Cayman, Unit B, Hospital Road Plaza, George Town. Tel: (345) 746 0066 Email: info@bhac.ky Web: www.bhac.ky Other languages: Spanish.

Caribbean Haven Residential Centre (CHRC) 2409 Bodden Town, Breakers. Tel: (345) 947 9992 Web: www.dcs.gov.ky/ chrc/. CHRC offers an intensive residential substance abuse treatment programme with a DBT module.

Cayman ABA

Pasadora Place, Units 14 & 15, Smith Road, GT. Tel: (345) 947 5477 Email: info@caymanaba.com.

Cayman Islands Crisis Centre (CICC)

Tel: (345) 949 0366 24-hour Crisis Line: (345) 943 CICC (2422) Toll Free Number: 1 (800) 534 2422 Email: info@cicc.ky Web: www.cicc.ky.

Dr Toni-Ann Heron MB BS DM MSc (Neuropsychiatrist)

Dr Tonya Holder (Psychiatrist)

Dr Stenette Davis MBBS B MedSci DM Psychiatry (Psychiatrist)

Chantal Basson PhD

Sophia Chandler-Alleyne MSc (Psychologist)

Cavelle Chai-Hong Delfosse PhD (Psychologist)

Antonia Hawkins PhD (Psychologist)

Samantha Sharpe (Applied Behavioural Analyst) Cayman Islands HSA, Smith Road Medical Centre, 150 Smith Rd, George

Pasadora Family Dental Centre

Your Healthy Smile Starts Here

Pasadora Family Dental Centre (PFDC) offers Cosmetic, Pediatric, Orthodontic, Oral Surgery and General Dentistry services customised for every member of the family. Having resident dental specialists and the most modern technologies, PFDC aims to provide patients with the highest standard of care in a comfortable environment to give your family the best dental experience.

Highlights:

Private consulting and treatment rooms • Oral surgery and perio treatments • Dental Implants • Calming relaxed atmosphere • Advanced 3D Cone Beam digital imaging (NewTom Giano HR) • Orthodontic treatments (braces for all ages) • Invisalign • Laser treatments • Special care & Oral Hygiene services • Sedation

Details:

Hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm, Sat by appointment only Executive Hours Available

(345) 943 2222 | WhatsApp (345) 936 3222 | Pasadora Plc, Smith Rd | info@pfdc.ky | www.pasadorafamilydental.ky

Town. Tel: (345) 244 2650 Web: www.hsa.ky.

Marili Meyer (Psychologist)

Faith Hospital, 215 Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac. Tel: (345) 948 2243 Web: www.hsa.ky.

Alex's Place

Cayman Islands HSA - George Town Hospital. Tel: (345) 949 8600 Email: info@hsa.ky Web : www. aspire.ky. Evidence-based mental health care, specifically for adolescents and young adults, delivered by a diverse team of professional psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers and therapists

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Tel: (345) 949 9559 Email : eap@eapcayman. com Web: www.eapcayman.com.

Pauline VanderGrinten MA LPC NCC MHLE BC-TMH

Dr Julie Goodman MSc PGCE AFBPsS (Clinical Psychologist)

Carla Mueller McEd LC (Mental Health Counsellor)

Todd Grunert EdS NCSP MA (Psychologist)

Dr Jill Kelderman Walsh (Paediatric Neuropsychologist)

Dr Kai Morgan-Campbell (Clinical Psychologist)

Dr Charles Motsinger (Psychiatrist) Hope Academy (Clinical Services), Grand Harbour, 1053 Crewe Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 769 4673 Email: office@hopecayman. com Web: www.hopecayman.com Instagram: @ HopeClinicCayman.

Infinite Mindcare

Cannon Place, George Town and Chestnut Centre, George Town. Tel: (345) 926 0882 Email: info@infinitemindcare.com Web: www. infinitemindcare.com.

Dr Laurence van Hanswijck de Jonge PhD Lara Juric (Psychologist)

KidsAbility, 8 Midtown Plaza, 273 Elgin Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 5437

Email: info@kidsability.ky Web: www. kidsability.ky. Paediatric therapy clinic offering neuropsychology services, counselling services, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, a feeding clinic, literacy clinic, social skills groups, parent, teacher and allied health workshops and telehealth services.

OnCourse Cayman

Suite 130 Windward 1, Regatta Office Park, West Bay Road, SMB. Tel: (345) 745 6463 Email: info@ oncourse.ky. Private mental health clinic offering comprehensive psychological services and dedicated to providing the Cayman community with the best care possible.

The Counselling Centre

87 Mary Street, 2nd Floor Apollo House West, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 8789. Provides outpatient counselling services and addresses mental health issues through holistic group therapy sessions.

The Family Resource Centre

87 Mary Street, 2nd Floor Apollo House West, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 0006 Email: frc@ gov.ky Web: www.dcs.gov.ky.

The Wellness Centre

Smith Road Medical Centre, 3rd Floor, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 9355 Web: www. wellnesscentre.ky. A licensed health facility providing a wide range of comprehensive psychological, mental health, behavioural interventions and corporate wellness services.

Physiotherapy & Orthopaedics

A Step Ahead Physiotherapy Governors Square, West Bay Road, SMB. Tel: (345)

Optical Outlook

Dr. Mellisa Hudell, BA OD

Louise Cagney, BSc (Hons) MCOptom Dip Tp (IP)

Optical Outlook are Cayman's visionaries in sight and style! Their seasoned optometrists, boast over three decades of expertise and ensure precise eye examinations, using stateof-the-art equipment, for both adults and children. Their warm and knowledgeable staff will walk you through the vast selection of frames, lenses and sunglasses available instore. SEE the difference at Optical Outlook!

Highlights:

Established in 1989 • Comprehensive eye examinations • Paediatric examinations • Contact lenses • Prescription lenses • Frames • Sunglasses • State-of-the-art equipment • Visual fields • Cataract treatments • Glaucoma screening • Optical coherence tomography • Online booking • All Island-wide insurers accepted

Details: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm

3 Optical Outlook locations: George Town (with dedicated parking), West Bay & Cayman Brac.

745 2727 Email: info@astepaheadphysio.com.

Mariah McIntyre BSc Hons (Physiotherapy)

Cayman Islands HSA, Bay Town House, 36 West Bay Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 244 2730 Web: www.hsa.ky.

Dr Allan Larsen (Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Traumatologist)

Dr Kadiyala Sekhar (Orthopaedic Surgeon)

Dr Andrew Bogle (Orthopaedic & Spine Surgeon)

George Town Hospital, 95 Hospital Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 8600 Web: www.hsa.ky.

Cayman Orthopaedic Group

Unit 1, Smith Road Plaza, George Town. Tel: (345) 945 8380 WhatsApp: (345) 917 6864 Email: info@ cog.ky Web: www.cog.ky.

Cayman Physiotherapy

Two locations: Suite 26 Pasadora Place, Smith Road and West Shore Center, West Bay Road, SMB. Tel: (345) 949 8828 WhatsApp : (345) 928 8828 Email: physio@candw.ky. Offers an innovative women's health programme, pre and postnatal pilates, 1:1 physio, specialist postnatal check ups (Mummy MOT) and more.

Cayman Rehab Services

Unit 10, Eucalyptus Building, Shedden Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 7974 or (345) 926 3099 Email: caymanrehab@gmail.com.

Dr Pekko Kuusela (Orthopaedic Surgeon)

Dr Nabil Khan MBChB MMed Orth FCS Orth (SA) (Specialist Trauma & Orthopedic Surgeon)

Dr Matthias F. Herzig MD PhD (Orthopaedic Surgeon)

Doctors Hospital, 16 Middle Road, off Walkers Road, GT. Tel: (345) 325 9000 Email: dhcarecentre@ doctorshospital.ky Web: www.doctorshospital.ky.

Da Vinci Physiotherapy

Park Place, off West Bay Road, SMB. Tel: (345) 943 2002 Email: info@davinciwellnesscentre. com Web: www.davinciwellnesscentre.com.

Elevation Health & Physiotherapy Ltd. 2nd Floor, Fidelity Financial Centre, 1 Gecko Lane, SMB. Tel: (345) 623 6663 Email: info@elevation. ky Web: www.elevation.ky.

Infinity Health Physiotherapy

247 Smith Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 233 0280 Web: www.infinityhealth.ky.

Uma Lenin BPT CKTP (Doc ALT MED)

Samuel Foster BSc PT

Jacqui Tomlinson-Smith ornoPT LCCE CD (DONA) LC RVC Rehab Services, 3rd Floor Tomlinson Building, 9 Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 6024 Web: www.rvcrehab.ky.

Synergy Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Ltd. The Marquee Plaza, 36 Lawrence Boulevard, SMB. Tel: (345) 943 8200 Web: www. synergychirophysio.com.

Dr Olivia Antos (Orthopaedic Surgeon)

Samantha Sparg BSc (Paediatric Physiotherapist)

Integra Healthcare Ltd., Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 745 7450 Email: team@ integra.ky; s.sparg@integra.ky Web: www. integra.ky.

Total Health

The Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB. Tel: (345) 333 2222 Pharmacy: (345) 333 4444 Email: appointments@totalhealth.ky Web : www. totalhealth.ky

Will of Wellness

Suite 2, The Belmont, Crewe Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 926 2428 Email: wowcayman3@gmail. com Web: www.wowcayman.ky

General & Plastic Surgery

Cayman Surgery

Governors Square Units 4-113, 23 Lime Tree Bay Avenue, West Bay. Tel: (345) 946 0067 Email: office@caymansurgery.ky Web: www. caymansurgery.k y.

Dr Darley Solomon MD MBA (General Surgeon)

Dr Omar Felix MBBS DM FACS (General Surgeon & Breast Surgical Oncologist)

Dr Alfred Choy MA MB MChir FRCS (General Surgeon)

Dr Zoltan Szucs MD (General Surgeon)

Dr Christopher Bromley (General Surgeon) Doctors Hospital, 16 Middle Road, off Walkers Road, GT. Tel: (345) 325 9000 Email: dhcarecentre@doctorshospital.ky Web: www. doctorshospital.ky.

Allergy Doctors, ENTs & Audiologists

Dr Annette Stephenson AuD ABAC F-AAA

Dr Ashley Martin AuD CCC-A

Cayman Hearing Center, 85 North Sound Road, 3rd Floor, Alissta Towers. Tel: (345) 946 9174 or (345) 925 5836 Email: info@caymanhearingcenter. com Web: www.caymanhearingcenter.com. Offers comprehensive hearing evaluations for children and adults, hearing aid repair, hearing protection, amplified telephones, custom-made swim moulds and more.

Dr Frank Glatz MD FABO FAAOHNS FAAOA

Cayman E.N.T. Associates, 2 Alexander Place, Dorcy Drive, GT. Tel: (345) 945 3822 Email: jharris@candw.ky Web: www.entcayman.com.

Dr Nadine Yammine MD MSc FRCSC

Doctors Hospital, The Strand, Canal Point Drive, Unit 17. Tel: (345) 325 9000 Email: dhcarecentre@ doctorshospital.ky Web: www.doctorshospital. ky. Comprehensive range of services including: paediatric and adult ENT procedures, voice and dysphagia, ear and balance disorders, nose and sinus disorders, thyroid or head and neck masses, lesions and more.

Dr Ulrich Ecke MD ENT

Dr Fionnuala Keane MBChB DCH DRCOG PGDipENT

ENT in Cayman, Units 4-5, Pasadora Place, 94 Smith Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 745 3253.

Dr Gyanendra Jha ENT

Dr Cengiz Uneri MD FRCS

Dr Raul Kwesi Davis ENT

George Town Hospital, 95 Hospital Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 8600 or (345) 244 8004/8005 Web: www.hsa.ky.

Dr Louis A Cona MD

The Strand Medical Centre, The Strand Shopping Centre, off West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 945 7077 Email: thestrandmedicalcentre@candw.ky Web: www.caymandoctor.ky.

Dr Gyanendra Jha (Senior Consultant, ENT Specialist)

Total Health, The Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 333 2222 Pharmacy: (345) 333 4444 Email: appointments@totalhealth.ky Web: www.totalhealth.ky. Open: Mon-Sat, 8am-8pm.

Paediatric Therapy Services

ABA Therapy

Cayman ABA

Pasadora Place, Units 14 & 15, Smith Rd, George Town. Tel: (345) 947 5477 Email: info@caymanaba. com Web: www.caymanaba.com.

Educational Assessments

Infinite Mindcare Cayman

Cannon Place, 294 North Sound Road. Tel: (345) 926 0882 Email: info@infinitemindcare.com Web: www.infinitemindcare.com.

Transformations Ltd.

Tel: (345) 324 1298 Email: admin@transform ationscayman.com Web: www.transformatio nscayman.com.

Mental Healthcare Services

Behavioral Health Associates Cayman 62 Hospital Road, Hospital Road Plaza, George Town. Tel: (345) 746 0066 Email: info@bhac.ky Web: www.bhac.ky. Board-certified consultant psychiatrist specialising in the treatment of children and adolescents.

Hope Academy (Clinical Services)

Grand Harbour Shoppes Units 1-8, 1053 Crewe Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 769 4673 Email: office@hopecayman.com Web: www. hopecayman.com/clinical-services. Services include: mental health therapy for individuals, couples, families of all ages, speech and language therapy, in-home family and parenting assistance, group therapy, school observations and interventions, school-based ABA, psychoeducational testing, neuropsychological assessments, educational assessments, and psychiatric services/medication management.

Dr Laurence van Hanswijck de Jonge PhD

Lara Juric (Psychologist)

KidsAbility, 8 Midtown Plaza, 273 Elgin Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 5437 Email: info@ kidsability.ky Web: www.kidsability.ky.

The Wellness Centre

Smith Road Medical Centre, 3rd Floor, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 9355 Email: info@ wellnesscentre.ky Web: www.wellnesscentre.ky.

Occupational, Speech & Language Therapy

Faith Gealey MS CCC SLP (SLP Therapist)

Raven Ramoon MSc MRCSLT (SLP Therapist)

Mariah Freeman MA CCC SLP (SLP Therapist)

Janelle Syms MSc SLT Cert MRCSLT (SLP Therapist)

Sarah Caswell MOT (Occupational Therapist)

Katherine Walmsley BS OT (Occupational Therapist)

Melissa Chavez MSc OT (Occupational Therapist)

Alliana Bagtas MSc OT (Occupational Therapist) Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, Bay Town House, 36 West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 244 2730/7675 Web: www.hsa.ky.

Dr Mona Kazemi

Cayman Theraplay Ltd., 9 Plaza Venezia, North Sound Road. Tel: (345) 749 7529 Email: info@ caymantheraplay.com Web: www.caymanthera play.com.

Chatterbox

Casuarina Point, 218 South Church Street, GT. Tel: (345) 949 7065 or (345) 926 1693 Email: chatterbox@candw.ky Web: www. chatterboxcayman.com. Speech and language therapy, Early Years programmes (2-5 years), Hanen programmes, occupational therapy, autism consultancy. Services are available for both children and adults.

Cayman Theraplay Ltd.

9 Plaza Venezia, North Sound Road. Tel: (345) 749 7529 Email: info@caymantheraplay.com Web: www.caymantheraplay.com.

Claire Leadbeater MSc Cert MRCSLT Hope Academy (Clinical Services), Hope Academy, Grand Harbour Shoppes. Tel: (345) 769 4673 or Cell: (345) 929 5122.

Early Intervention Programme

515 Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 926 1413 Email: eip@cayman.edu.ky.

Inclusion Cayman

81 Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town. Email: info@inclusioncayman.ky Tel: (345) 623 2957 Web: www.inclusioncayman.ky. A nonprofit organisation supporting individuals with disabilities with their vision of accessing inclusive lives.

KidsAbility Paediatric Therapy Clinic

8 Midtown Plaza, 273 Elgin Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 5437 Email: info@ kidsability.ky Web: www.kidsability.ky. Offers developmental neuropsychology services, counselling services, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, a feeding clinic, social skills groups, parent, teacher and allied health workshops, educational assessments, and telehealth services

Lighthouse School 233A Shamrock Road, Savannah. Tel: (345) 947 5454. School for children, ages 5–17 who have special educational needs.

Special Olympics Cayman Islands (SOCI) Tel: (345) 946 7624 Email: soci@candw.ky. Registered NPO offering sports training and competition for the intellectually disabled.

The Speech Studio

Unit 229 Cannon Place, 294 North Sound Road, GT. Tel: (345) 917 7434 Email: hello@speechstudio. ky Web: www.speechstudio.ky. Offering early intervention speech and language services with an individualised family-integrated approach.

Essentials

Disaster preparation, immigration, passports, divorce & more...

Hurricane Preparedness: p182 Know Your Plan

Hurricane Checklist p184

Home Sweet Home in Cayman p186

The Logistics of Hiring a p189 Helper or Nanny

Applying for a Child Passport p191

How to Get a British Passport p192

Immigration Rules for Kids p194

Family Breakdown: Everything p198 You Need to Know

The Divorce Dilemma: How p200 it Affects Residency in Cayman

Securing Your Family’s p203 Financial Future

Guide to Writing a Will p205

Essentials Book Club p207

The Listings p208

Photo courtesy of Daria Keenan

Hurricane Preparedness: Know Your Plan

As forecasters predict an exceptionally active Atlantic hurricane season for 2024, it's crucial to ensure that you and your loved ones are well-prepared to weather any potential storms safely.

TOP TIP: Visit caymanprepared.ky/resources/emergency-service-numbers

Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, but it is crucial to recognise that hurricanes can form outside of this date range. It was an active hurricane season in 2023, with 20 named storms, ranking fourth for the most named storms in a year since 1950. Seven of these were hurricanes, with three becoming major hurricanes. Fortunately, the Cayman Islands came through largely unscathed. The only cyclone that threatened the Island in 2023 was a tropical depression in October and there was minimal impact.

According to the Climate Prediction Center, the Caribbean Sea and tropical Atlantic basin are predicted to experience the La Niña effect during the 2024 season. La Niña weakens the wind shear over the sea, which in turn allows storms to develop and intensify. This is why forecasters have predicted a 'hyperactive'

hurricane season in the Atlantic basin this year, with one forecast predicting as many as 33 named storms. An average year sees 14 hurricanes. Peak hurricane months for the Cayman Islands are September and October. Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) advises early preparation, urging residents not to wait for imminent threats.

The majority of properties in the Cayman Islands are built to high standards and the code requirements make them generally very resistant to high winds. However, tropical storms and hurricanes are a significant threat, especially from flooding associated with storm surge and very large waves that may accompany these weather systems. After Hurricane Ivan in 2004, it took a minimum of about three weeks for residents to get their electricity back and about two weeks for water, so it’s important to be prepared.

EMC - Emergency Medical Centre

Public Shelters

Grand Cayman

Cayman Brac

Little Cayman

Read on for a breakdown of how to prepare. Also, get the comprehensive hurricane information pack from Hazard Management at www.caymanprepared.ky/hurricanes.

Make a Plan

Take time now to gather the supplies and knowledge you will need for when a storm arrives. Having a plan for you and your family is crucial to determine how you can best protect yourselves from the threats associated with high winds and flooding. You will need to know where you can evacuate to and where you can shelter safely, bearing in mind that the level of the sea rose by 10 to 12 feet in 2004 during Hurricane Ivan, causing significant damage to homes and the destruction of vehicles.

Decide where you are going to stay for the duration of a hurricane well ahead of time. If your home is strong, elevated and away from the coastline, then it is probably the best place to ride out a storm. Check with neighbours ahead of time and ask about the vulnerability of the surrounding area in which you live. Many people are often able to take shelter at their place of work or a friend’s house on higher ground. If you decide that it is safe to stay in your home, find the safest areas in your house and potential escape routes as well. If you determine that your property is not strong enough (or if the location in which you live makes it vulnerable), then plan to evacuate. Low-lying areas inland, near or on the coast are at particular risk from a storm surge, and those who live directly on the coastline have the significant threat of waves.

Make sure your home and property insurance is up to date and that you understand what your coverage provides. Photograph your property for insurance claims and store securely. Prepare for potential extended outages of power, water, gas, phone and internet.

Public Shelters

Emergency shelters are certainly an option to consider. There are 17 emergency shelters in Grand Cayman, seven of these are also Emergency Medical Centres (EMC), and two of these are pet-friendly. Depending on the threat severity, HMCI may open select shelters. Cayman Brac has three shelters and Little Cayman has one. Check out the map to find the one nearest to you.

Prepare Your Property

Make sure your property is as secure as possible. Trim trees, remove dead wood, and assess hurricane shutters. If you do not have shutters for windows and doors, stock up on plywood and get it cut and labelled for each opening. Repair loose roofing and consider adding hurricane straps. Service cisterns, empty cesspools, and plan emergency boat storage.

Your Kit

Stock up on hurricane supplies. Begin collecting enough nonperishable food, water, first aid and other survival supplies to last each person about a week. A good idea is to buy the supplies a little at a time, picking up some extras with each trip to the supermarket. After Hurricane Ivan, it took 3–8 weeks for

electricity and landline telephones and about 1–2 weeks for water supplies to be restored to most parts of Cayman. Don’t forget any prescription medication your family may need and special items for the young and elderly. Always keep your vehicle gas tank full or halfway full during hurricane season. You can use our hurricane checklist on the next page to help you prepare.

Stay Informed

It is important to tune in to Radio Cayman, the Cayman Islands National Weather Service, HMCI and other official Government information sources when a hurricane is threatening.

National Emergency Notification System (NENS)

The Cayman Islands Government offers a free mobile app that delivers emergency alerts directly to your phone and you can choose to receive these alerts by email and SMS text. The app provides reliable and timely information to the public relating to major national incidents such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, large fires, airport incidents and chemical incidents. In an emergency, an alert will go off on your phone (even if it is on silent mode), letting you know that there is an issue that requires your immediate attention. The alert notification will include details of the incident or situation and where it is primarily located (if possible). It will also include any essential public safety messaging, such as instructions to stay away from an incident area or advice to seek higher ground in the unlikely event of a tsunami. NENS is only used for very significant situations and there is no use of your personal information other than for sending emergency alerts. To download the app, visit www.nens.gov.ky.

Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) is the lead agency responsible for the national comprehensive disaster management programme for the Cayman Islands.

caymanprepared.ky HMCI@gov.ky

caymanprepared 89.9 FM

caymanprepared weather.gov.ky

CINEOC gov.ky

Emergency Alert App: NENS.gov.ky

Hurricane Checklist

The most common natural disasters threatening the Cayman Islands are hurricanes, although Cayman has been lucky in recent years to avoid the path of any major storm. Always be on high alert, as unpredictable weather conditions are more prevalent in hurricane season. In the event the Island does get hit by a severe storm, you will want to have taken practical steps beforehand to ensure you and your family stay safe and dry. For more information, visit www.caymanprepared.gov.ky and www. caymanresident.com.

Hurricane Supply Kit

Preparation is key. Prior to the start of hurricane season (June 1st to November 30th), put together a hurricane supply kit stocked with the items on the checklist below:

❑ Several gallons of drinking water

❑ Long-life food that does not require refrigeration or cooking (tinned food is ideal)

❑ Plywood and screws/nails for windows/doors (if necessary)

❑ ‘C’ type fire extinguisher for electrical fires

❑ Oil and petrol for generator (optional)

❑ Portable gas cooker and refills

❑ Charcoal and lighter fluid

❑ Flashlight, lantern and oil

❑ Candles and matches/lighter in watertight bag

❑ Battery operated radio, fan and extra batteries

❑ First-aid kit, sunscreen and feminine hygiene supplies

❑ Medication

❑ Mosquito coils, citronella candles and/or spray

❑ Life vests, goloshes and whistle

❑ Rope/strong twine, duct/packing tape

❑ Plastic sheeting to cover furniture

❑ Tarpaulin for roof

❑ Paper towel, toilet paper and napkins

❑ Disposable plates, glasses and cutlery

❑ Aluminium foil, plastic freezer bags

❑ Can opener/knife (e.g. Swiss army)

❑ Chlorine bleach (sterilising water) and Dettol (disinfecting hands and feet)

❑ Hand sanitiser and baby wipes (for personal hygiene)

❑ Ice chest (to stock up with ice in the run-up to a major storm)

❑ Baby supplies: diapers, wipes, food

❑ Pet food and litter box

Things to Do

In the immediate days leading up to the storm, make sure you have ticked off the following:

❑ Design a family plan for which shelter and route is best suited to your needs

❑ Store important documents, records, irreplaceable and precious items in watertight containers and back up to an external drive

❑ Fill cars with gasoline/charge if electric and move them to higher ground

❑ Withdraw cash from bank ATMs won’t work without power

❑ Bring in everything from outside, i.e. bird feeder, hose, BBQ, chairs, potted plants

❑ Secure boat and remove all equipment battery, life jackets, etc.

❑ Make arrangements for the safety of your pets

❑ Move furniture and belongings away from windows and doors and elevate off floor level

❑ Put silicone or foam around outside doors and also fill enough sandbags to protect the outside of the doors at ground level

❑ Pick up rugs from the floor and remove drapes from windows

❑ Buy buckets and sheets of plastic to protect furniture and wood floors from ceiling leaks

❑ Clean tubs/baths and fill them with water

❑ Turn freezer and fridge to the coldest setting. If the power goes out, food and ice will last longer

❑ Charge cell phones and have cell phone charger that plugs into car lighter or a cranking mechanism

❑ Wedge sliding doors to prevent them lifting from tracks and reinforce garage door

❑ Keep swimming pool full, to around 12 inches from the top

❑ Turn off propane tanks

❑ Secure TV antennae

❑ Ensure there is an adequate supply of emergency food

❑ Close cistern openings and disconnect downspouts

❑ Fill empty gallon bottles with water for bathing and flushing

❑ Have raincoats/ponchos handy

❑ Make sure you have the phone numbers of family and friends and that they have yours

Home Sweet Home in Cayman

Moving house can be one of the most stressful moments in adult life. Whether you intend to rent or buy, choosing the right home is no easy decision. Price, location, size, layout, and the amenities offered all play a role in your selection and it is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the details.

There are many aspects to securing a property in Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands that differ from other parts of the world, so it is important to be aware of the ins and outs. You can navigate all the major stresses of finding your dream home more easily with the help of a real estate professional who has their finger on the pulse of the Island’s property market. See page 188 to find out what you can expect from a good realtor.

In Cayman, through the Multiple Listing System (MLS), all CIREBA agents can access and show all available inventory, meaning you can relax and let them do the legwork while keeping you informed on available properties. Once they have a better idea of what you want by way of budget, location and size, they can start researching properties and sending you links to review with feedback. Rentals in Cayman move very fast. Places become available and are leased or sold very quickly.

Having a real estate agent to help you stay on top of this is invaluable to the process. Living in the Cayman Islands is very safe for expats and locals alike. As a small country that is big on international business, education, and attracting overseas investment, the local authorities do a good job of keeping things running smoothly. In fact, with one of the lowest violent crime rates of any country in the world, it is probably the most secure country in the Caribbean. For these reasons, Cayman has been growing and continues to attract new residents from all over the world. Young working professionals will find amenities that appeal to an active lifestyle, while there are just as many options for families after a more laidback ‘island-style’ life.

Renting

Real estate agents encourage their clients to rent for no longer than one year (if possible). Owning a home allows you to invest in yourself and pay into your own equity instead of the landlord's. If you’d prefer to go it alone when searching for a rental, ecaytrade.com has rentals listed directly by the landlords, which may streamline the whole process. Realtors also have many up-to-date property rentals listed on www. cirebarentals.com, where you can search for specific property types and locations. You will usually need to put down a security deposit and the first month’s rent in advance. Some landlords may require tenants to obtain contents insurance at the tenant's expense, and for utilities, estimate approximately CI$100 for water, CI$300-CI$600 for electricity and CI$50-CI$100 for internet.

Caymanian First-Time Buyers

Home ownership is one of the primary methods of building wealth, and as such, it is hugely beneficial to get on the property ladder as soon as you can. Cayman's housing market has faced significant challenges over the years, with a surge of higher-income overseas buyers quickly acquiring the limited properties, driving prices skyward and creating obstacles for the younger generation eager to secure their own property.

In an effort to make homeownership more accessible and attainable for first-time buyers, the Cayman Islands Government have waived stamp duty on properties and land that fall under a certain threshold and announced new pension withdrawal options. As of December 2023, Caymanians and status holders with private pensions can withdraw up to CI$50,000 to buy an existing home, build a

new home, or buy land. Those that have an existing property can withdraw up to CI$100,000 from their private pension, as long as it will completely pay off their outstanding mortgage. Repayment of withdrawn funds is required, with an additional 3% monthly contribution towards the pension until retirement or full repayment. Visit the Cayman Islands Government website for more information on the National Pensions (Amendment) Act, 2023. Unfortunately, there are increasingly few developed properties on the market that are selling for under CI$550,000, and if the property is over CI$650,000, you get no stamp duty break at all! This, combined with a down payment of at least 10%, lawyer charges, strata fees and home insurance costs, is what leads many families to believe homeownership in Cayman will remain a distant dream for the country’s future generations.

Stamp Duty Benefits for Caymanian First-Time Buyers:

Property Stamp Duty Rate

Undeveloped Land Purchase

Developed Residential Property Purchase

No stamp duty up to CI$250,000.

3.75% on the difference for values between CI$250,000 and CI$350,000.

Above CI$350,000, full stamp duty applies at 7.5%.

No stamp duty up to CI$550,000.

3.75% on the difference for values between CI$550,000 and CI$650,000.

Above CI$650,000, full stamp duty applies at 7.5%.

In cases where property is transferred to two (or not more than 10) persons who are Caymanian

Property Stamp Duty Reduction

Undeveloped Land Purchase

Developed Residential Property Purchase

No stamp duty up to CI$450,000.

3.75% on the difference for values between CI$450,000 and CI$550,000.

No stamp duty up to CI$600,000.

3.75% on the difference for values between CI$600,000 and CI$700,000.

What to Buy

When buying a home, prioritise affordability and long-term suitability. Ensure the property meets your current and future needs. Remember to factor in the additional costs like surveys, valuations, stamp duty, mortgages, legal fees, and potential home repairs. Buying within your means facilitates future selling and financial stability. Furthermore, for those considering real estate as part of their Cayman PR application, consulting an immigration specialist is advised to understand the residency requirements associated with different property levels.

Financing

Always shop around when looking for a mortgage. Research your options with various banks as there are a myriad of financing options available which constantly change. The usual term for a mortgage is 20 years, although some banks will offer as much as 35 years. Cayman's retail banks usually do not offer mortgages to buyers over 65 years of age, so start early! To increase your chances of obtaining financing from a bank, you should have a good sense of your future income, have been working in Cayman for a minimum of six months and be in a solid financial position. A general rule of thumb is that you will need between 10% and 35% of the negotiated sum to secure a mortgage, plus money for bank fees, stamp duty, legal fees, an appraisal fee, and government fees. Don't forget, you will also need to get life insurance to cover the balance of your mortgage, as banks require this.

What You Can Expect From a Good Realtor

Find You a Home Based on Your Preferences

Your realtor should be a good listener who can distinguish between all the ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice-to-haves’ you are looking for, including budget range, square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, amenities, location, neighbourhood, and other factors. An agent will continuously scour the MLS and external sources to find a range of suitable properties to show you.

Negotiate an Offer to Purchase

They will provide comparable sales information and advise on the market value of the properties you are interested in before you decide how much to offer. The agent can then draft an offer to purchase on your behalf to submit to vendors after advising on the important points that need to be put in an offer, including deposit amounts, milestone dates and any conditions that need to be met.

Recommend Reputable Home Inspectors

Your realtor should know and be able to recommend the best home inspectors in the industry for you to choose from. Buyers can sometimes struggle to know what problems are worth stressing over and which aren’t. Your real estate agent will help you decide what issues are ones you need to be concerned with.

Attend the Home Inspection

Once the agent has attended the inspection and had the results, they will be able to advise you on what should be brought to the seller’s attention and what, if any, concessions the buyers can reasonably ask for. This could be a price reduction, a repair or a credit at closing.

Liaise Between Seller & Buyer

Once under contract, all parties need to be on the same page and reminded of the important deadlines stated in the offer to purchase. Your real estate agent will keep everyone informed and on track, including the seller’s agent and your real estate attorney. They will also advise that a stay of execution be placed on the property to prevent the sale of this property to anyone before the purchase is finalised.

Manage the Closing

Your agent will finalise all the loose ends required for closing. These may include securing due diligence documents, attending the bank's closing meeting to deliver a closing statement and payout cheques, collecting keys, etc.

The Logistics of Hiring a Helper or Nanny

Hiring a Domestic Helper Through an Agency

Expect to pay CI$16 per hour for a minimum of four hours if hired on a full-day or half-day regular, weekly basis. On a temporary basis, allow CI$18 or more per hour and some charge a transportation fee of CI$6 per day. The convenience of using an agency is that they train the staff, pay their health insurance and pension, and will replace them if they cannot work for any reason. Many agencies also run an employee bus service and will drop them off and pick them up. See page 257 for agency details.

Hiring a Domestic Helper Directly

The standard work week in the Cayman Islands is between 40 and 45 hours per week. It is anticipated that the minimum wage of CI$6 an hour will rise to CI$8.75 in the near future. Employers know that domestic helpers cannot live on CI$6 an hour. As of June 2024, the going rate to pay a full-time domestic helper has already risen to a minimum of CI$9 an hour. The Labour Act (2021 Revision) states that anyone being asked to work over 45 hours per week should get paid 1.5 times the hourly rate for additional hours. If the employee is a live-in helper, then their 'in kind' credit (accommodation and utilities, etc.) can only account for 25% of their salary. If this is not met, then the employee can call the confidential line at the Department of Labour and Pensions on (345) 945 3073. At CI$8.75 an hour, working a 45-hour week, the domestic helper will take home CI$393.75 per week or CI$1,706.25 per month. Out of this, they have to pay their 50% contribution for basic health insurance (CI$80), then they have to pay rent, food, catch a bus to and from work and send home

some money. Even with the raise in minimum wage, this is a very difficult salary to live on in the Cayman Islands.

If domestic helpers can also provide some nannying duties, then the pay is significantly better for a very good candidate. You can expect this person to be able to drive, cook for your children and help with cleaning the house, but they would not help with homework nor manage the logistics of a child's weekly afternoon activities. Expect to pay between CI$475 and CI$675 per week, before overtime, for a 45-hour week, plus a discretionary housing allowance of CI$300-CI$500 per month. For part-time work or babysitting, and working over the 45 hours per week, everyone will expect to be paid CI$12-CI$18 an hour. For non-agency helpers who you hire full time, you must take care of their health insurance and a good employer would not expect the employee to contribute towards it. You can hire domestic helpers by word of mouth or through local agencies such as AAA Caregivers or The Perfect Maid & Nanny Agency.

According to the Labour Act (2021 Revision), all employees are entitled to a minimum of two weeks' vacation (10 working days) for the first four years of employment, three weeks (or 15 working days) for years four to 10, and four weeks (20 days) if employed for over 10 years with the same family. You must also pay them double time for working any Public Holidays. Unfortunately, by law, you do not have to contribute to a domestic worker's pension, although a good employer will. A good employer will also pay for one airline ticket home per year, if the employee lives nearby (e.g. Jamaica), or a ticket home every two years if they live further away (e.g. the Philippines). It is also good practice to provide a Christmas bonus of between two-weeks and a month’s salary.

Hiring a Professional Nanny

A professional nanny is expected to have a university degree and/or some form of formal early childhood care and education training. Their role is to focus on the children and not on general household chores. A professional nanny is usually paid CI$22CI$25 per hour for a 45-hour week (starting at CI$4,000 per month). The overtime rate is negotiable but starts at CI$12 an hour. Most nannies would expect to work split shifts around the child's school day. Typically, a nanny's job includes washing the children’s laundry, doing dishes, doing the household grocery shopping, preparing healthy dinners or homemade baby food, arranging activities, helping to organise and drive children to after-school activities, assisting with homework, supporting any homeschooling, and organising playdates. They would be expected to help develop a well-rounded, responsible child with a strong moral compass. You can find professional nannies through Minerva Cayman, a local agency that vets and recruits from overseas. If you are looking for a live-in au pair, visit www. greataupair.com. If you are looking for a Norland Nanny, see www.norland.ac.uk.

Most nannies would expect to be provided with a car to use seven days a week, a monthly fuel allowance of CI$80-CI$160 (depending on distances involved between the main household, school and certain activities), flights home (once a year, no matter the destination), four weeks' paid vacation, non-contributory

health insurance, and to be paid their monthly salary whether the family are away on holiday or not. It is not unusual for a nanny to travel with the family on vacation and stay overnight as needed (but please check visa requirements for your nanny). For overnight stays, the going rate is a sleep fee of CI$10 per hour or CI$75 a night. It is then CI$12 per hour for the hours the children are awake outside of the nanny’s regular working hours.

Work Permit Rules for a Domestic Helper/Nanny

If you are an expat, then you cannot submit your domestic helper's or nanny's work permit paperwork until your own work permit has been approved. It is also illegal to have them pay for their own work permit. Helpers are not allowed to have dependants on their work permit, and the absolute maximum time they can stay on the Island is 10 years. You can take out a work permit for any nationality as long as you can demonstrate a genuine need.

The Department of Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) does not usually grant expats a work permit for a domestic helper or a nanny unless they can show sufficient need, i.e. they have children who need looking after. In this case, you'll need to provide certified copies of the birth certificate of each child to be cared for and think carefully about the information you provide in your cover letter to support your application. Please note, a work permit for a Nanny needs to be advertised on the https://my.egov.ky/web/worc website, but a work permit for a domestic helper does not. The work permit for a Domestic Helper costs CI$150 per year, while the cost for a Certified Nanny is CI$550.

Top Qualities to Look for in a Nanny/Helper

Good with Children: A genuine love for children, ability to nurture, stay cool under pressure and to understand each child’s individual needs and adapt their approach accordingly.

Pro-active & Vigilant: Can accurately handle an emergency, doesn't wait to be assigned tasks, has good ideas for entertaining children and can organise and host playdates.

Trustworthy & Reliable: Ability to respect your home and protect your privacy. Accepts your rules on things like screen time.

Good Time Management & Organisation

Skills: Punctuality and ability to keep children on schedule without letting other tasks slip.

Communicative & Confident: Confidence to broach any issues arising instead of letting them fester, to ask questions when the need for clarity arises and to regularly share important information about your child with you.

Safety Training: CPR and First-Aid certified as a bare minimum and open to receiving training in Water Safety and Child Abuse Prevention.

Applying for a Child Passport

If born in the Cayman Islands to expat parents, your newborn will not automatically become a Caymanian citizen and will, therefore, have to take one of their parents’ nationalities at birth. Luckily, parents can begin the process of obtaining a child passport as soon as their child has a birth certificate. We outline helpful next steps for different nationalities below.

American Passports

If you are a US citizen who recently had a child in the Cayman Islands, you need to apply for a 'Consular Report of Birth Abroad' before you can apply for a passport for your child. The US Consular Agency also handles passport renewals but they do not deal with US visas. People are asked to email: CaymanACS@ state.gov in order to receive an auto response, which provides all of the requisite information and links for booking and making appointments. Those seeking a Consular Report of Birth Abroad are directed to an online portal, where you are placed on a waiting list for officers from Kingston, Jamaica, to come over to conduct an interview with you. US Consular Agency: Suite 202B, Smith Road Centre, 150 Smith Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 747 8172. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-12pm (closed on all Cayman and US holidays).

Australian Passports

Obtaining an Australian passport for a child born in the Cayman Islands can be complicated as there is no online and postal application process available after registering for the child’s Australian citizenship. Residents of Cayman should contact the Australian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago. They will then advise where an in-person application (including an interview) by one parent can be submitted. The child does not need to attend the interview. For more information, visit www.trinidadandtobago. embassy.gov.au or Tel: 1 (868) 235 7950.

British Passports

Visit www.gov.uk/get-a-child-passport to apply online for your child’s first British passport. You will need a digital photo of your child, supporting documents and a credit or debit card, plus you will need to identify someone who can confirm your child's identity; they will act as a countersignatory. The cost to apply online from the Cayman Islands is £85.36, which includes courier fees to get the passport back to you. You will then be issued a unique number and you will be asked to quote this when you mail the original documents to HM Passport Office. A child passport is valid for five years and the processing time takes up to 11 weeks.

Canadian Passports

There is no longer a Canadian Honorary Consul in the Cayman Islands, so you must now download the paperwork for citizenship or passports from www.cic.gc.ca. Once all your paperwork is filled in and you have either original or notarised documents

ready you need to mail the application by courier to the High Commission of Canada, 3 West Kings House Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica. If you have questions you can email: KNGTN-CS@ international.gc.ca or call1 (876) 926 1500. For 24/7 emergency help, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre: sos@ international.gc.ca or call 1 (613) 996 8885.

Caymanian Passports

Caymanian passports (also called British Overseas Territories Citizen passports) are processed at the Passport & Corporate Services office in George Town and then sent to the UK passport office to be printed. The processing time is six to ten weeks. Application forms and a list of required documentation for a BOTC passport can be downloaded from www.gov.ky (see Passport & Corporate Services tab). Passports cost CI$75 for children, CI$100 for adults and the fee is waived for those over 65. Emergency passports, issued in the event of a medical air evacuation, are produced in Grand Cayman and can be turned around within a day. Unlike the US, those born in the Cayman Islands are not automatically eligible for citizenship or a Cayman Islands passport unless they can prove a connection to the Islands. This usually means that one parent must be Caymanian.

Passport & Corporate Services Office: 2nd floor of Sussex House, 128 Elgin Avenue. Tel: (345) 943 7678. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm.

Registering

the Birth of Your Child Born in Cayman

Children born in the Cayman Islands will be issued a Live Birth Notification Form. The original document will be sent to the Registrar of Births and you will be given a copy. Parents must go to the General Registry on the ground floor of the Government Administration Building, Elgin Avenue with the Live Birth Notification Form, a marriage certificate (if married) and your passport(s).

Residents of Cayman Brac can register their children at the Cayman Brac General Registry, 5 Dennis Foster Road. Email: bracgenreg@gov.ky.

By law, you must register your child within three months of birth. There is no charge for this, however, a copy of your child’s birth certificate from the Registrar of Births will cost CI$10 per copy.

How to get a British Passport

If you are a British Overseas Territories Citizen you may be entitled to apply to become a British Citizen and if successful, to apply for a British Passport. Nick Joseph of Reside Cayman explains the process.

Whilst the Cayman Islands are British, the Caymanian people are (today) not necessarily British.

Following the passage of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002 anyone who was a BOTC on 21st May 2002 automatically became a full British Citizen. The UK thereby effectively returned to most Caymanians the rights that Caymanians (who were always British) had previously held until 1983. Before 1949 Caymanians were British Subjects. From 1949 until 1982 Caymanians were Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies. From 1983 to 2002 Caymanians were British Dependant Territories Citizens, and since 2002 Caymanians are all supposed to be (often amongst other citizenships) British Overseas Territories Citizens.

But in 2003, the Cabinet of the Cayman Islands Government distributed Caymanian status to many, including a large number who were neither British nor even BOTCs. In doing so, some of the inherent expectations placed on those becoming Caymanian appear to have been 'overlooked'. Amongst these was any adherence to expectations that persons becoming Caymanian were, at some level, British.

Those foreign nationals who married (or were already married) to some of those newly minted Caymanians were able to become Caymanian with relative ease, and their already born children often became Caymanian 'by entitlement' almost automatically, again, without any reference to their citizenship.

The result is that today there are thousands of Caymanians with no BOTC or British citizenship. Large numbers were ultimately able

to seek and acquire Naturalisation (or, if children, Registration) as BOTCs, and many, who were not criminals and genuinely lived in Cayman, were granted such citizenship.

Now, some of those same Caymanians, or their spouses and children, seek to study, live, and/or work in the UK. Sometimes, this is because of a scholarship afforded to them by the Cayman Government. Other times, it's to work for a Cayman-operating company or even in Government Service. But they cannot—not without a visa or entitlement to a British passport.

Which is fine. The British control their immigration regime. In Cayman, we control our own. Although, much like the British, we are seemingly not always very good at it!

So, how does a Caymanian (or Permanent Resident of the Cayman Islands) who is not already a British citizen (and was not a BOTC on May 1st, 2002) receive a British passport? Well, first they have to become a British citizen.

If they are at least a British Overseas Territory Citizen (and therefore eligible to hold a BOTC passport), the process available is to apply for Registration as a British Citizen under section 4 of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002, which has been inserted as a new section, 4A, into the 1981 British Nationality Act that allows the Secretary of State of the United Kingdom discretion to register a BOTC as a British citizen.

Many people have moved to the Cayman Islands or otherwise acquired BOTC status through Naturalisation or Registration after

21st May 2002. They accordingly have no automatic entitlement to be British by virtue of their connection with the Cayman Islands but they can apply.

Applicants for British citizenship who are already a BOTC must provide evidence that they are a BOTC such as their passport and Naturalisation or Registration certificate.

Applicants must also be of good character and enrol biometric details. Their application must be endorsed by two referees, at least one of whom must hold a full British passport.

The United Kingdom aims to conclude applications within 6 to 12 months of the date of receipt of an application.

Why having a British Passport is Important for Caymanian Students

Wanting to Study Abroad

The Cayman Islands have very good schools, but it is commonly acknowledged that there are not enough spaces in Years 12 and 13 (Grades 11 and 12 in the US system) for all students to take the IB and A Levels. So for the last two years of high school, many students leave Cayman to study abroad, but the cost to access a boarding school overseas is often prohibitive. This, however, is changing, as British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) children can access state boarding schools in the UK. In addition, the annual cost is often no more than the scholarship amount that the Ministry of Education awards all Caymanians who qualify to go to Cayman Prep & High School and St. Ignatius School to do their two-year A Level courses. Plus, it ticks the box of getting exposure to an overseas education before your child leaves for university. However, the only caveat is that all BOTCs must apply for a British passport. [Editor's note: As Nick Joseph outlines here, if you are a BOTC but not already British, there is a bespoke mechanism available to seek to become a British Citizen. Read on to find out how.]

Becoming a British Overseas Territories Citizen by Virtue of a Connection to the Cayman Islands

Those who are not already BOTCs and seek to apply to become British through their residence in the Cayman Islands must first apply for Naturalisation or Registration as a British Overseas Territories Citizen by virtue of a connection with the Cayman Islands. Such an application should be made to the Office of the Deputy Governor. Strict criteria are applied to the application process, including (in most instances) the length and consistency of residence in the Cayman Islands.

Persons who are eligible to apply to become British Overseas Territories Citizens include:

1. Anyone who was born in Cayman and is still here on their 10th birthday (Registration by Entitlement).

2. Anyone who is Caymanian or a Permanent Resident with no expiry date on their permission, who is not already a BOTC, and has lived in Cayman for at least five years, with at least one of those years being subsequent to them becoming a Caymanian or Permanent Resident (Naturalisation on Grounds of Residence).

3. Anyone who is married to a BOTC and has been resident in Cayman for at least three years (Naturalisation on the Grounds of Marriage).

4. Any child (under the age of 17) who was born in the Islands, resides in the Islands, and whose parent has become settled (i.e. granted Permanent Residence or the Right to be Caymanian) (Registration).

5. Any child (under the age of 17) of a person holding British Overseas Territory Citizenship (Registration).

The fee for an application for Naturalisation as a BOTC is CI$825, and for Registration as a BOTC is CI$450.

Anyone born in Cayman to a BOTC parent, or to a parent who is Caymanian or a Permanent Resident (without regard to the citizenship of that parent) is automatically a BOTC from birth.

British Overseas Territory Citizens Seeking to Become British Citizens

Persons who are already a BOTC and are not already full British Citizens/became a BOT after 21st May, 2002, may apply for Registration as a full British Citizen. In order to do so a UK Home Office B(OTA) form (printed in colour and filled in using black ink) must be used. Application can be submitted, with supporting documents, to the Office of the Deputy Governor and placed in the Drop Box on the 1st Floor of the Government Administration Building.

Supporting documents are expected to include evidence of BOT Citizenship (such as a BOT Passport/Certificate of Naturalisation or Registration). Two referees (each of whom have known the applicant for at least three years) are required to support any application. One must be a Professional Person (but can be of any nationality) and one must hold a full British passport and be either a Professional Person or over the age of 25.

Applicants are expected to be 'of good character'.

The required application fees to be submitted with an application for Registration as a British Citizen based on being a British Overseas Territory Citizen are CI$200 and £1,351.

Applicants can make an application directly through the Office of the Deputy Governor https://online.odg.gov.ky, or through one of the agencies providing Immigration Services in the Cayman Islands.

This article was written by Nick Joseph of Reside Cayman. Nick is a leading immigration lawyer in the Cayman Islands and was a partner for almost 20 years at two major offshore law firms in the Cayman Islands before founding Reside Cayman. He now specialises in residency and immigration issues, with an emphasis on relocation advice.

there is no charge. The parent should select 'other' to ensure that no fee is attached. If the child is three months or older, the initial fee will be CI$50. You will also need to submit: 1) Birth certificate of the child 2) Passport (if one has been issued) 3) Fees (if applicable) 4) Parents’ employment letters 5) Parents’ bank reference/statement 6) Evidence of accommodation (lease or land documents) 7) Proof of health insurance.

Children Born to Government Employees

Foreign nationals in Government service are exempt from the Work Permit regime by virtue of their government contracts. They should, however, check with their relevant Department/ Ministry to ensure that their child is able to lawfully reside in the Cayman Islands. Please note that there is no distinction between expatriate children of persons in government service and those in the private sector. Considerations as to Permanent Residence and the 'Right to be Caymanian' (including 'continuation' thereof) should be taken fully into account.

A foreign national who has lived in the Cayman Islands for at least eight years and works for the Cayman Islands Government can apply for Permanent Residency. Once it is granted, they have the choice of adding their child as a dependant and paying the annual dependant fee of CI$500 per child. Alternatively, they can continue to include the child as a dependant on their government contract and, in such a case, they will not have to pay an annual fee for their child or children. Please note that it is very important that evidence of your child's residency status is maintained. At some point, you may want to apply for Permanent Residency or Cayman Status for your child, and you will need to show proof that they have been a legal resident in the Cayman Islands for some years prior to the application.

Children Born to Permanent Residents

A child born to a Permanent Resident (whether through the points system or by independent means) must be added as a dependant to the parent’s PR. You will need to submit a ‘Variation of Permanent Residence’ form (the RV37a form), as well as the 'Dependant Information Form Checklist'.

There is an administrative non-refundable CI$500 fee attached to the application. You will need to include a cover letter explaining why the change is being made, as well as a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate, a signed affidavit, a completed application form, as well as (where relevant) an employment letter from both parents, which includes the hours worked per week, the monthly income and any other benefits received.

The issue fee is CI$400 for the holder of a 'Residency and Employment Rights Certificate' on the basis of eight years' residence or CI$1,000 for the dependants of the holder of a 'Certificate for Persons of Independent Means'.

At the time of the child’s birth, if one parent already holds Permanent Residency and/or has been naturalised as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) because of a connection

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with the Cayman Islands, but is not (yet) Caymanian, then the child born in the Cayman Islands (to expatriate parents resident in the Cayman Islands) will be born a British Overseas Territories Citizen by virtue of a connection with the Cayman Islands. Although they will not be Caymanian, such children can hold a British Overseas Territories (Cayman Islands) passport. These children will not have to be registered as a BOTC and can automatically apply for a BOTC passport through the local passport office. The child also needs to be 'landed' and added as a dependant on your Permanent Residency, as they will have no independent right to live in the Cayman Islands, despite having a BOTC passport.

Please note that as a Permanent Resident, if you then become a Caymanian (and have children and a spouse as dependants), WORC's position is that you have only 45 days to 'regularise' your dependants. If, for some reason, you forget, then your spouse’s 'Residency & Employment Rights Certificate (RERC) as the Spouse of a Permanent Resident' will be revoked, and there will, in effect, be nothing to extend. In this situation, the only option to 'regularise' your spouse’s position is to apply for the 'Right to be Caymanian', but you cannot do this unless you sign an affidavit saying that you meet the 'stable marriage' requirement. Alternatively, if you have been married for less than seven years, then you can simply apply for a RERC on the grounds of being married to a Caymanian.

Children Born to Work Permit Holders

If you are on a work permit, your baby must be added as a dependant. You can find the AMD2 ‘Dependant Information Form Checklist’ (aka the RV37a) on www.worc.ky, which outlines the things you need to submit. These include an application fee of CI$100 and a separate grant fee of CI$500, which is payable on approval. The required supporting documents include employment letters in relation to each parent and a ‘Monthly Income and Expense Report’ which will help WORC determine whether you can afford to have a dependant stay in Cayman with you. It is generally accepted that your minimum monthly base salary for a family of three must be in the region of CI$3,500. You will generally be expected to earn an extra CI$500 to CI$1,000 per month for each additional dependant. When all the requirements are met, your child’s passport (once issued) will be stamped with a date on it. Remember to get each new passport re-stamped as airlines need to see a current dependant stamp in the passport when you travel. If you have any questions, call WORC on (345) 945 9672 or visit their website.

Children Born to Applicants for Permanent Residence with Permission to Continue Working

If you become a parent while your application for Permanent Residency is still being processed, you need to act as soon as possible to vary your Permission to Continue Working (PCW) and add a new dependant. Following this, you need to update your application for Permanent Residence to reflect the change of circumstance. This requires a submission to the Director of WORC, accompanied by a CI$100 application fee, a completed copy of the RV37a 'Dependant Information Form'

and its list of supporting documents.

Expatriate Children Born in the Cayman Islands and Continuously Resident for the First 10 Years

The British Nationality Act makes provision for the registration of children born in the Islands (and legally resident for the first 10 years of their life) as British Overseas Territories Citizens by virtue of a connection with the Islands. While such registration will not make them Caymanian, they will be entitled to a BOTC (Cayman Islands) passport and allowed to reside permanently in the Cayman Islands provided they do not move away, are of good character and do not breach the Immigration (Transition) Act.

This option is available without regard to the immigration status of the parents and an application should be made to the Deputy Governor’s Office as soon as possible following the child’s 10th birthday. Such children can hold a BOTC (Cayman Islands) passport, and (independent of their parents) almost certainly be able to apply to become Caymanian immediately following their 15th birthday if still legally and ordinarily resident in the Cayman Islands at that date.

Rules Once a Child Turns 18

A 'Caymanian by Entitlement' Turning 18

A child who is a 'Caymanian by Entitlement' will lose this Status when they turn 18 unless an application is made to the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board for 'continuation' of their Status. Such an application ought to be made when the child is 17, and well before they turn 18 to avoid automatically losing their Status upon turning 18. If a child fails to apply to continue their Caymanian Status, they can reapply at any time, however, they may be unable to work or apply for a scholarship until they have had their Status reinstated. A student visa or alternative immigration permission may be needed to fill any gaps. An application can only be granted if the child has been legally and ordinarily resident for five out of the seven years immediately preceding the date of application. Provided that an application is made before the child turns 18 years of age, they will (once the application is granted) be deemed to have been Caymanian without break. If the child submits an application after their 18th birthday, they will (if the application is granted) be deemed to only be Caymanian from the date of the grant. Under the Immigration (Transition) Act, absences necessitated by health and education may nevertheless count as legal and ordinary residence in the Islands provided that Cayman is 'home' for the relevant period of absence (which cannot, in any event, be for more than 12 months).

Permanent Resident's Child Turning 18

An expatriate child of a Permanent Resident (even if the child has a Cayman passport) must, in most cases, apply for Permanent Residence in their own right under section 39 of the Immigration (Transition) Act. They can do this without being subject to the points system, provided they have been legally and ordinarily resident in the Cayman Islands for seven years prior to the application being made. This application must be made before the child turns 19 years of age, but if the parent’s Residency &

Employment Rights Certificate has been varied to allow the child to be a dependant past 18, it can be extended until the child is 24, provided the child is still in tertiary education or within six months of the end of such education. They will then be able to apply to become Caymanian once they have been in Cayman for 15 years, or five years after having been naturalised as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC). An expatriate child, who is the child of the spouse of a Caymanian and whose parent holds a RERC (Residency & Employment Rights Certificate), can be added as a dependant of their parent, but only until they are 18 years of age, unless they continue into tertiary education and their permission is varied. If the parent subsequently becomes Caymanian themselves, the child will automatically cease to be a Dependant and will require some other permission to reside in the Cayman Islands.

Work Permit Holder's Child Turning 18 Years of Age

Dependant children can only remain on a parent’s work permit after the age of 18 if they are in full-time tertiary education or special circumstances apply (such as the child is unable, for medical or other exceptional reasons, to maintain themselves). Should your child turn 18 years of age before they finish secondary school, the immigration authorities will usually allow your child to remain in Cayman. However, if your child chooses not to go on to university or college and wants to continue living in the Cayman Islands, then their only option is for them to obtain a job with an employer who will apply for a work permit for them.

Family Law, Divorce and General Practice

Naturalisation as a BOTC (Section 18 (1) Grounds of Residence at 18)

If you are a Permanent Resident and not married to a Caymanian, then getting Naturalised as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) is an essential step in the process of acquiring Caymanian Status. Once you have had Permanent Residence for 12 months, and have lived in Cayman for at least five years, you can apply under the British Nationality Act for Naturalisation as a BOTC by virtue of a connection with the Cayman Islands. Please note that you will still need to pay your Permanent Resident work-related fees every year once you are naturalised. However, the spouse of a Caymanian does not pay these fees.

The spouse of a Caymanian will (provided their Caymanian spouse is a BOTC) be able to apply for Naturalisation 12 months from the date that their RERC was approved, provided they have been resident in the Islands for at least three years and seek to apply on the basis of marriage to a BOTC. The application is made to the Deputy Governor and must include an up-to-date travel history covering the last five years (you can obtain this from WORC), as well as certified copies of your relevant documents and a fee of CI$825. A child under the age of 18 years of age can (on successful application) be registered as a BOTC and the cost is CI$450.

This article was submitted by HSM Chambers

Family Breakdown Everything You Need to Know

“In the midst of the challenges that a family breakdown presents, a collaborative and constructive approach is often the most cost-effective way to move forward; both in terms of financial and emotional costs. It is always preferable to agree matters between yourselves, but where that is not possible, the Courts in the Cayman Islands can help to provide clarity and finality for your situation.” – Louise Desrosiers, Head of the Family Department and Accredited Mediator, Travers Thorp Alberga

The Process of Divorce/Family Separation

If you are considering separating, the first step is to talk with your partner directly in an attempt to negotiate the division of your assets and/or make proposals for the children of the family together. If you are able to agree on the terms of your separation before engaging a lawyer to draw up paperwork for you, the entire process is much more straightforward. If an agreement cannot be reached, you may approach a lawyer to assist with navigating the process and/or, if necessary, enlist the help of a mediator.

It is not possible to be granted a ‘no fault’ divorce in the Cayman Islands. Instead, the Petitioner must prove one of the following grounds for divorce: (a) adultery has been committed and the Petitioner finds it intolerable to remain married; (b) unreasonable behaviour; (c) desertion for two years; (d) two years separation with consent; or (e) five years separation. The Petitioner is the party who has decided to commence divorce proceedings; the party who is required to answer those proceedings is known as the Respondent. If adultery has occurred, you cannot apply for a divorce unless two years have passed since the marriage date, unless there is exceptional hardship. A party can file for divorce if they have been domiciled in the Cayman Islands within the preceding year or, if the person who is applying for a divorce is female, she has been ordinarily resident in Cayman for the past two years.

Divorce

Proceedings for Caymanians vs. Expats

For non-Caymanians who separate, domicile and residence are legal concepts which may need to be defined. Your legal status to remain on-Island may be impacted and issues such as where family members will then live may arise. Well-structured legal advice will include counsel from a qualified immigration specialist before proceedings start.

Starting Divorce Proceedings

The two documents required to commence divorce proceedings are: a petition that sets out the facts of the marriage and the grounds of the divorce; and a sworn affidavit whereby you

state that the petition is true and accurate. A certified copy of your marriage certificate will also be required. The petition is then filed with the Court and served on the Respondent. The Respondent will have 14 days to reply indicating whether they contest the divorce grounds (28 days if they are overseas). If the Respondent does not defend the divorce, then the Court will prove the petition. Otherwise, the case will be listed before a Judge, who will decide what happens next.

Mediation and Other Forms of Dispute Resolution

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution which can avoid the expense and stress of litigation. A qualified Mediator can guide the parties through the process. In the Cayman Islands, mediation is a necessary first step before financial proceedings can be progressed through the Court. Courtmandated mediation is free, but often, parties will engage lawyers to assist. Mediation outside of the Court-mandated process must be paid for privately. It is also possible to engage in dispute resolution with a third-party lawyer who is engaged to act as ‘judge’ to assist parties in reaching agreements, known as the ‘financial dispute resolution’ process. These collaborative approaches typically have a high success rate, even where there are disputes between the parties.

Children

Decisions may need to be made about who children spend time with or where they live, their education, travel, holidays and other matters. If an agreement cannot be reached between parties, the Court may determine these issues on your behalf. You can ask the Court to make certain orders in respect of children even if you were never married. Whether a Court Order is necessary should be considered at all times. If arrangements are not contested, practicalities can be set out in a written parenting agreement. Each case is different, but the children’s welfare is always the paramount consideration.

If you want to find out more about the types of applications that can be made to the Court concerning children, a helpful Court service guide can be found here: www.judicial.ky/general-

public/making-an-application-under-the-children-law.

Financial Provision

Decisions may need to be made concerning the division of your home, property, pensions, savings, other assets and debts. Periodic maintenance payments may also be appropriate for children and spouses. Child maintenance is regular, reliable financial support that helps towards a child’s everyday living costs. Many parents choose to work together to agree on the terms of any child maintenance arrangement. Maintenance can include school fees, health insurance premiums and the costs of extracurricular activities. When considering how finances should be arranged, the Court is guided by a number of factors, starting with the welfare of any children of the relationship, and thereafter to other responsibilities, needs, and to the actual and potential earning power of each of the parties. There is no specific formula applied in the Cayman Islands with respect to maintenance calculations, such as those adopted by the UK, where a universal child maintenance calculator is used. Rather, it is open to the parties to agree on an appropriate sum, or for the Court to decide.

Relocation

Following a divorce or separation, one parent may need or wish to relocate to another country with the children. If the other parent disagrees, then permission from the Court must be obtained before that child can be removed from the Cayman Islands. This is known as a relocation application. Such cases

are often emotionally fraught and legally complex. Specialist legal advice should be sought at the earliest opportunity.

Costs & Timelines

An amicable (non-contentious) divorce may cost around CI$5,000 in legal fees. The cost of a contentious (or nonamicable) divorce or separation will vary depending on the issues in dispute. Any form of dispute resolution will typically result in lower costs than a matter which remains fully contested. Legal aid may be available for parties who cannot afford a lawyer where domestic violence or child neglect arises. Further information can be found here: www.judicial.ky/generalpublic/applying-for-civil-legal-aid. If the parties do not qualify for legal aid, then they may seek free legal advice from Legal Befrienders Unit, which is operated by the Family Resource Centre. See page 209 for their contact details.

Domestic & Child Abuse

If you are in a difficult or dangerous situation and/or your wellbeing or safety is at risk, you should contact 911. Alternatively, the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre (CICC) provides a helpline 24/7 (Tel: (345) 943 2422). The CICC offers a walkin service for crisis intervention and the assessment of victims of family violence. The Court can make an order on application to protect you, your children and other connected persons. In serious situations, applications for a protection order can be made confidentially without notice being made to your spouse in the first instance.

Email: smccann@tta.lawyer

Direct: +1 (345) 949 0699 Mobile: +1 (345) 516 4911

DESROSIERS

Email: ld@tta.lawyer

Direct: +1 (345) 623 2535 Mobile: +1 (345) 516 2540

Email: dmclean@tta.lawyer

Direct: +1 (345) 623 2472 Mobile: +1 (345) 516 8618

LITIGATION - MEDIATION - DISPUTE RESOLUTION - LEGAL DRAFTING AND ADVICE

The Travers Thorp Alberga family team are highly experienced in all aspects of matrimonial law including divorce, residence and contact disputes, child and spousal maintenance, removal applications, interim and final financial provision, cross border asset tracing, pre and post nuptial agreements, private client and succession planning, wills, trusts and foundations.

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The Divorce Dilemma: How it Affects Residency in Cayman

Relationships break down everywhere, but for an expat who is married or in a civil partnership living in Cayman, where residency rules can be rigid, it is important to understand how a dissolution, annulment, separation or even a breakdown can impact your ability to continue living here. If you have children, this is particularly crucial as you may have to leave the Island even though your children may continue living here with their other parent.

Divorce/Dissolution for Expats/Work Permit Holders

In the event of a breakup between expat couples residing in the Cayman Islands, a spouse or civil partner previously dependent (whether directly or indirectly) on their partner's immigration permission, will face challenges in maintaining their residency. According to the Immigration (Transition) Act, residency based solely on the presence of children is not permissible. However, children can continue to reside in the Cayman Islands as approved dependants of the parent holding a valid immigration permission and can (with express permission from the authorities) remain as a dependant past the age of 18 if engaging in full-time tertiary education. A child can therefore (with permission) remain a dependant during their university studies, up to a maximum age of 24 in most instances.

For the former dependant spouse or partner, the options for

remaining in the Cayman Islands will depend on them being able to secure permissions in their own right. If they have not yet reached their 9-year term limit they may need to obtain their own work permit, potentially through the Special Economic Zone regime, or secure residency independently as a person of means. If they have already been legally and ordinarily resident in the Islands for more than 8 years, and remain a resident, they may be able to apply for Permanent Residence under the Points System.

Simply seeking to remain as a visitor is likely to be unworkable in many instances. Staying beyond 90 days can pose challenges, and permission to extend their stay beyond 182 days (in total) in any 12-month period is likely to be denied. Therefore, securing a right to reside independently of a spouse can be very important for those facing a marriage (or civil partnership) breakdown.

Former Spouse or Civil Partner of a Caymanian

Where the former spouse or civil partner of a Caymanian is the parent of a Caymanian child, they may be allowed to remain (subject to various approvals) and be permitted to work until the children turn 18 years of age. Where a child is continuing in education it is possible to make an application for permission to remain until a dependant child completes their tertiary education or their 24th birthday, whichever happens first.

If their last child graduates from university or reaches the age of 24 and the non-Caymanian parent has not obtained appropriate alternative immigration permissions before then, then the parent will be expected to leave the Cayman Islands (according to the provisions of the law as presently drafted). However, such a parent will usually have an opportunity to apply for Permanent Residence pursuant to the points system, provided Cayman has been their home for more than eight years. In that regard it should be noted that under the present system, 40 points are available for anyone who is the parent of a Caymanian child.

Spouses or Civil Partners of Permanent Residents

The dependant spouse or civil partner of a Permanent Resident can apply for their own Permanent Residency and Employment Rights Certificate (RERC) as the spouse/civil partner of a PR holder as soon as their spouse/civil partner is granted Permanent Residence. They do not have to wait the usual eight

Expert Divorce and Family Lawyers.

years of residency, nor take any tests or otherwise be subject to the points system. They are, however, free to apply for Permanent Residence in their own right, (and go through the normal process) if they have been living in Cayman for eight years.

Ideally, spouses and civil partners who qualify should consider applying for Permanent Residence in their own right once they have been legally and ordinarily resident for eight years. However, many people just carry on having their Residency and Employment Rights Certificate (RERC) tied to their spouses’ or civil partner’s Permanent Residency since there is no expiry date on most such permissions.

A problem can arise when one of the spouses or civil partners is granted the Right to be Caymanian. At this point, the RERC holder/spouse/civil partner whose residence is based on marriage or civil partnership to a PR holder must have their immigration status in the Islands ‘regularised’ within 45 days, i.e. they must immediately make application to seek an RERC as the spouse/civil partner of a Caymanian.

TOP TIP: If you are experiencing marital difficulties, please seek legal advice regarding your immigration status, as current legislation may not be supportive of those who cannot swear in an affidavit that they are in a stable marriage.

info@caymanfamilylaw.com 345-746-5290 caymanfamilylaw.com

Zephyr House, 122 Mary Street George Town, Grand Cayman

They may also (if they have been married or in a civil partnership for more than seven years) apply directly for the Right to be Caymanian based on marriage or civil partnership to a Caymanian.

If they fail to apply in time or dissolve the relationship, then as they are no longer married to or in a civil partnership with a Permanent Resident, their certificate becomes void.

There will, in effect, be nothing to extend. This has caused a lot of problems for couples/parents who then decide to separate.

One of the requirements in the Immigration Act is truthfully declaring in an affidavit that you have a stable marriage. If you cannot, then there may be no rights remaining for you in the law: your immigration standing may be in limbo and you may not be allowed to stay in the Cayman Islands unless you are granted permission to stay on the Island under other immigration law provisions.

Seeking early guidance as to your immigration standing can accordingly be critical in the event of any breakdown.

Spouses or Civil Partners of Caymanians

The spouse or civil partner of a Caymanian is not automatically entitled to a work permit or even to reside in the Cayman Islands without applying for and gaining permission to do so. Unless they have been granted permission prior to the marriage or civil partnership, which has not yet expired, they must apply for and be granted a RERC (Residency & Employment Rights Certificate) based on marriage or civil partnership to a Caymanian. The law has now changed to make such RERCs permanent in nature as long as the relationship remains stable.

After seven years of marriage, the non-Caymanian spouse or civil partner can apply for the Right to be Caymanian. If a Caymanian also happens to be a BOTC (British Overseas Territory Citizen), their spouse or civil partner who holds a RERC can apply for Naturalisation as a BOTC by virtue of a connection with the Cayman Islands in as little as three years of residing here. Anyone resident five years after Naturalisation is eligible to apply for the Right to be Caymanian based on Residence.

The law also provides that the right of any RERC holder (as the spouse or civil partner of a Caymanian) forfeits the right to live and work in the Islands if the couple are legally separated or the Board considers the relationship has otherwise broken down. In such a case, WORC can revoke a RERC, which may in any event be of questionable validity even if not revoked. If revoked, then one of the ways the spouse or civil partner holding a RERC can stay on the Island is by being granted a work permit under section 38(7) of the Immigration (Transition) Act, and only for a period of up to three years (unless the marriage or civil partnership is first formally dissolved). If a marriage becomes unstable or breaks down, the proper course is for the spouse, whose immigration permission is at

risk, to apply for their own work permit. This is one of the ways that they can be assured of any right to continue residing in Cayman and stay employed.

At the end of the three-year period, or if the non-Caymanian spouse or civil partner has exceeded their term limit of nine years, their primary options would be either apply for Permanent Residence (while they still have a valid immigration permission) or leave the Islands for one year to reset their termlimit clock, and thereafter to seek readmission to reside on a work permit.

Failure to comply with the requirements leaves little room for flexibility under the law. A potential recourse is available through an application to the Cabinet, typically based on human rights grounds, but this process can be protracted, expensive, and uncertain in its outcome. Generally speaking, everyone will have been expected to have availed themselves of alternative options set out in the applicable legislation.

This article was submitted by Nick Joseph of Reside Cayman. He specialises in residency and immigration issues.

Things to Consider

The length of time you and your spouse or civil partner have lived in the Islands and what implication that has on your term limit and applications for Permanent Residency or the Right to be Caymanian.

If you qualify, you can seek Permanent Residence in your own right when you have been in Cayman for at least eight years. Further, if your spouse or civil partner is (or has become) a Caymanian, you can apply to be Caymanian when you have been married to, or in a civil partnership with, the person for seven years (whether or not the seven years have been spent in Cayman), subject to cohabitation requirements.

It is an offence for a PR applicant, whose application is pending, not to inform the authorities immediately of any change in an applicant’s marital or civil partnership status. Persons holding Permanent Residence (other than on the basis of Marriage or Civil Partnership to a Caymanian) are also required to file an annual declaration. It is also an offence punishable by a substantial fine and potential loss of immigration permissions for an RERC holder (other than on the basis of Marriage/Civil Partnership to a Caymanian) and their Dependant Spouse or Civil Partner, not to inform the Director of Workforce, Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC) of a change in marital/civil partnership status within six months of any dissolution or breakdown.

Securing Your Family’s Financial Future

Parenthood is one of life’s greatest gifts, and with it comes great responsibility! Beyond providing the basic needs of keeping your child fed, clean and physically safe, parents need to take the necessary steps to ensure they can financially support their children from birth through to adulthood.

Financial Planning

Raising a family in the Cayman Islands is expensive, but what an amazing environment to raise your family! The single largest expense, after your mortgage or rent, for most couples with a family will be school fees, unless your children are Caymanian and then they can go to one of the Government schools. This is why it's important to have a financial plan in place. According to a US Department of Agriculture report, it costs an average of US$286,000 to raise a child from birth until independence, excluding education expenses. While this figure can vary depending on specific needs, living arrangements and lifestyle, the truth remains that raising a child is a huge financial commitment. Planning for the future affords parents some peace of mind.

Determine Overall Financial Health

Parents-to-be would benefit from taking a bigger picture look at their financials once a year. Performing a financial ‘wellness check’ can help you stay on top of spending and increase your savings rate. Assess what steps can be taken to make the next year more productive and successful. Evaluate your housing situation, calculate your net worth, analyse your investment strategy, track your average monthly spending, and consider how these figures align with your financial goals.

Enlisting the help of a financial advisor from a specialist firm can give you a better understanding of your present financial position and help synthesise this information into a comprehensive and realistic plan of action. See ‘Make a Plan’ below for more details.

Identify Goals

Your priorities shift massively once you become a parent. Everyday expenses add up more quickly, while future investments, such as university and retirement, loom overhead. Taking the time to identify goals offers parents some much-needed financial direction.

Consider what you want to achieve for your family in the short term and long term and ask yourself some grounding questions: Are these goals feasible without having to spread yourself too thin? If not, are there spending changes that can be made in other areas to accommodate said goals? How do these goals presently line up against any fixed expenses? Have you allowed for your needs to take precedence over wants? All things considered, you can then prioritise your goals. As goals evolve, it's essential to keep them clear and focused to shape the future you desire.

Make a Plan

Armed with personal data and a list of aspirations, you can now formulate a workable financial plan for your family. This can be as simple or as complex as you wish, however, parents with an already overburdened schedule will likely respond better to a simplified approach. The 50/30/20 budget rule is popularly employed and for good reason: instead of dozens of line items, you can divide your money into three manageable buckets.

50% – Costs that Don’t Change

50% of your budget should go towards your fixed monthly costs. These include bills and any instances of debt, such as car loans, mortgage, insurance and pension payments. In short, these are payments which you can anticipate every month.

30% – Discretionary Money

Your discretionary money can be spent on your ‘wants’ (within reason). Think: life experiences, supporting charities, cinema tickets, family meals out, etc. Depending on your fixed costs and savings goals, the percentage of money allocated to discretionary expenses can be lowered; however, it is important to give yourself some freedom, if only to refresh good habits.

20% – Savings

This bucket focuses on the future and reflects your personal savings goals. However, building an emergency fund to keep your family afloat during periods of financial hardship should be a priority. Think: out-of-pocket health emergencies, major home and car maintenance, sudden unemployment or an unprecedented crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The size of your emergency fund depends on several factors, but ideally, you will have the equivalent of 3-6 months’ worth of income set aside. Once an emergency fund is squared away, you can then save towards other goals, such as sending your child or children to university.

Wealth Planning

As your savings start to build, you will be able to use the money for things like making a deposit on a house for your family or beginning to contribute more to your pension, enabling you to be more financially secure in the future. Many banks and financial planners will be able to give you advice and guidance on how your savings can be put to work to generate additional income or capital to help you further your short-term and long-term goals.

Estate Planning

A good financial plan also considers what happens to your money after you pass away. New parents should update their will, trust and beneficiary designations as soon as their child is born to reflect changing wishes. For more information on wills and estate planning, see the article opposite.

Financial Toolkit

A financial toolkit can help actualise your financial plan and give you more control over your income. Included in your toolkit are your ‘spending tools’, which are your methods for making payments, and include cash, debit and credit. There are certain

situations where one may work better than the other however, people usually use a debit card as their default payment method.

Most banks on-Island offer the tools for you to manage your income in a way that reflects your financial plan. You can set up standing orders under different headings and set the amount and frequency so each month your income is automatically divided into fixed costs, discretionary costs, and savings. You can set up external standing orders for fixed monthly payments, including credit card bills, car payments, water, electricity, etc.

Financial Advisors and wealth management firms, such as Liberty Wealth, offer the tools for you to manage your savings and investments in a way that reflects your financial plan. While the onus is on the individual to determine their own financial needs, financial advisors can offer the planning and tools to provide customers with a clear understanding to secure their family’s financial future. Turn to page 208 for a list of Cayman's financial advisor firms.

Is Financial Freedom Possible?

Would you like to be free from the crushing pressure of debt? Do you want more financial stability and freedom? Are your finances causing significant stress in your life right now?

If so, there is hope. Dave Ramsey's '7 Baby Steps' is a money management plan designed to help you get out of debt, and then save money so that you can get to the point where you can start building wealth. Below is a summary adapted from his book, 'Baby Steps Millionaires: How Ordinary People Built Extraordinary Wealth and How You Can Too', that may be just what you need to help you achieve financial success.

7 Baby Steps to Building Wealth

Save $1,000 for your starter emergency fund

Clear all debt except for the mortgage starting with the smallest to largest

Save 3 to 6 months of expenses for emergencies in a fully funded emergency fund

Invest 15% of your income for retirement

Save for your children’s college fund

Pay off your house mortgage early

Build wealth and give generously

Guide to Writing a Will

Why Draft a Will?

If you pass away without leaving a will (known as dying 'intestate'), your estate will be distributed between your beneficiaries in accordance with the applicable laws. Your family members will have to follow the 'clearing-off' principles to determine who is entitled to become the representative of your estate, and then actively administer the same and distribute it amongst your beneficiaries according to criteria set out in the statutes.

The Cayman Islands has broad testamentary freedom, which means you are effectively allowed to leave your assets to anyone as you please. However, certain countries and/or states that operate under civil law have strict rules as to who benefits from all or part of your estate, irrespective of whether you have a will.

If you wish, you can decide who to appoint as the representative of your estate. Some of the benefits of having a local representative who is familiar with the Cayman Islands legal system may include saving your estate from significant expense, not to mention alleviate the stress placed on bereaved loved ones who may otherwise find themselves having to negotiate the requirements of a country and legal system with which they may not be familiar.

Worldwide Assets

Proper estate planning can limit your estate’s exposure to certain taxes upon your death. Long-term residents often incorrectly assume that being domiciled in the Cayman Islands (which does not have estate taxes) automatically means that their estates and assets located in other countries are exempt from jurisdictional taxation rules. It can be an incredible and unnecessary shock to beneficiaries to suddenly have part (or all) of an estate subject to heavy taxes. As such, in certain circumstances, it is both smart and necessary to draft multiple wills for each jurisdiction within which your assets are located or consider the creation of certain trust structures.

Drafting a Will

Take advice from an attorney to make sure your will is unambiguous, clearly sets out your wishes and meets legal requirements. Attorneys can also provide additional services, such as the retention of your will. Remember that the beauty of a will is that it can be rewritten or amended at any time, assuming you meet the legal requirements to do so. Review your will periodically to make sure it still reflects your wishes.

Children

Consider what will happen to your children if you and your

spouse or civil partner were to pass away suddenly. Who will care for them and how will your estate continue to fund them? Use your will to appoint your child’s or children’s guardians and create structures that empower the trustees of your estate to invest, apply and manage your assets in the best interests of your child or children. Drafting a will can ensure that your beneficiaries’ needs are tended to with the same level of careful management of your estate.

Living Wills

The Health Care Decisions Act provides a framework for advance healthcare directives (better known as living wills) about medical treatment before a person becomes terminally ill or mentally impaired and is no longer able to make such decisions. This Act covers matters such as do-notresuscitate orders and restrictions on the type of treatment to be administered. Speak with your local attorney about this legislation and take steps to ensure your wishes are properly recorded. It will ease the emotional burden placed on relatives and help guide healthcare providers when end-oflife decisions need to be made.

Letters of Wishes

A letter of wishes sets out additional, non-binding requests and generally lists the items that we take for granted, but which are only known to us. Simple instructions include where your life insurance policies, annuities and pension plans are held.

Setting this out in a letter of wishes will save your representative hours of digging through papers and making telephone calls trying to determine where your assets are held. Giving precise details can save your estate from potential losses due to unidentified assets. Your attorney will ask you to fill out an instruction sheet with the following information:

Family Information

• Full name, date of birth and home address

• Full name of your spouse and children, including dates of birth and addresses

• Previous marriages or children from previous marriage

Key Roles in Your Will

• Names and addresses of your proposed executors and your relationship with them.

• Names and addresses of guardians to your children, if your children are young.

Gifts

• Pecuniary bequests – These are legacies of cash that you may want to leave to someone. Include their names, addresses and the specific amount.

• Legacies of property – Identify the specific item/property that you want to leave someone, as well as their full name and address.

• Beneficiaries of the rest of your estate – This is whatever is remaining in your estate and can be given to one person, or it can be divided equally or unequally between several people. This is called the ‘residue’ of your estate.

• Substitute beneficiaries of your estate – Name a substitute to inherit your estate should the named beneficiaries die before the estate can be given to them.

• Age of inheritance – Specify an age when your beneficiaries inherit the residue of your estate. This is only usually relevant if your beneficiaries are very young and/or still minors at the time of you writing your will.

• 'Worst case scenario’ gift – Name a charity, family member or friend who will inherit your estate if everyone you have named in your will dies and cannot inherit it. If you have named someone in your will and they die before you, you need to specify if you would like the gift to pass to their children.

The final portion of the will requires you to list your assets, liabilities (mortgages and outstanding debts), any life insurance policies you may have, as well as the details of your pension plan. You will need to estimate a value for each of these and indicate whether they are owned by you alone or shared with a spouse, civil partner or other person.

Why Buy Life Insurance?

To Pay for Funeral Expenses: A funeral and burial or cremation can be very costly. You don’t want to leave your family to worry about money on top of the emotional turmoil of your death.

To Cover for Your Children’s Expenses: If you have young children, you will want them well taken care of and able to afford a good education all the way up to university.

To Replace Your Spouse’s Income: If you have always relied on two incomes to afford your lifestyle, then replacing your spouse's income will be vital.

TOP TIP: Dying without a will can cause significant stress and heartache for those left to administrate your estate. Tying up your affairs neatly and with the advice of a local attorney is important. Don’t put it off!

Essentials Book Club

Kate Ferdinand's guide for blended families and step-parents is indispensable. Covering grief, divorce, and comparisons to previous partners, it empowers with encouragement and support, aiming to inspire and strengthen families.

Based on her podcast 'Griefcast', Lloyd compassionately explores grief, offering insights from personal loss and societal perspectives, providing a roadmap for navigating grief with empathy.

In an age of economic uncertainty, 'Your Money or Your Life' is essential. It guides readers to financial independence, offering tools to get out of debt, reprioritise spending, align values with lifestyle, and save money while saving the planet.

The Divorce Podcast by Kate Daly explores emotional and practical aspects of divorce, offering guidance on legal proceedings, co-parenting, finances, and emotional healing. Available online.

This very helpful book explores the complexities of divorce through the eyes of a child. As a family faces upheaval, the book helps the child navigate their emotions of sadness and confusion, ultimately delivering a message of resilience and hope amid change.

Best suited for 10 to 12-year-olds, teaching financial skills like goalsetting, budgeting, saving, and investing in a relatable way. Emphasising hard work over magic, it provides tools for entrepreneurial success, blending inspiration with practicality.

Written by Ginelle Nelson, this book gently addresses trauma by following Trayann's scary experience of a break-in. With help from a specialist, Trayann learns to manage her emotions, offering valuable lessons for young readers to navigate difficult situations.

iAllowance is the app that savvy parents trust to teach their children about earning, saving, and spending — while making their own lives a little easier. US$2.99 on Android or iOS.

Best for Parents

Best for Children

Best Digital for Parents

Best Digital for Children

Listings the

Banks, Financial Advisors, Lawyers, Immigration Consultants and Insurance Providers

Banks

Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited

PO Box 705, 12 Albert Panton Street, (GT), Grand Cayman KY1-1107. Tel: (345) 949 7055

Email: info.cayman@butterfieldgroup.com Web: www.butterfieldgroup.com. Branches & Banking Hours: Butterfield Place Banking Centre (GT), Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm; Camana Bay (SMB), Monday-Friday 9am-4pm; Midtown Plaza Banking Centre (GT), Monday-Friday 9am4pm.

Cayman National Bank

PO Box 1097, 200 Elgin Avenue (GT), Grand Cayman KY1-1102. Tel: (345) 949 4655

Email: cnb@caymannational.com Web: www. caymannational.com. Branches & Banking Hours: Elgin Ave (GT), Kapok-Camana Bay (SMB), Cayman Brac, Centennial Towers (WB) and Countryside Shopping Village (Savannah), Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-4.30pm; Little Cayman, Mondays and Thursdays 9am-11.30am and 12pm-2pm.

CIBC FirstCaribbean

PO Box 68, 25 Main Street, (GT), Grand Cayman KY1-1102. Tel: (345) 949 7300 Web: www. cibcfcib.com. Branches & Banking Hours: Main Street (GT) and Governors Square, Lime Tree Bay Avenue (SMB), Monday-Thursday 9am4pm and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

Proven Bank

PO Box 914, Grand Cayman KY1-1103. Tel: (345) 949 7822 Email: info@provenbank.com Web: www.provenbank.com. Branches & Banking Hours: Cayman Financial Centre, 36A Dr. Roy’s Drive (GT) and 1 Gecko Link, West Bay Road, Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am4.30pm.

RBC Royal Bank

PO Box 245, 24 Shedden Road (GT), Grand Cayman KY1-1104. Tel: (345) 949 4600 Web: www.rbc.com/caribbean.html. Branches & Banking Hours: 24 Shedden Road (GT), Monday-Friday 9am-4pm; Red Bay Branch, 53 Shamrock Road (next to Grand Harbour), Monday-Friday 10am-6pm.

Scotiabank

PO Box 689, 18 Forum Lane, Camana Bay, Grand Cayman KY1-1107. Tel: (345) 949 7666 Web: www.scotiabank.com/ky Branches & Banking Hours: Scotia Centre, Camana Bay and South Sound (across from Grand Harbour) MondayThursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

Financial Advisors/Planning

Liberty Wealth

Fort 51 building, 2nd Floor, Fort Street, GT. Tel: (345) 516 2695 Email: georgie@libertywealth. ky Web: www.libertywealth.ky. A fee-only, comprehensive wealth management firm, offering financial planning and investment management. Services include: retirement and estate planning, education funding and risk management.

Overseas Asset Management Cayman Ltd. The Pavilion, Cricket Square, Elgin Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 8780 Email: admin@oam.com.ky Web: www.oam.com.ky. OAM has a distinct investment philosophy with a highly focused investment process. They are preoccupied by the performance of their funds rather than gathering assets. This is reflected in their unique fee structure and reliance on wordof-mouth referral from their clients.

Proven Wealth

1 Gecko Link, West Bay Road, SMB. Tel: (345) 769 5352 Web: www.provenwealth.com. Provides a range of financial planning services, premium savings products, investment solutions and retirement programmes.

RF Bank & Trust

1 Gecko Link, SMB. Tel: (345) 746 6010 Email: info@rfgroup.com Web: www.rfgroup.com. Offers financial advice on funding children's education, retirement planning, wealth preservation and targeting shorter-term goals.

Lifestyle Management Services

Custom Closets

209 Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park, GT. Tel: (345) 623 5000 Ext. 225 Email : smartconnect@ brandsourcecayman.com Web: www. brandsourcecayman.com. Offers tailored organisation solutions for closets, kid’s playrooms, garages, home offices, pantries, laundry rooms and entryways, along with other organisation accessories.

Minerva Cayman

13 Genesis Close, Genesis Building, GT. Tel: (345) 746 0990 Email: contact@minerva.ky Web: www.minerva.ky. A lifestyle management company whose services include: personal assistants, house management, staff training and etiquette consultancy.

Family Law, Wills & Estate Planning

Appleby

60 Nexus Way (9th floor), Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 949 4900 Email: cayman@applebyglobal. com Web: www.applebyglobal.com. Estate p lanning.

Bedell Cristin

Suite 5305 (3rd floor), 18 Forum Lane, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 949 0488 Web: www.bedellcristin. com. Wills and estate planning.

Boddens

Governors Square, Lime Street Bay Ave. Tel: (345) 943 0303 Email: hello@boddens.ky Web: www.boddens.ky. Wills and estate planning.

Broadhurst LLC

54 Edward Street, Monaco Towers, GT. Tel: (345) 949 7237 Email: info@broadhurstllc.com Web: www.broadhurstllc.com. Family law, wills and estate planning.

Campbells

Willow House (4th floor), Cricket Square, GT. Tel: (345) 949 2648 Email: campbells@ campbellslegal.com Web: www.campbellslegal. com. Family law and estate planning.

Carey Olsen

Willow House, Cricket Square, GT. Tel: (345) 749 2000 Email: cayman@careyolsen.com Web: www.careyolsen.com. Family law and estate planning.

Cayman Family Law

Zephyr House (ground floor), 122 Mary Street, GT. Tel: (345) 746 5290 Email: info@caymanfamilylaw.com Web: www. caymanfamilylaw.com. A boutique law firm specialising exclusively in family law. They offer expert advice and representation in all areas of divorce, children and family law.

Collas Crill

Willow House (2nd floor), Cricket Square, GT. Tel: (345) 949 4544 Email: cayman@collascrill. com Web: www.collascrill.com. Family law, wills, probate and estate planning.

Conyers

KPMG Building, Cricket Square, GT. Tel: (345) 949 4544 Web: www.conyers.com. Expertise in the areas of company and commercial law, commercial litigation and private client matters.

Hampson and Company

Apollo House East (4th floor), 87 Mary Street. Tel: (345) 623 7788 Email: info@hampsonandco.com or info@hampsonscorporate.com Web: www. hampsonandco.com. Litigation in family law proceedings.

HSM Group

68 Fort Street, GT. Tel: (345) 949 4766 Email: info@hsmoffice.com Web: www.hsmoffice.com. Family law, wills and estate planning.

Maples Group

Ugland House, South Church St, GT. Tel: (345) 949 8066 Email: info@maples.com Web: www. maples.com. Estate planning.

McGrath Tonner

Genesis Building (5th floor), Genesis Close, GT. Tel: (345) 949 2740 Email: info@mcgrathtonner. com Web: www.mcgrathtonner.com. Family law, wills and estate planning.

Mourant

94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 949 4123 Email: info@mourant.com Web: www. mourant.com. Estate planning.

Nelsons

The Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Rd. Tel: (345) 949 9710 Email: info@nelsonslegal.com Web: www.nelsonslegal.com. Family law, wills and estate planning.

Ogier

89 Nexus Way, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 949 9876 Email: cayman@ogier.com Web: www.ogier. com. Estate planning including wills.

Priestleys Attorneys-at-Law

Caribbean Plaza (2nd floor), West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 946 1577 Email: info@priestleys.ky Web: www.priestleys.ky. Family law, wills and estate planning.

Ritch & Conolly Attorneys-at-Law

Queensgate House (5th floor), South Church Street. Tel: (345) 949 7366 Email: info@rc.com. ky Web: www.rc.com.ky. Family law, wills and estate planning.

Stuarts Walker Hersant Humphries

Kensington House, 69 Dr. Roy’s Drive, GT. Tel: (345) 949 3344 Email: info@ stuartslaw.com Web: www.stuartslaw.com. Wills and estate planning.

Travers Thorp Alberga

Harbour Place (2nd floor), 103 South Church Street, GT. Tel: (345) 949 0699 Email: info@ traversthorpalberga.com or mmyers-khouri@ traversthorpalberga.com (Estate Planning) and ldesrosiers@traversthorpalberga.com (Family Law) Web: www.traversthorpalberga. com. Wills and estate planning, trusts, divorce, mediation and dispute resolution.

Walkers

190 Elgin Ave, GT. Tel: (345) 949 0100 Email: info@walkersglobal.com Web : www. walkersglobal.com. Estate planning.

Immigration Professionals

Affinity Recruitment Ltd.

Tel: (345) 943 2020 Email: info@affinity. ky Web: www.affinitycayman.com.

Baraud

Tel: (345) 945 1781 Email: info@baraud.com Web: www.baraud.com.

CML Immigration Services

Tel: (345) 949 1345 Email: cml@cml.ky Web: www.cml.ky.

HSM Chambers Attorneys-at-Law

Tel: (345) 949 4766 Email: njoseph@hsmoffice. com Web: www.hsmoffice.com.

Expertise Group

Tel: (345) 746 5260 Email: dani@expertisegroup. com Web: www.expertisegroup.com.

Invenio

Tel: (345) 769 7000 Email: cayman@invenioglobal.com Web: www.invenio-global.com. Immigration support specialists.

McGrath Tonner

Tel: (345) 623 2740 Email: info@mcgrathtonner. com Web: www.mcgrathtonner.com.

OWC HR & Immigration Services

Tel: (345) 527 1546 Email: hr@owcservicesltd. com Web: www.owcservicesltd.ky.

Reside Cayman/Nick Joseph

Tel: (345) 746 6945 Email: hello@ residecayman.com Web: www.residecayman. com. Immigration and residency experts.

Legal Befrienders

Tel: (345) 945 8869 Offers free legal advice (on all types of legal matters). Walk-in clinic at 87 Mary Street, Apollo House West, (2nd floor), GT, Tuesdays 5pm-6.30pm. Phone line Tuesdays 5pm-7pm.

Insurance Providers

Aon Risk Solutions (Cayman) Ltd.

Tel: (345) 945 1266 Email: aoncayman@aon. com Web: www.aoncayman.com.

Bogle Insurance

Tel: (345) 949 0579 Email: service@bogleins. com Web: www.bogleins.com.

Caribbean Alliance Insurance Co. Ltd.

Tel: (345)9499744 Web: www.caribbeanalliance. com.

Cayman First Insurance Company Ltd.

17 Vibert Bodden Drive, off Shedden Road Tel: (345) 949 7028 Web: www.caymanfirst.com.

Cayman Insurance Centre (Insurance Brokers)

Tel: (345) 949 4657 Email: info@cic.com.ky Web: www.cic.com.ky.

CG BritCay (Agent for Coralisle Life Assurance Company Ltd.)

Tel: (345) 949 8699 Web: www.cayman. cgcoralisle.com.

CINICO

Tel: (345) 949 8101 or (345) 948 8101 (Brac) Web: www.cinico.ky.

Insurance Company of the West Indies

Tel: (345) 949 6970 Email: cayman@icwi.com Web: www.icwi.com/cayman.

Island Heritage Insurance

Tel: (345) 949 7280 Email: customercare@ islandheritage.com.ky Web: www. islandheritageinsurance.com.

Michael Webster - Life Agent

Tel: (345) 925 5433 Email: michael. webster@cic.com.ky Web: www. michaelwebsterlifeinsurance.com.

Sagicor

Tel: (345) 949 8211 Email: cy_infocayman@ sagicor.com Web: www.sagicorcayman.com.

Saxon Insurance

Tel: (345) 947 2966 Email: info@saxon.ky Web: www.saxonmg.com.

Vanguard Risk Solutions

Tel: (345) 949 5836 Email: info@vrscayman. com Web: www.vrscayman.com.

Tell them you saw it in

Pregnancy

OB/GYNs, pregnancy complications & postnatal care…

Fertility Options in Cayman p212

Complications in Pregnancy p214

Perinatal Mood & Anxiety p218

Disorders Signs, Symptoms & Help Available

A Guide to Pre & Postnatal p222

Exercise

New Baby Must-Haves p224

Designing a Stylish Kids p226 Bedroom

Pregnancy & Childbirth Q&As p228

OB/GYNs, Midwives & Hospitals p230 in Grand Cayman

Bump, Baby & Beyond p232

The Importance of p234 Well-Child Checks

Pregnancy Book Club p236

The Listings p237

Photo courtesy of Daria Keenan

Fertility Options in Cayman

You might be surprised to learn just how common infertility issues are. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12% of Americans (7.3 million people) are infertile. In England, one in seven couples have difficulty conceiving. So, if you are having problems, know you are not alone.

Where to Start

The timings for when to see a fertility specialist depend largely on your age and how long you’ve been trying to conceive. It is generally recommended that you see someone right away if:

•You’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months or more

•You’re between 35 and 40 and have been trying to conceive for six months or more

•You’re 40 or over

•You already know you have fertility issues or you don't have a partner but wish to become a parent.

One thing that is important to talk about is the emotional rollercoaster that couples go through when dealing with infertility. The hormones, poking, prodding, waiting and crushing disappointment (if it fails) can test even the most resilient and optimistic person. There are also the costs to consider. Fertility treatment is often not covered by insurance and it can be very expensive. An initial round of IVF in the US can cost at least US$15,000, possibly more depending on the clinic, where it’s located and the medical issues. Then you have flights and hotel costs on top of that, not to mention time off work.

The Cayman Fertility Centre offers all levels of fertility testing and treatments. This is a good alternative to going abroad, as local IVF starts at US$6,750 and you do not need to travel or take as much time off work. Success cannot be guaranteed however, and many couples need to be prepared to have more than one round of IVF before they consider other options.

Fertility Evaluation

Your OB/GYN or fertility doctor will want to try and establish why you are not conceiving. In your initial consultation, they will discuss testing options (physical exam, blood tests, sperm analysis and then imaging tests). Your doctor will then work out a plan, with your agreement, for which tests to do. They will need to test both you and your partner and often couples go to the initial visit together.

Female fertility testing often begins with a medical examination, an ultrasound and a series of blood tests. A basic gynaecological exam and an ultrasound are done to rule out polycystic ovaries, ovarian cysts, fibroids or uterine polyps, among other things. Blood tests such as anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) can tell you how many eggs you have, and other tests are done to make sure you are in good health to carry a pregnancy. Another step is to check if the fallopian tubes are open or blocked. There are two tests that can show this: the Hysterosalpingography test or the Sonohysterosalpingography test and, if the results are abnormal, this may be treated with IVF or laparoscopy. In the latter case, a small incision is made through the belly button and in two other places to examine the abdomen. This test is useful for ruling out endometriosis, if the tubes are blocked, and if there are adhesions or fibroids.

Male fertility tests start with a simple semen analysis. Further tests might include a general physical exam by a urologist and blood work to check hormone levels.

Other fertility tests involve both partners and might include genetic tests to look for inherited disorders, especially if recurrent miscarriages happen.

Fertility Tests & Insurance

Insurance companies are fairly clear on the fact that they consider fertility testing and fertility treatments as 'off plan' and they do not cover them. What they are less clear about is the possibility that health insurance companies may substantially limit the coverage of the resulting pregnancy and birth if that pregnancy has come about via fertility treatment.

Fertility Treatments

Ovarian Stimulation and Insemination OB/GYNs talk of the 'first tier' of fertility treatments being ovarian stimulation and insemination. This usually involves you taking either oral or injectable medicines to stimulate the follicles of your ovaries to release eggs. This process needs to be monitored carefully with both vaginal ultrasounds and blood tests. The timing of ovulation or release of the egg can be controlled using an injection hormone. At this point, the doctor will ask the male partner for his sperm, which will then be ‘washed and concentrated’ and inserted via a very thin tube directly inside the uterus; a technique called ‘intrauterine insemination’ (IUI). This procedure, which is similar to a pap smear, should not be too uncomfortable. It takes about five minutes and you can return to regular activity afterwards. The 'two-week wait' for the results of your pregnancy test is the hardest part.

In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) This is the next option if IUI does not work (or a first option for some people). Reasons to go straight to IVF include severe cases of male infertility, poor ovarian reserve, blocked fallopian tubes, an egg donor is being used, or a surrogate is needed. Once you have decided to consider IVF, finding the right clinic for you may require some research. Cayman Fertility Centre is a full-spectrum clinic providing the latest IVF technology and is the only local practice that offers IVF.

The cost of IVF varies significantly depending on the country and the clinic. You can pay as little as US$6,750 at clinics in Cayman, Barbados and Jamaica, whereas treatment in America starts at around US$15,000 and can go up to US$50,000+ for top clinics in larger cities.

There are five major steps in the IVF process. These are:

1) Ovarian stimulation

2) Egg retrieval and sperm collection

3) Fertilisation and embryo culture

4) Embryo transfer

5) Hormonal support of the pregnancy and pregnancy test.

You may also want to consider the additional step of Preimplantation Genetic Testing. This is where the DNA of an embryo is screened for abnormal chromosomes. Embryos with abnormal chromosomes often end up in a failed treatment cycle, a miscarriage, or the child may have a condition such as Down Syndrome.

Further Fertility Treatments

If neither of these options is possible, there are some alternative routes available:

• Egg Donation with IVF: If a woman is unable to use her own eggs for IVF, finding an egg donor can be an effective solution.

• Egg Freezing: Women who might want to have children sometime in the future, or women who need treatment for cancer, for example, can freeze their eggs for later use.

• Gestational Surrogacy: This is when a surrogate carries a baby she is not biologically related to — so the sperm and eggs come from the intended parents or an egg donor. The cost of surrogacy can accumulate and often exceed US$100k.

Acupuncture for Fertility

There is a large amount of evidence which supports the idea that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help improve the success rate for fertility treatments.

Acupuncture can help improve the quality of eggs and sperm, regulate hormones, improve blood flow, regulate the immune system and reduce stress. All of these factors together improve the chances of success for IUI, IVF and frozen embryo transfers.

Please see page 238 for a list of providers.

Part of the Barbados Fertility Centre Group

Complications in Pregnancy: Understanding the Risks and How to Manage Them in Cayman

Pregnancy is often a time of joy and anticipation, but it can also bring challenges and concerns. Most pregnancies proceed without major issues, but complications can arise and sometimes they pose risks to mum, baby or both. Understanding these complications, recognising symptoms and knowing the best approach is crucial for the health and wellbeing of both mother and child. – By Dr Sara Watkin, Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist at Optimal Healthcare and Dr Leroy Campbell, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Health Services Authority.

Likelihood of Pregnancy Complications

According to data from Blue Cross Blue Shield, complications occur in nearly 1 in 5 pregnancies, based on 1.8 million pregnant women in the US aged between 18-44. And research from Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that around 8% of all pregnancies involve complications that have the potential to harm mother or baby if left untreated.

While some complications arise out of, or are increased by, preexisting medical conditions or greater maternal age, many occur unexpectedly, reinforcing the importance of good antenatal care and monitoring. An enduring challenge is that a high-risk pregnancy can be completely uneventful, while pregnancies with no pre-existing risk factors can suffer complications. When anticipated, complications can be planned for, but unexpected complications can happen at any time, so securing your team of pregnancy experts early is crucial.

It is worth noting that the prevalence of pregnancy complications is increasing among women. The Blue Cross Blue Shield data demonstrates a 31% increase in complications between 2014 and 2018, and data from the CDC natality database, published

in The Lancet, points to a significant rise in maternal risk factors— hypertensive disorders (149% rise), chronic hypertension (182% rise) and diabetes mellitis (261% rise)—from 1989 to 2018. And, of course, a higher prevalence of risk factors drives an increase in potential complications.

It's normal to be concerned about the risk of complications during your pregnancy, but what's important is to keep the data in perspective. If complications occur in around 20% of pregnancies, then they don’t in around 80% of pregnancies. Therefore, being mindful is the best approach to both being aware of and enjoying this amazing journey.

Obstetrics or Paediatrics?

This is not a straightforward answer. Mother and baby are two fundamentally connected beings; what happens to one typically can affect the other. It means that many complications of the pregnancy itself have considerations for both and will require the expert care of both your obstetrician, possibly one with fetal medicine training, and your paediatrician.

In Cayman, many paediatricians attend uncomplicated

deliveries. However, when it comes to complications, depending on the stage of pregnancy, a paediatrician with a special interest in newborn problems (called a neonatologist) will have had special training and be accredited in this more complex scenario.

Mothers-to-be tend to choose their obstetrician as soon as they suspect they are pregnant. Likewise, choosing your paediatrician — or neonatologist if you have underlying risk factors — is best done early in your pregnancy.

Common Pregnancy Complications

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when a pregnant woman develops high blood sugar levels. It typically arises in the second half of pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. However, it increases the risk of a new mother developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Symptoms: Often, gestational diabetes doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, but it can be detected through routine screening tests early in pregnancy and at around 28 weeks gestation.

Management: Treatment involves dietary changes, regular physical activity, blood sugar monitoring and sometimes medications, such as metformin or insulin injections. Women with gestational diabetes are closely monitored as the baby can grow much larger, complicating the delivery. Babies born to mums with gestational diabetes require monitoring of their blood sugars after birth as they are at risk of low blood sugar.

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a condition characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It usually occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can lead to serious, even fatal, complications if not managed properly.

Symptoms: High blood pressure, swelling of hands and feet, severe headaches, changes in vision and upper abdominal pain.

Management: The only way to cure pre-eclampsia is delivery. Management before delivery includes bed rest, medications to lower blood pressure, and close monitoring of the mother and baby. In severe cases, preterm delivery might be necessary.

Preterm Labour

Preterm labour occurs when a woman goes into labour before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This can result in premature birth, which poses various health risks to the baby, including respiratory issues, underdeveloped organs, and long-term health problems. Babies born in Cayman will be admitted to the neonatal unit if born before 36 weeks gestation.

Symptoms: Regular contractions, lower back pain, pressure in the pelvis, changes in vaginal discharge or significant fluid leak.

to stop contractions, steroids to accelerate the baby's lung development and bed rest. Talking to a paediatrician with a special interest in the newborns (known as a neonatologist) can be helpful in helping you fully understand the care your baby will need and any concerns related to being born preterm.

Placenta Previa

Placenta previa happens when the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, which can cause severe bleeding during pregnancy and delivery.

Symptoms: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding during the second half of pregnancy.

Management: Management depends on the severity and timing of the bleeding. It often involves bed rest, avoiding activities that could trigger bleeding and planning for a C-section delivery if the condition does not resolve itself.

Less Common Complications

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy cannot proceed normally and can cause lifethreatening bleeding.

Symptoms: Sharp abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, dizziness and shoulder pain.

Management: Treatments to delay labour include medications

Newborn & Neonatal Care

When experience really counts

Dr Sara Watkin

MB ChB, MRCP (paeds), FRCPCH, MD

One of the only tertiaryqualiﬁed and accredited neonatologists on island.

• Preterm birth from 24 weeks gestation

• Newborn infections

• Congenital abnormalities

• Breathing difficulties

• Attending deliveries

• Baby checks

• 1st year of life care

(345) 745-7070

www.optimal.ky team@optimal.ky

Management: Treatment typically involves medication to end the pregnancy or surgery to remove the ectopic tissue.

Placental Abruption

Placental abruption is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, which can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and cause severe bleeding in the mother.

Symptoms: Sudden abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding and a tender uterus.

Management: Depending on the severity, treatment can range from bed rest and close monitoring to early delivery. Severe placental abruption is an obstetric emergency and a mum with significant bleeding needs to go straight to the maternity unit whilst informing the delivery unit.

Amniotic Fluid Complications

Too much (polyhydramnios) or too little (oligohydramnios) amniotic fluid can cause complications. Polyhydramnios is often linked to gestational diabetes, while oligohydramnios can be related to fetal growth restriction or birth defects.

Symptoms: Unusually rapid growth of the abdomen or a feeling of tightness and discomfort in the case of polyhydramnios; decreased foetal movement in the case of oligohydramnios.

Management: Regular monitoring, adjustments in maternal hydration and sometimes early delivery or drainage of excess fluid.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that goes beyond typical morning sickness. It can lead to dehydration, weight loss and electrolyte imbalances.

Symptoms: Persistent nausea and vomiting, weight loss, dehydration and fatigue.

Management: Treatment includes hospitalisation for IV fluids, medications to control nausea and nutritional support.

Congenital abnormalities

Congenital abnormalities are problems that occur in the foetus as it develops and grows.

Symptoms: Sometimes the scans you have may show that your baby has a congenital abnormality such as cleft lip and palate or something more complex such as a heart problem.

Management: Some of the more complex problems will require care not available in Cayman. Your obstetrician will work closely with your paediatrician to decide whether it is better for baby to be born in Cayman or overseas, including where would provide the best care for your baby. Talking to a paediatrician with a special interest in newborns (neonatologist) can be helpful.

Pregnancy Complications in Women Over 35

Pregnancy after the age of 35, often termed as 'advanced maternal age', can carry additional risks and complications due to the natural ageing process and pre-existing health conditions. There is a higher risk of babies with chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, a higher incidence of chronic health conditions such as hypertension and an increased risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

Management: Careful preconception planning, close monitoring and management of pre-existing conditions are essential to reduce risks. Prenatal screening (Panorama or QNatal) can help detect chromosomal problems early in pregnancy. Regular prenatal visits, lifestyle modifications and adherence to medical advice are crucial for managing any pregnancy related conditions.

Managing Pregnancy Complications

Pregnancy complications involve a collaborative approach between the pregnant woman, her obstetric team and often a neonatologist too. Approaches to ensure a safe outcome can involve:

Regular Prenatal Care

Routine prenatal visits are crucial for monitoring the health of both the mother and the baby. Regular check-ups help in early detection and management of potential complications.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, and drugs can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

TOP TIP: See

page 222 for advice on

Prenatal Exercise

from a licensed physiotherapist. Also see page 218 for information on Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders and the help available in the Cayman Islands.

Education & Awareness

Being informed about potential complications and their symptoms empowers pregnant women to seek timely medical help. Prenatal classes, widely available here in Cayman, and consultations with healthcare providers can provide valuable information.

Stress Management

Pregnancy can be stressful, especially when complications arise. Techniques such as prenatal yoga, meditation and relaxation exercises, all widely available in Cayman, can help manage stress and promote overall wellbeing.

Medication & Medical Interventions

Following the healthcare provider's recommendations regarding medications and treatments is essential.

Support Systems

Emotional and practical support from partners, family and friends can make a significant difference. Support groups and counselling services are also beneficial.

Addressing Risks & Complications

While complications in pregnancy can be daunting, many can be effectively managed with proper medical care and lifestyle adjustments. Regular antenatal visits, a healthy lifestyle and being informed about potential risks are key to ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery. If you suspect any complications or experience unusual symptoms, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Remember, early detection and intervention are vital for the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.

Here in Cayman, we have access to world class obstetricians and neonatologists, with support from other specialities too, such as cardiology and endocrinology. There are complications that cannot be handled in the best way on an island of our size, and these sometimes require transfer to a major territory centre in the US that specialises in such problems.

If you know you are at risk of complications, it’s worth considering an obstetrician with experience and training in higher risk pregnancies. They will know how to monitor and manage your pregnancy so that it progresses as smoothly as possible and any considerations around delivery are discussed with your neonatologist.

Risk factors can include pre-existing health conditions or chronic diseases, being over the age of 35, obesity, previous pregnancy or birth problems, family history and certain lifestyle factors. This is why obstetricians want to take a very comprehensive history.

Try to Relax!

While complications in pregnancy are not necessarily rare, it is important to remember that a far greater majority have no complications at all and pregnancies progress smoothly. Important things to remember:

• Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk and severity of complications

• Make sure to engage in good antenatal care and monitoring

• Early identification of problems is far better

• If you have risk factors, choose the right obstetric team

• Consider appointing your paediatrician (or neonatologist) earlier rather than later

• Relax, but be vigilant too!

Armed with this understanding about both the chances and what it means to develop a complication in pregnancy, the most important message is to enjoy your pregnancy in the knowledge that with a balanced, timely and sensible approach to complications or possible symptoms, you can indeed relax. And relaxation is good for you and your pregnancy.

About the Authors

Dr Sara Watkin is a Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist (newborn and preterm care) with 30 years' experience, and is Medical Director at Optimal Healthcare Ltd. Dr Watkin is originally from the UK, where she was NICU Chief of Service at University College London Hospitals, one of the UK’s largest tertiary services.

Dr Leroy Campbell is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Cayman Islands HSA, with a special interest in Maternofetal Medicine, focusing on very highrisk pregnancies due to pre-existing maternal disease or fetal complications. He is also Deputy Head of the Women’s Health Department and Perinatal Committee Chair.

Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders

Signs, Symptoms & Help Available

"I loved my baby, but I didn’t feel this instant connection with motherhood. I struggled with breastfeeding and it became something I despised between me and my baby. I constantly had mom rage and shouted at her when she wouldn’t feed. I had frequent breakdowns where I would scream and hate my life... I wanted to just disappear and never return. It felt like an out-of-body experience with a complete loss of identity and sense of who I was."

This is how one Cayman parent describes her emotional state following the birth of her first child.

Her experience is not unusual. Perinatal depression, also known as postnatal depression, is the most common obstetric complication in high income countries, with one in five women experiencing it. And yet, only half of women seek treatment.

Whether this is because they believe these feelings are a ‘normal’ part of new motherhood, they hope it will clear up naturally, they feel ashamed of not feeling joyful and fulfilled, or because they fear they will be regarded as an unfit mother, too many women are suffering in silence.

So let’s take an honest look at what perinatal depression looks and feels like, and the help that is available.

What are Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders?

Although most people have heard of postnatal or postpartum depression, there is actually a variety of mood disorders that

can affect women in the postpartum weeks and months. In addition to depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis can all occur after birth. Depression and anxiety may also begin during pregnancy, so the more accepted term, which refers to the full range of mental health disorders that occur during pregnancy and postpartum is Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, or PMADs.

Signs & Symptoms

Many who are experiencing PMADs do not realise that this is the reason they do not feel like themselves. The signs and symptoms of perinatal depression, anxiety, OCD and other disorders are generally consistent with the symptoms of these conditions at other times in life, but frequently relate to the baby.

Signs and symptoms of the various mood disorders include:

• Depression Anger, lack of interest in the baby, appetite and sleep disturbances, feelings of guilt or hopelessness.

• Anxiety Constant worry, intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances, dizziness and nausea.

• Bipolar Disorder Mood swings, rapid speech, delusions and impulsivity.

• OCD Obsessions, compulsions and hyper-vigilance.

• PTSD Flashbacks, avoidance, irritability and exaggerated startle response.

• Psychosis Delusions, hallucinations, severe depression and paranoia

Laura Kelly, who holds her Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C), stresses that while intrusive thoughts of harming oneself or one’s baby can be very distressing, it’s important to know that mothers rarely act on them. She says, “Most women are frightened by these thoughts. They don’t recognise themselves and are afraid to be left alone with the baby.”

Perinatal psychosis, however, is a rare but severe form of PMADs that affects between 1 and 2 in 1000 mothers. The onset can occur anywhere from two weeks to a year postpartum and can lead mothers to act on intrusive thoughts and hallucinations. It is a medical emergency and treatment should not be delayed.

Is it the Baby Blues?

At least two thirds of new mothers experience the 'baby blues', characterised by low mood, fatigue and tearfulness in the first days after giving birth. However, the baby blues typically dissipate within two weeks postpartum. If such feelings persist beyond two weeks, this is not the typical baby blues.

How Common are PMADs?

PMADs do not discriminate. Women of every ethnicity, culture, age and income level can be affected. However, the prevalence is hard to gauge. This is due in part to a lack of adequate screening — there is no routine screening in Cayman — but also a reluctance to talk about it, out of shame, fear of

Personal Story

Louisa Sax

being regarded as a bad parent, or worry that the baby will be taken away from them.

There are no specific statistics for Cayman but according to Postpartum Support International, an organisation that exists to raise awareness of perinatal emotional changes internationally, statistics include:

• Up to 1 in 5 women, and 1 in 3 women of colour, experience depression and anxiety in the perinatal period

• 1 in 10 new mothers experience symptoms of OCD

• 1 in 10 women experience PTSD following childbirth

• 1 in 10 fathers experience PMADs

I experienced the baby blues within hours of giving birth and my depression and anxiety symptoms progressed from there. My thoughts were very fast and I felt like I didn’t have time for anything. I felt angry and resentful towards my husband and would yell at my baby for not sleeping. I had intrusive thoughts about falling down the stairs with my baby — or worse, throwing her down the stairs.

I had (and still have) immense guilt about not spending enough time with my baby, not being present, not working out enough, not seeing my friends, being a bad wife, not being a good mom....

I love my baby so much, but I didn’t have that rosy feeling of love when I first met her. I mourned my old life, I was sad that I was no longer my husband’s number one priority, and I missed my freedom.

I have always been a bit of an anxious person and being a first-time mother, I didn’t know what to expect, so I thought that my anxiety was normal.

I tried therapy, meditation, acupuncture and supplements, but none helped enough. I tried to see a counsellor certified in perinatal mental health but she was on maternity leave at the time. Then I ran into my GP who ultimately prescribed me a low dose antidepressant, and that turned out to be the best thing I have done for myself and my relationships since having my baby.

• Over 70% of women with bipolar disorder who stop medication when pregnant become ill during the pregnancy

• Up to 100% of individuals have intrusive thoughts.

PMADs in Fathers

Like any major life event, the arrival of a new baby can be emotional and stressful. The dynamics of the relationship change, fathers may feel isolated or excluded in the face of a strong mother-baby bond, they may be sleep deprived, overwhelmed by the new responsibility, and if they have witnessed a traumatic birth, may experience PTSD.

Hope on the horizon

Social support and feeling understood is such an important part of the puzzle that Dr Kathleen Chaput, an anthropologist and epidemiologist based in Calgary, Canada, has developed a cognitive behavioural therapy intervention programme for pregnant and postpartum women who are depressed or at high risk of depression. The therapy is delivered remotely, over the phone or video chat, by volunteer mothers of young children who have themselves experienced, and recovered from, PMADs.

This model overcomes many of the barriers to mental healthcare including cost, stigma and accessibility, and provides a more informal setting where women can talk to peers with lived experience of PMADs.

The preliminary studies have had promising results and researchers at the University of Calgary are now partnering with researchers at UCCI and the Cayman Islands Ministry of Health to conduct a qualitative needs assessment and adapt the intervention to Cayman culture. This project is in its early stages and will need to be clinically trialled. But in time, it may give parents in Cayman an additional means of accessing mental healthcare in the perinatal period.

If you feel anxious, angry, depressed, don’t feel a connection with your baby or are not finding joy in being a new parent, this does not make you a bad parent. You have not done anything wrong. Depression and anxiety are illnesses, just like any other, and anyone can be affected. The important thing to remember is that treatments are available, and asking for help does not mean your baby will be taken away from you. Healthcare providers are there to help you, so seek help from them, and seek support from family, friends and other mums.

However, in men the symptoms can be ‘masked’: they may work longer hours, stay out late, abuse alcohol or drugs, or spend more time online or gaming. Due to societal expectations that men must be ‘strong’ they are also less likely to seek help.

If one parent is depressed, it doubles the chances of the other becoming depressed. One review which looked at nearly 30,000 couples from 15 countries, found that in 3% of families, both parents were experiencing postpartum depression at the same time.

Whether it is the mother, the father or both, the treatment options for PMADs are the same.

Causes of PMADs

There is no single cause of PMADs. There are both biological and psychological factors at play. The hormonal changes a woman experiences are one part of it, but the lack of sleep, exhaustion and stressful life events can also be a trigger.

Some people are more prone to PMADs than others. Single parents, very young mothers, those whose pregnancies were unplanned or unwanted, and those who are socially isolated are at higher risk.

Mothers with a prior history of mental health issues, or who stopped taking medication for depression or anxiety during pregnancy, are also more prone to PMADs, as are those who have experienced a traumatic birth.

Risks of PMADs

Left untreated PMADs can become a long-term condition that impacts the wellbeing of both parent and child. For the infant, the risks include low birth weight, pre-term delivery, insecure attachment and developmental problems. For the parent, the