WELCOME TO THE
EXPERIENCE OUR
ISLANDS’ SOUL
2016 FIRST QUARTER EDITION
CONTENTS
FEATURES 6 CAYMAN CRYSTAL CAVES Venturing into the unique tropical forest where the caves are formed.
4
OUR
ISLANDS PLACES OF INTEREST
8 ANNUAL EVENTS The agriculture shows are one the biggest community events of the Cayman Islands.
11 EVENT CALENDAR There’s always something to see and do in the Cayman Islands. Find out what’s happening in January–April.
16 MADE IN CAYMAN IVY’S CAYMAN TREATS When you think of locally made jams, jellies, sauces and pastries, think of Ivy Thomas.
18 LOCAL CUISINE Learn how to prepare one of Cayman’s popular traditional fares – fried crab.
19 WHERE TO EAT Find out where the locals go for traditional Caymanian dishes.
20 OUR HISTORY How Cayman Islands got its name.
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THE SOUL OF OUR
CAYMAN ISLANDS Dear Visitors and Friends, The Cayman Islands experience — our inviting and gracious hospitality, world class diving and snorkeling, white beaches and warm Caribbean Sea with its many shades of blue — is something enjoyed by all. For those of us who call Cayman home, it is essential that we take pride in our unique heritage and share our Caymanian courtesy with every guest we meet. For those of you who are our guests, or business partners, we trust that you will grow to love the Cayman Islands as we do. To assist you in becoming more familiar with us, we designed this reference guide to answer basic questions about the Cayman Islands and to provide you with a ‘snapshot’ of our home. We hope that you find it useful and look forward to your continued support. With warm regards, The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
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OUR
ISLANDS
PLACES OF INTEREST
GRAND CAYMAN | Cayman Islands National Museum The museum building not only houses our national treasures today, it’s also the oldest public building in the Cayman Islands. Used as a jail, courthouse, dancehall, post office and more – the museum building is an important piece of Cayman’s history all by itself.
This historic building continues its public service today as the Cayman Islands National Museum, with an aim to preserve and promote Caymanian history and culture. For more information, see the contact details below. Telephone: 345.949.8368 Email: info@museum.ky Website: www.museum.ky
Constructed using the traditional method of wattle and daub architecture, the museum building dates back to the 1800s. It remains, even now, a focal point of George Town’s harbour, alongside other historical sites like Elmslie Memorial Church, Fort George, and the George Town Public Library.
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CAYMAN BRAC | Cave Exploration Cayman Brac’s diverse terrain consists of sandy beaches, marshland, limestone rock formations and caves. The jagged cliffs at the eastern end of The Bluff offer some of the most exciting rock climbing in the world, with incredible views out to sea. Time and tide have carved into the limestone of The Bluff, creating extensive (100+) cave systems and caverns. Peter’s Cave, Bat Cave and The Bluff Face are known as hurricane refuges and are homes to seabirds like the Brown Booby. Great Cave is challenging, while Rebecca’s Cave and Skull Cave are easier to access. Look in the caves for long-lost pirate gold and in the 30-million-year-old limestone crevices for semi-precious Caymanite, which is illegal to remove from the islands. All sites offer free admission at your own leisure. Do not wear flip-flops while exploring the caves and trails on Cayman Brac. For more information about the caves, see the contact details below. Telephone: 345.916.4874 Email: info@sita.ky
LITTLE CAYMAN | Point O’ Sand Beach Located on Little Cayman, this picturesque beach is the perfect example of seclusion. The soft white sand beckons beach-goers to linger for the day. Grab your closest friends, picnic basket and favourite drinks to make a day of it at this astoundingly beautiful and quiet beach. The depth of the water stays at your ankles for just over 15 feet, then gradually drops off, making it an ideal beach for basking in the sun while staying cool. This is an idyllic location for your daily swim after diving along Bloody Bay Wall. The currents can be strong when snorkelling around Point O’ Sand. But the opportunity to see Queen Conch, Bonefish, Permits and a dozen different types of reef fish is worth it. Visitors can access the beach by car or, more commonly, by bike.
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FEATURED
ATTRACTION
CAYMAN CRYSTAL CAVES
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Cayman Crystal Caves are situated in a lush tropical forest in Old Man Bay, on the north side of Grand Cayman. All visitors to the caves can enjoy guided walking tours. Tours are approximately 1.5 hours, taking you through the surrounding tropical forest area and three spectacular caves. When you visit Cayman Crystal Caves, a knowledgeable tour guide escorts you through an experience of adventurous exploration. Venturing into the unique tropical forest where the caves are formed, you see stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures that are other worldly formations created by single drops of water over the slow passage of time. Captivating tropical plant and animal life, including strangler balsam trees, air plants, parrots, and bats are also found here.
For more information about this attraction and admission, see contact details below.
Cayman Safari Adventures also provide small tours of the Cayman Crystal Caves. For more information, see contact details below.
Telephone: 345.945.4698 Email: info@caymancrystalcaves.com Website: www.caymancrystalcaves.com
Telephone: 345.925.3001 or Toll Free 866.211.4677 Email: info@caymansafari.com Website: www.caymansafari.com
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FEATURED
ANNUAL EVENTS CAYMAN ISLANDS
AGRICULTURAL SHOWS
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T
he agriculture shows are one the biggest community events of the Cayman Islands, attracting thousands of spectators. Now in its 49th year, the agriculture shows and their success are a testament to the love and importance of the land to the people of Cayman. Each island hosts its own agriculture show with special highlights. Show highlights include: • Meeting Local Farmers– Meet and talk to local farmers who will tell you all about how they grow their produce. You can also buy their delicious fruits and vegetables. Children will enjoy meeting the cows, goats, chickens and other livestock. •
Music & Entertainment–Listen to local music, visit the petting zoo and watch local craft demonstrations.
•
Try Delicious Local Food–Widen your culinary horizon by trying out wonderful local dishes.
For more information about this annual event and admission, see contact details below.
GRAND CAYMAN AGRICULTURE SHOW Wednesday, February 10 Location: The Grounds, Lower Valley Time: 8:00 am–6:00 pm Telephone: 345.947.3090 Email: info@thegroundscayman.ky
CAYMAN BRAC AGRICULTURE SHOW Saturday, February 27 Location: Agricultural Grounds (The Bluff) Telephone: 345.948.2222 Email: info@sita.ky
LITTLE CAYMAN AGRICULTURE SHOW/EXHIBIT Saturday, March 19 Location: Blossom Village Park Telephone: 345.948.2222 Email: info@sita.ky
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EVENT
CALENDAR
EVERY THURSDAY Farm to Table Dinner ‘Farm to Table’ is truly a Caymankind culinary experience. It’s hosted by the Cayman Cabana Oceanfront Restobar in partnership with Cayman’s own Plantation Organics and local fishermen. All dinners are prepared fresh and are complemented by a fusion of delicious, locally inspired cuisine. Please see contact details below for more information.
JANUARY–APRIL EVERY SATURDAY
Reservations required every Wednesday by 10:00 am
Market at the Grounds
Location: Cayman Cabana Oceanside Restobar, North Church Street, George Town Dinner time: 7:30 pm Telephone: 345.949.3080 Email: caymancabana@gmail.com Website: www.caymancabanarestaurant.com/#! cayman-cabana-menu/cfpj
A vibrant and lively place complemented by the natural beauty of its surroundings, the market is a place to unwind with friends and family, sample traditional Cayman cuisine and get fresh ingredients for your home-cooked meals that are grown right here in Cayman. You can arrive as early as 8 am. Location: Lower Valley, Bodden Town Telephone: 345.947.3090 Website: www.thegroundscayman.ky
EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
EVERY MONDAY –SATURDAY
Hi Tide, an acoustic duo from the Cayman Islands, is well known for their live performances as well as their recordings of classic covers and catchy, contemporary, original pop songs.
LIVE Music by Hi Tide
Market at the Cricket Grounds The Market at the Cricket Grounds is a local farmers market located in the central part of Grand Cayman. The market is a place where you can purchase your fresh produce, locally made crafts, homemade jams, jellies, preserves and locally cooked cuisine. Location: Huldah Avenue, George Town, (Cricket Field) Time: 7:30 am–5:00 pm Telephone: 345.947.3090 Email: info@thegroundscayman.ky
Location: Decker’s Caribbean Inspired Grille, Seven Mile beach, West Bay Thursday: 7:30 pm–10:30 pm Friday: 8:00 pm –11:00 pm Saturday: 7:30 pm –10:30 pm Telephone: 345.945.6600 Email: hitide@candwky.ky Website: www.hitidemusic.com
EVERY WEDNESDAY Farmers & Artisans Market Discover an array of local purveyors, offering products and experiences found only in Cayman at Camana Bay’s weekly market. Come early for the widest selection of fresh produce and farm goods, and then browse an eclectic selection of artisanal products and handicrafts. The festivities pick up throughout the evening, as more artisans join and the market is infused with entertainment including art, cultural demonstrations and live music. Location: The Paseo, Camana Bay Time: 12:00 pm–7:00 pm Telephone: 345.640.3483 Website: www.camanabay.com
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MONDAY–WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 –10
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Cayman Mardi Gras Festival
Cayman Brac Agriculture Show
George Town comes alive with one of the most celebrated festivals in the world – Mardi Gras! This three-day event is free to the public, except for the Fat Tuesday event.
A fun event on the agriculture grounds at The Bluff, showcasing the Island’s best animals, produce and food. It features live music, arts and crafts sales and activities for the whole family to enjoy. For more details, see the contact information below.
Location: Bayshore Mall on the Waterfront, Tel: 345.917.3027 Email: info@caymanmardigras.com Website: www.caymanmardigras.com
Location: Agricultural Grounds (The Bluff) Telephone: 345.948.2222 Email: info@sita.ky
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
SATURDAY–SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27–28, 2016
Grand Cayman Agriculture Show
The Cayman Islands Orchid Show
A fun event on the agriculture grounds at Lower Valley, showcasing the Island’s best animals, produce and food. It features live music, arts and crafts sales and activities for the whole family to enjoy. For more details, see the contact information below.
The Annual Orchid Show is a joint event hosted by both the Botanic Park and the Cayman Islands Orchid Society. This show is an exhibition of locally grown orchids and a plant sale of specially imported orchids, most of which are in bloom. Not only showcasing beautiful hybrid orchids, the Show also promotes the conservation of Cayman’s native orchids. The event has become an occasion for educating gardeners on the techniques of growing orchids as well, and the proceeds from the show will go toward the establishment of an orchid garden in the Botanic Park.
Location: The Grounds, Lower Valley Time: 8:00 am– 6:00 pm Telephone: 345.947.3090 Email: info@thegroundscayman.ky Website: www.thegroundscayman.ky
Admission to the park includes admission to the Orchid Show:
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27
US $10.00 (CI $8.00), Children 12 and younger: FREE with parent
Red Sky at Night Festival (CayFest) The event is an enchanting evening, rich in arts and culture. Walking through the garden, visitors will be treated to live performances from dancers, actors and storytellers– as well as creative work by local visual artists and crafts people. Celebrated films from around the Caribbean and inspiring performances will be featured within the festival theatres. Visitors will be escorted by the sounds of the steel pan, fiddle and drums and lured by a mouthwatering array of local culinary delicacies. Tickets are $5-$10 and they’re on sale now at the CNCF offices, Foster’s (Airport) and Funky Tangs. Early bird prices are available until noon on March 1st.
Save 20% off admission with a Discover the East Adventure card. Location: Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (QEIIBP), Frank Sound Way Time: 9:00 am– 4:30 pm Telephone: 345.947.9462 Email: manager@botanic-park.ky Website: www.botanic-park.ky/events/ annual-orchid-show
Location: F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre, Harquail Drive, West Bay Time: 4:00 pm – Midnight Telephone: 345.949.5477 Email: admincncf@candw.ky Website: www.artscayman.org
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SATURDAY, MARCH 19 Little Cayman Agriculture Show/Exhibit The event is an enchanting evening, rich in arts and culture. Walking through the garden, visitors will be treated to live performances from dancers, actors and storytellers as well as creative work by local artists and craftsmen. For more details, see the contact information below.
there’s a serving for everyone - politicians, media, the man on the street, expatriates and even our (in)famous chickens and greenies. Rundown is not to be missed, especially if you are new to the islands and really want to embrace the multicultural society that is Cayman. Rundown is written, designed and directed by Henry Muttoo and features a star-studded cast of local actors and musicians.
Location: Blossom Village Park Telephone: 345.948.2222 Email: info@sita.ky
Location: F.J. Harquail Theatre Telephone: 345.949.5477 Email: admincncf@candw.ky Website: www.artscayman.org/rundown
THURSDAY, MARCH 31
SATURDAY, APRIL 30
Rundown
Batabano Carnival Junior Parade
A good rundown or stew has a little bit of everything in it. Like its namesake, ‘Rundown’ is a smorgasbord of nationalities, headlines, catchy tunes and hot topics that have kept Cayman audiences coming back for second and third helpings over the past 21 years. This annual comedy revue was the brainchild of Dave Martins and, over the decades, it has been one of the most popular stage productions in the Cayman Islands. In every pot
The Batabano Carnival Junior Parade is a one-day street parade for Cayman’s youth. The parade usually takes place on the weekend before the adult parade, creating a safe environment in which children can play. Telephone: 345.949.7121 Email: Batabanocaymancarnival@gmail.com Website: www.caymancarnival.com
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2016 SECOND QUARTER
EVENTS
-AT A GLANCE | MAY–AUGUST
BATABANO CARNIVAL ADULT PARADE Saturday, May 7, 2016
BRACCANAL WEEKEND Friday, May 13–16, 2016
24TH ANNUAL FLOWERS ONE MILE SEA SWIM Saturday, June 11, 2016
FLOWERS INTERNATIONAL 5K AND 10K SWIMS Monday, June 13, 2016
Further event details will be in the next quarter’s edition
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MADE IN
CAYMAN
HOMEMADE PRODUCTS | IVY THOMAS
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IVY’S CAYMAN TREATS
W
hen you think of locally made jams, jellies, sauces and pastries – think of Ivolyn Thomas. Known by all as Ms. Ivy, she has been producing local goodies for years and has become a regular fixture at the local markets and fairs. Her Cayman treats are a gloriously color-filled array of pickles, sauces, seasoning rubs and baked goods that she has hand-crafted to perfection. On any given day, Ms. Ivy can be found tempting passersby with her wonderfully delicious products. Some of her favourites include mango, sea grape and guava jams, scotch bonnet pepper sauce and coconut confections. She sells most of her products at the various local farmers markets – including Market At The Grounds in Lower Valley, Craft Market in George Town and Camana Bay Farmers Market. When you are in the market for some something local, fresh and good for you, don’t forget to visit Ms. Ivy.
Ms. Ivy’s homemade products include: • Red Pepper Sauce (made with local seasoning and scotch bonnet peppers) • Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce (Yellow) • All-Purpose Seasoning Rub • Jerk Sauce • Jerk Spice Rub • Hot Pepper Jelly • Multi-Coloured Pickled Vegetables RETAIL LOCATIONS: • Camana
Bay Farmer’s Market • Craft Market, George Town • Market at the Grounds Telephone: 345.327.0707 Website: www.compasscayman.com/ caycompass/2014/07/04/A-real-Caymanian-treat
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LOCAL
CUISINE
FEATURED DISH FRIED CRAB Fried crab is one of Cayman’s popular traditional fares, especially during crab season. You will most likely find fried crab available at most local restaurants. Ingredients: 1lb Crab Meat 2 Medium Onions 1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper ½ tsp Black Pepper Salt (to taste) ¼ Cup Cooking Oil
Cooking Directions: Wash crabs and boil in large pot of water for 15 minutes, remove from boiling water and cool. Crack legs and open backs to remove all meat, set aside. Remove seeds from scotch bonnet pepper, then dice pepper and onions. Sauté onions and scotch bonnet peppers over medium heat in oil until onions begin to get transparent. Add crabmeat, black pepper and salt, stirring occasionally. Cook over medium heat for additional 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with “bread kind”, a local dish that consists of a variety of starchy vegetables including pumpkin, squash, plantain, potato, cassava and breadfruit. Optional: Seasoned crabmeat may also be stuffed in cleaned crab backs and baked. Cover stuffed backs with foil paper and bake at 350 degrees for ½ hour. Recipe by: Chef Ms. Margaret Powell (Savannah, Grand Cayman)
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WHERE
TO EAT
FEATURED LOCAL RESTAURANTS WELLY’S COOL SPOT BAR & RESTAURANT (Grand Cayman)
The locals know Welly’s Cool Spot is the coolest spot to go for lunch, either to eat in or to take away. The prices are low and the portions are large. Popular dishes are fried chicken, shrimp dishes, lobster tails and don’t forget the oxtail. For authentic local and Caribbean dishes on Grand Cayman – this is a good place to find them. Opening hours: Daily: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Location: North Sound Road (behind the Cayman Islands Humane Society) Telephone: 345.949.2541 Website: www.facebook.com/Wellys-CoolSpot-481506305291653/timeline/
BLUE BREEZE CAFÉ
HUNGRY IGUANA
Enjoy Caymanian and Caribbean cuisine at the Blue Breeze Café. Don’t forget to try this Cayman Brac restaurant on your vacation to the Cayman Islands.
The ‘Iguana’ serves a combination of American fare (soups, sandwiches, and salads) along with some zesty dishes from the islands (seafood, conch chowder, and lobster). You can either dine inside the cosy, marine-themed restaurant or choose to enjoy your meal at the water’s edge on our large dining patio.
(Cayman Brac)
Opening hours: Daily: 8:00 am–10:00 pm Location: Creek Road, Ivory Lane Telephone: 345.948.8148
(Little Cayman)
Opening hours: Lunch: 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner: 6:00 pm–9:00 pm Location: Paradise Villas Telephone: 877.322.9626 Email: info@paradisevillas.com Website: hungryiguana.com/
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OUR
HISTORY HOW CAYMAN ISLANDS GOT ITS NAME
T
he Cayman Islands was first sighted by European explorers on May 10, 1503, owing to a chance wind that blew Christopher Columbus’ ship
off course. On his fourth and final voyage to the New World, Columbus was en route to the island of Hispaniola (home to Haiti and the Dominican Republic) when his ship was thrust westward toward “two very small and low islands, full of tortoises (turtles), as was all the sea all about, insomuch that they looked like little rocks, for which reason these islands were called Las Tortugas”. Columbus named the islands after the turtles he saw in the waters around them. The two islands sighted were Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. A 1523 map showing all three Islands gave them the name Lagartos, meaning alligators or large lizards, but by 1526 the name Caymanos was being used. It is derived from the Carib Indian word for the marine crocodile, which is now known to have lived in the Islands. This name, or a variant, has been retained ever since. Thus the word eventually developed into Cayman and adding the word Islands, we became the ‘Cayman Islands’.
WHO YA FA?
Caymanians have a unique dialogue when they utter their words in a slow fashion especially when talking to their peers or family member. Here are a few of the sayings and meanings behind the words.
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CAYMANIAN
ENGLISH
Who you fa? Wha happen? I coming errectly Wha happen to unna? Who you for? Who ya daddeh Is? Bobo
Who’s your family? Hi or How are you? I’ll be there soon Whats up with you? Who is your mother? Who is your father? Pet name for a guy
CAYMANIAN SYMBOLS
FASCINATING INSIGHTS INTO THE HISTORY OF SOME OF OUR SYMBOLS.
OUR COAT OF ARMS
SILVER THATCH PALM
The Cayman Islands coat of arms consists of a shield, a crested helm and the motto. Three green stars represents our Islands and rest on blue and white wavy bands representing the sea. In the top third of the shield, against a red background, is a gold griffin “passant guardant” representing Great Britain.
Tall, slender silver thatch palms are especially conspicuous at the eastern end of all three of the Cayman Islands, where they sway in the trade winds high above the low, dry thickets of native trees and shrubs. The leaves are what give this tree its common name; they are green on the top and silver on the bottom. Up to the early 1960s, the silver thatch palm played an important role in the lives of Caymanians. Unusually strong, the leaves have a variety of uses, from roofing for houses to the plaiting and sewing of hats, baskets and fans. In earlier years, thatch rope made from the thatch palm was highly prized in Cuba and Jamaica for use in shipping, fishing and sugar industries. Exporting rope was Cayman’s largest source of revenue.
Above the shield is a green turtle on a coil of rope. Behind the turtle is a gold pineapple. The turtle represents Cayman’s seafaring history; the rope, its traditional thatch-rope industry; and the pineapple, its ties with Jamaica. The Islands’ motto, He hath founded it upon the seas, is printed at the bottom of the shield.
THE WILD BANANA ORCHID The woods provide shelter for several varieties of flowering plants, including orchids. Probably the best known of Cayman’s 26 species of orchids is the wild banana orchid, of which there are two varieties– one which originated on Grand Cayman, and the other came from Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Both varieties have scented flowers with purple lips. The flowers appear at the top of a long curved spike at the bottom of which cluster banana-like pseudo-bulbs that give this orchid its name.
THE CAYMAN PARROT About 2,000 parrots inhabit Grand Cayman, while the quieter, smaller Cayman Brac Parrot maintains a stable population of about 400. Nesting in tree holes in old-growth forests, the colourful parrots depend on undisturbed woodlands and black mangrove forests for survival. Cayman’s parrots have iridescent green feathers with darker edges over the body, a white eye ring, red cheeks, black ear patches and brilliant blue wing feathers which are only obvious when in flight. Historically, parrots were common family pets. Today, however, it is illegal to take a parrot from the wild and keep it as a pet.
CAYMANIAN
ENGLISH
CAYMANIAN
ENGLISH
Tedee Wha do you? Soon come Come yah Rite down deh Na too far It jus rite dere
Pet name for a lady What’s wrong with you? It is happening, but don’t wait! Come here Right there Not too far It’s just right there
It nuh too far from ya I tink so innu Doon fugget now Yih’see Wha ya sayin bobo Trouble don’t blow shell
It’s not very far from here I do think so Don’t forget You See What’s up, how are you today? No warning when troubles arrive
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