SOUL

weLcOme tO the cayman ISLandS

2014 SecOnd QUarter edItIOn

Dear visitors and friends,

The Cayman Islands experience – our inviting and gracious hospitality,

world class diving and snorkelling, white beaches and warm Caribbean

sea with its many shades of blue - is something enjoyed by all.

For those of us who call Cayman home, it is essential that we take pride

in our unique heritage and share our Caymanian courtesy

with every guest we meet. For those of you who are guests,

or business partners, we trust that you will grow to love the

Cayman Islands as we do. To assist you in getting more

familiar with us, we designed this reference guide to

answer basic questions about the Cayman Islands

and to provide you with a ‘snapshot’ of our home.

We hope that you find it useful and look forward

to your continued support.

With warm regards,

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

SOUL cayman ISLandS

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Grand cayman | cayman brac | LIttLe cayman

three ISLandS.endLeSS pOSSIbILItIeS.

wOrLd-renOwned fOr OUr dInInG, SnOrkeLLInG and dIvInG.Nestled in an unparalleled tropical setting. Offering that luxurious blend of sun-kissed beaches and calm, turquoise seas. Legendary as being one of the world’s premier places to indulge in romance, recreation or relaxation. An adventure for people of all ages – and interests. Three islands. Endless possibilities.

• GrandCaymanisthelargestofthe three islands.• Itis76squaremiles:22mileslong with an average width of 4 miles.• Oneofthemoststrikingfeaturesis the shallow, reef-protected lagoon, known as the North Sound, which has an area of about 35 square miles and is home to the world renowned Stingray City.• Theislandislow-lying,withthe highestpointabout60feetabove sea level.• GrandCaymanisthemost cosmopolitan, offering an eclectic range of shopping, dining, nightlife and attractions.• Therearefivedistricts:GeorgeTown (the capital), West Bay, North Side, East End and Bodden Town.

Grand cayman• Theword“Brac”istheGaelicnameforblufftheislands most prominent geological feature.• TheBluffisalargecentrallimestoneoutcropthatrises steadilyalongthelengthoftheislandupto140feet above sea level at the eastern end. • CaymanBracis12mileslongwithanareaof 14 square miles and is located 89 miles northeast of GrandCayman.• Therearefourdistricts:TheCreek,SpotBay,WestEnd and Stake Bay.

cayman brac

• LittleCaymanisthesmallestofthe three islands. • Itis10mileslongandissituated 58milesnortheastofGrandCayman and five miles west of Cayman Brac.• Therearemoreiguanasandbirdson Little Cayman than there are people.• LittleCaymanhassomeofthe country’s most famous dive sites namely Bloody Bay Wall and Jackson’s Bight, both located on the north side of the island.• OwenIslandisasmallisletjust off the south coast of Little Cayman and can be visited via sailboat or kayak. The islet does not have any human habitation, homes or buildings.

LIttLe cayman

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what IS the hIStOry behInd cayman carnIvaL batabanO?

Cayman Carnival Batabano was launched in 1983 by the RotaryClubofGrandCaymanandnowisinits31styear.Cayman Carnival Batabano - the island’s national carnival - is held annually during the first week of May – a vibrant highlight in the island’s entertainment calendar, organized by a volunteer committee chaired for past 14 years by well-known local impresario Donna Myrie-Stephen. The carnival has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception, and now also includes a Junior carnival.

The festival’s original name, Batabano, is a salute to Cayman’sturtlingheritage-theword“Batabano”referstothe tracks left in the sand by sea turtles as they crawl onto the beach to nest. Finding these tracks was – and still is – a reason to celebrate.

Carnival itself is joyous, cultural celebration throughout the Caribbean – a kaleidoscope of music, dance and pageantry, rooted in the region’s diverse historical influences. Colourful costumes reflect the vibrant landscapes, heritage and culture, with the music the very rhythm of island life. Carnival in the Cayman Islands has a distinct flavour as theislandsarehometoameltingpotofover100 nationalities – one country celebrating many cultures.

The energy of Cayman Carnival Batabano is electrifying, with thousands of locals and visitors flocking to the streets to enjoy the signature, spirited parade, creative panoply of costumes, choreography and floats that becomes more elaborate each year.

It is a time to celebrate local surroundings, to showcase creativity, to voice social issues and, of course, to party and unite – and there’s nothing like a great party to bring people together.

eventS and dateS:Adult BAtABAno

MAy 1 – LeMasqueWorldFete–RoyalPalms@7pm MAy 2 – Happy Hour at the Sky Lounge – Touch the Clouds with Oscar B

MAy 3 – AdultCostumeParadeandStreetParty–HarbourDrive,GeorgeTown@3PM

Junior BAtABAno MAy 10 – Cayman Carnival Junior Batabano and

FamilyFunDay–GeorgeTown@1PM

For more information, visit www.caymancarnival.com

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rUndOwnA good Rundown, or stew, has a little bit of everything in it. And like its namesake, RUNDOWN, is a smorgasbord of nationalities, headlines, catchy tunes and hot topics that have kept Cayman’s audiences coming back for second andthirdhelpingsoverthepast21years!Thisannualcomedy revue was the brainchild of Dave Martins, and over the decades, it has been one of the most popular stage productions in the Cayman Islands. In every pot, there’s a serving for everyone --- politicians, media, the man on the street, expatriates and even our (in)famous chickens and ‘greenies’. RUNDOWN is not to be missed, especially if you are new to Cayman and really want to embrace the multicultural society that is Cayman. RUNDOWN is written, designed and directed by Henry Muttoo and features a star studded cast of local actors and musicians.

For more information and reservations for this event see details below.

Contact:CaymanNationalCulturalFoundation(CNCF)Telephone:(345)949-5477Email:admincncf@candw.kyWebsite:www.artscayman.org/rundown

pedrO St. JameS Great hOUSe Towering three stories and sporting stone walls 18 inchesthick,theGreatHouseatPedroPointdwarfedthesurroundingsingle-level“wattle-and-daub”dwellingsthatwereitsneighborsin1780.

Its massive size was accentuated by sweeping verandahs, large shuttered windows, and slate imported from England to fashion the roof and floors. The elaborate construction madethisGreatHousetheCaymanianequivalentofa European castle and the term Pedro“Castle”isusedbylocalresidents to this day.

rUndOwn2014

harQUaIL theatre • May 23rd-May 25th, May 29th-June 1st, June 12th-June 15th

• THURS, FRI & SAT @ 8:00PM SUN @ 6:00PM

• TICKETS $25 ADULTS & $15 CHILD

• FROM FUNKY TANGS, ALL FOSTER'S SUPERMARKETS

& CNCF 949-5477

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every wedneSday In APRIL, MAY & JUNECAMAnA BAy FArMer’s MArket Camana Bay celebrates the heart of the harvest season everyWednesdaythrough16April with an expanded weekly market featuring twice as many local purveyors offering products and experiences found only in Cayman. Come early for the widest selection of fresh produce or after 3pm for art and cultural demonstrations, and stay for live music from local performers starting at 5pm, the Paseo, Camana Bay.Contact:TheDiscoveryCentreTelephone:(345)640-3483Website:www.camanabay.com

every SatUrday mOrnInG In aprIL, may & JUNE (7AM – 12PM)MArket At the Grounds

A vibrant and lively place complemented by the natural beauty of its surroundings, The Market is a place to unwind with friends and family, sample traditional Cayman cuisine and get fresh ingredients for your home-cooked meals, all of which are grown right here in Cayman.Telephone:(345)947-3090Website:www.thegroundscayman.ky

SATURDAY APRIL 19 nAtionAl trust eAsterNeed a few minutes to take care of you before Easterarrives?LettheNationalTrusthelp!Signupyour“littlebunnies”forEasterattheMissionHouse. There will be fun activities that include a Peter Rabbit theme, including craft activities, Eas-ter obstacle course around the Mission House, grow your own carrots and stories from the Beatrix Pottercollection.CostisCI$25perbunny.Bun-niesbetweentheagesof6to12arewelcome.Spaceislimited,sohoponthisoffertoday!Email:dbodden@nationaltrust.org.kyTelephone:(345)749-1121

wedneSday aprIL 26druM CirCleProfessional drummers Randy Cholette, Damion Thaxter and Eden Hurlston of the musical group I Am Percussion Ensemble bring the Town Centre to life with a jam session featuring African, Cuban and Caymanianrhythms. All are invited to join the jamorjustenjoytheshow5pm-7pm,GardeniaCourt, Camana Bay.Contact:TheDiscoveryCentreTelephone:(345)640-3483Website:www.camanabay.com

wedneSday aprIL 30CAMAnA BAy FArMer’s MArket PiCk oF the Week: GuAvA JAMJams and jellies are a common part of Caribbean delicacies. The Caribbean have a wide variety of fruits and jams are a popular way of preserving them. Our jams are very fruity and sweet.

aprIL / may / JUne

aprIL

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SatUrday may 3BAtABAno CArnivAl Adult PArAde Starting from 3pm, enjoy a kaleidoscope of music, dance and pageantry in this our 31st anniversary of carnival celebration. Stilt Walkers, acrobats, and limbo dancers will lead a colorful parade of masqueraders. The parade starts from GeorgeTownandtravelsalongWestBayRd, ending on ending on Harbour Drive where the fun continues with a street party vibrating with live music by local artists and visiting entertainers.www.caymancarnival.com

little CAyMAn AGriCulture shoW/exhiBitThe Agriculture Show gives exhibitors and farmers exposure, to educate the public on the many aspects of agriculture in the Islands and for people in the community to

socialise and renew old friendships.

SATURDAY MAY 3 – 455th FloWer shoW - livinG in PArAdiseThis Mother’s Day fundraising event will be held at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and hostedbytheCaymanGardenClub. Contact:CaymanGardenClubTelephone:(345)929-9979Website:www.caymangardenclub.com

wedneSday may 7CAMAnA BAy FArMer’s MArket PiCk oF the Week: CoConut (oil, WAter, Milk, GrAted) Thecoconutpalmwasconsideredthe“staffoflife”forcenturiesintheCaribbean.Coconutoilis the cooking oil of choice - it has a high smoke point and good flavor. The liquid in a coconut is coconut water; the liquid mixed with grated coconut meat is coconut milk. In one form or another, coconut is used in all kinds of Caribbean savory dishes, desserts and drinks.

SatUrday may 10BAtABAno CArnivAl Junior PArAde And FAMily Fun dAyThe children will parade from the old TowerBuildingintoGeorgeTowninamass of color, music and creativity. They will return to the stage at the old Tower Building to be judged. After the parade, the fun continues with face painting, mask decorating, snow cones and many family fun activities. Family Fun Day starts at 1pm.www.caymancarnival.com

SATURDAY MAY 10 – 17Fourth AnnuAl CAthy ChurCh underWAter Photo FestivAl

This is a fun, week-long dive vacation that includes morning boat dives with extra-long

bottom times to allow divers the time to concentrate on their photography. There are photo coaches on each boat, and afternoons offer shore diving, photo critiquesand/orlecturesataverylowpackage price. The event includes a room at Sunset House, special extra-long

dives with Sunset Divers, lectures with Cathy Church, critiques, contests, lots of

prizes and give-aways, socials and more.

wedneSday may 14CAMAnA BAy FArMer’s MArket PiCk oF the Week: turMeriCIn the Caribbean, this yellow-coloured spice is often used to add colour and flavor to many curry dishes. It’s sold fresh or as a powder.

FRIDAY MAY 16 – 18BrACCAnAl (CAyMAn BrAC CArnivAl)Braccanal Committee is to foster a community spirit and to reignite the renowned Cayman Brac essence.

wedneSday may 21CAMAnA BAy FArMer’s MArket PiCk oF the Week: ruMA distilled spirit made from sugar cane or molasses, Rum is most often associated with pina coladas and rum punches. It is also used in cooking, especially desserts.

THURSDAY MAY 23 – 25rundoWnA good Rundown, or stew, has a little bit of everything in it. And like its namesake, RUNDOWN, is a smorgas-

bordof nationalities, headlines, catchy tunes and hot topics that have kept Cayman’s audiences coming back for second and third helpings over thepast21years!Thisannualcomedyrevue

was the brainchild of Dave Martins, and over the decades, it has been one of the most popular stage productions in the Cayman

Islands. In every pot, there’s a serving for everyone --- politicians, media, the man

on the street, expatriates and even our (in) famous chickens and ‘greenies’.

RUNDOWN is not to be missed, especially if you are new to Cayman

and really want to embrace the multi- cultural society that is Cayman. Location:HarquailTheatre

Thurs,Fri&Sat@8pmandSun@6pmTelephone:(345)949-5477Website:www.artscayman.org/rundown

wEDNESDAY MAY 28CAMAnA BAy FArMer’s MArket PiCk oF the Week: ChokoAn avocado-sized squash, greenin colourand pear-shaped. Has afairly tasteless flesh and must becooked before eating.

THURSDAY MAY 29 – JUNE 1rundoWn – the rolliCkinG CoMedy revieW

Location:HarquailTheatreThurs,Fri&Sat@8pmandSun@6pmTelephone:(345)949-5477Website:www.artscayman.org/rundown

SatUrday may 31south sound stride 5k run/WAlkCourse:StartandfinishatFirstBaptistChristianSchool. The course is Old Crewe Road to South Sound. Right on South Sound Road to the Rugby Club. Turn around at the Rugby Club and return to First Baptist Christian School.RaceCoordinator:TimEastmanEmail:teastman@fbcs.edu.kyTelephone:(345)946-7906ext.3619Website:www.caymanactive.com/southsoundstride

may may

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wedneSday JUne 4CAMAnA BAy FArMer’s MArket PiCk oF the Week: riCe And BeAnsTypically the rice used in this dish is long grain white rice. Also, the beans are red beans or kidney beans. The peppers used in this dish are called seasoning peppers. They are actually related to the Scotch Bonnet pepper, but they have more flavor and less heat.

wedneSday JUne 11CAMAnA BAy FArMer’s MArket PiCk oF the Week: CAlABAsh

In days gone by Caymanians used the dried gourds from the Calabash tree to dip and drink water, to bail boats; to carry things.

THURSDAY JUNE 12 – 15rundoWn – the rolliCkinG

CoMedy revieWLocation:HarquailTheatreThurs,Fri&Sat@8pmandSun@6pmTelephone:(345)949-5477Website:www.artscayman.org/rundown

SatUrday JUne 1422nd AnnuAl FloWers 1 Mile seA sWiMOver800competitors,includingOlympiclevel swimmers, take part in this annual one mile swim along Seven Mile Beach. Hundreds of prizes to be won.

Telephone:(345)623-0000Website:www.flowersseaswim.com

mOnday JUne 16FloWers internAtionAl 5k & 10k seA sWiMIf you’re feeling even more adventurous, the Flowers teamwillbehostinga5kand10kswim. TheFlowersSeaSwimisGrandCayman’sflagshipsportingevent.Participantsvaryinagefrom8to80years old and in skill from novices and first-timers to gold medal Olympians and world championship open water specialists from around the globe. The Flowers Sea Swim welcomes Swimmers from all strokes of life.Telephone:(345)623-0000Website:www.flowersseaswim.com

wEDNESDAY JUNE 18CAMAnA BAy FArMer’s MArket PiCk oF the Week: FrittersThese are little fried pieces of dough that are usually eaten with fish.

wedneSday JUne 25CAMAnA BAy FArMer’s MArket PiCk oF the Week: AllsPiCeAllspice is the dried fruit of the P. dioica plant. It is one of the most important ingredients of

Caribbean cuisine such as jerk seasoning.

JUne

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cayman GOUrmet pepper JeLLy IS OnLy avaILabLe In

Grand cayman at:

beach bUbbLeS cayman GIft StOre

Foster, Kirk’s or Hurley’s SupermarketsAll Cafe Del Sol locations

PureArtGalleryPedro St. James

The Red Sail Sports Shop at Rum PointThe Bodden Town Art ShopTheNationalTrustGiftShopAll Jacques Scott locationsGuyHarvey’sGallery

hOw tO eatYou’ll find a myriad of ways to use CaymanGourmetPepperJellybut

here are a few simple tipsforstarters:

1. Mix with sour cream for a delicious dip.

2. Mix with coleslaw.

3. Mix with coleslaw and chopped shrimp put in eggroll wrapper and deep fry.

For more details and information see contacts below.Email:Chay@britthay.comoralysonhay@hotmail.comWebsite:www.caymanpepperpatch.comTelephone:(345)526-6932

cayman GOUrmet pepper JeLLyCayman gourmet pepper jelly is a local product made in the CaymanIslandssinceJuly2007byCarolHay.Whatstartedasahobbyforanavidbackyardgardenerhasnowbecomea“musthave”inCaymanhouseholdsandaperfectsouvenirgifttotakebackhome - Hot gourmet pepper jelly guaranteed to get your taste buds flowing. It can be eaten with crackers or used to spicy up a home cooked meal.

It’s made from locally grown scotch bonnet peppers and what Caymanianscall“seasoning”peppers.But,thelistofingredientsdoes not stop there… freshly ground Jamaican pimento, nutmeg, cloves, garlic, onions, and other locally grown species of West Indian peppers and sweet peppers make up this spicy gourmet delight produced by Carol Hay.

The pepper jelly’s delicious blend of sweet, tangy and hot is sure to add a tasty kick to any table.

beach bUbbLeS caymanBeach Bubbles Cayman’s specializes in locally handcrafted tropical soaps that are created with lovely ingredients such as honey, glycerin, creamy goat’s milk, coconut oil, olive oil, and aloe vera. Their soaps are not only beautiful but, they are also very good for your skin and they are all hypoallergenic. The pleasant aromas will stimulate your senses and leave you feeling refreshed and clean. These handmade soaps are perfect for souvenirs and gift bags. Types of soaps include Cayman Breeze, Mango, Nina’s Natural Neem and Cayman Coconut which all have a unique scent that will remind you of the wonderful tropical air that Cayman offers every day. Rich lathering soaps that leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. Each soap is made to deliver a specific result. Some are made for healing irritated skin, sun damage, dry skin, and many other skin related issues.

Beach Bubbles is located in Bodden Town betweenGeorgeTownandEastEnd. Stop by and see what this magnificent made in Cayman product.

For more details and information about Beach Bubbles Cayman products, see contact details below.

Address:187BoddenTown, Bodden Town, Cayman IslandsTelephone:(345)926-5812Email:beachbubblescayman@hotmail.comWebsite:www.beachbubblescayman.webs.com

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hOw the cayman ISLandS GOt ItS nameThe Cayman Islands was first sighted by European explorersonMay101503,owingtoachancewindthatblew 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 thrustwestwardtoward“twoverysmallandlowislands,full of tortoises (turtles), as was all the sea all about, insomuch that they looked like little rocks, for which reasontheseislandswerecalledLasTortugas”.Columbus named the islands after the turtles he saw in the waters around them. The two islands sighted were Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. A1523mapshowingallthreeIslandsgavethemthename Lagartos, meaning alligators or large lizards, but by1526thenameCaymanoswasbeingused.Itisderived from the Carib Indian word for the marine crocodile, which is now known to have lived in the Islands. This name, or a variant, has been retained ever since. Thus the word eventually developed into Cayman and adding the word Islands, we became the ‘Cayman Islands’.

caymanIan enGLISh

Wha Happen? Hi or How are you?

I coming Errectly I’ll be there soon

Wha happen to unna? Whats up with you?

Who you for? Who is your mother?

Who ya daddeh Is? Who is your father?

Who you Fuh? Who’s your family?

Bobo Pet name for a guy

Tedee Pet name for a lady

Wha do you? Whats wrong with you?

Soon come It is happening - but don’t wait!

Come yah Come here

Rite down deh Right there

Na too far Not too far

It jus rite dere It’s just right there

It nuh too far from ya It’s not very far from here

I tink so innu I do think so

Doon fugget now Don’t forget

Yih’see You See

Wha ya sayin bobo What’s up, how are you today?

Trouble Don’t Blow Shell No warning when troubles arrive

whO ya fa?Caymanians have a unique dialogue when they

utter their words in a slow fashion especially when talking to their peers or family member.

Here are a few of the sayings & meanings behind the words.

SILver thatch paLmTall, 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 onthebottom.Uptotheearly1960s,thesilverthatchpalm 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.

OUr cOat Of armS 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 aredbackground,isagoldgriffin“passantguardant”representingGreatBritain. 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.

a faScInatInG InSIGht IntO the hIStOry Of SOme Of OUr SymbOLS.

caymanIan SymbOLS

the wILd banana OrchIdThe woods provide shelter for several varieties of flowering plants, including orchids. Probably thebestknownofCayman’s26speciesof

orchids is the wild banana orchid, of which there are two varieties - one which originatedonGrandCayman,andthe

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 parrOtAbout2,000parrotsinhabitGrandCayman,whilethequieter,smaller Cayman Brac Parrot maintainsastablepopulationofabout400.Nesting in tree holes in old-growth forests, the colourful parrots depend on undisturbed woodlands and black mangrove forests for survival. Cayman’s parrots

have iridescent green feathers with darker edges over the body, a white eye ring, red cheeks, black ear patches and brilliant blue wing feathers which are only obvious when in flight. Historically, parrots were common family pets. Today, however, it is illegal to take a parrot from the wild and keep it as a pet.

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