Cayman Islands

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region –British Overseas Territory
• Currency symbol of Cayman Islands  –Cayman Islands dollar(KYD)
• Capital City – George Town
• Official languages –English
• Population –64,174 (2018)
• Country dialling code  –  (+345)
• Official website –Cayman Islands
• Top 3 biggest industries  –Tourism; Banking; Insurance and Finance
• Google Maps link –Cayman Islands
• Where is it? –The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, encompasses 3 islands in the western Caribbean Sea. Grand Cayman, the largest island, is known for its beach resorts and varied scuba diving and snorkelling sites.

---

Cayman Islands In Pictures

---

Cayman Islands History

• How did the country get its first name? – 10 May 1503 Christopher Columbus named the islands Las Tortugas after the large number of sea turtles observed there.
• How did the country get its current name? – Sir Francis Drake visited in 1586. He subsequently named the islands “Cayman” after caiman, the Neo-Taino nations’ nomenclature for “crocodile”.
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – Christopher Columbus was the first European to discover the island. It is unclear if others had previously visited. 
• Who were the first Inhabitants? -The first colonists were named Bodden and Watler – with fishermen, slaves, sailors and refugees from the Spanish Inquisition soon to follow. 
• When it was first recognized as a country? -The islands are a British Overseas Territory. 
• Who was the first leader of the country? -Thomas C. Jefferson, OBE (April 13, 1941[1] – October 29, 2006)[2] was a Caymanian politician. He was the first Leader of Government Business in the Cayman Islands, serving from 1992 to 1994.

---

Five significant events –

1. Las Tortugas 1503:  Columbus sights the Sister Islands and names them Las Tortugas. Over the next 100 years, the name Caymanas or Cayman becomes common. (https://www.gov.ky/about-us/our-islands/history)
2. Grand Cayman 1734-42:  Five land grants in Grand Cayman are made by the Governor of Jamaica. Mahogany and logwood are being exported to Jamaica. Population perhaps 100-150. (https://www.gov.ky/about-us/our-islands/history)
3. 150th Anniversary 1982: The Islands celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Parliamentary Government. (https://www.gov.ky/about-us/our-islands/history)
4. Cuban Crisis 1991-1995:  The “Cuban Crisis” sees a trickle become hundreds, and then become thousands, of asylum-seekers and economic migrants. Government resources (Immigration, Social Services, Police, Public Works and Health) are stretched thin. Almost 1,100 Cubans arrive between 1 August and 16 September 1994. A residential camp, later known as Tent City, allows for long-term management. Groups from the UN, UK and USA visit and are involved in resolving the problem. Most of the refugees eventually are allowed into the US; some go to other Latin American countries; a few qualify for, and are granted, political asylum in Cayman. Tent City closes in June 1995. (https://www.gov.ky/about-us/our-islands/history)
5. Boatswain Bay 2006: The Turtle Farm is redeveloped and turned into a major tourism attraction dubbed Boatswain Bay. (https://www.gov.ky/about-us/our-islands/history)

---

Five Places to Visit in Cayman Islands

1. Seven Mile Beach: Seven Mile Beach is a place where you can take a long walk for the purpose of relaxation and self-reflection or play a giant game of tic tac toe or take part in the most daring water sport, snorkeling. The beach is also a hub for numerous coral reefs and a string of restaurants and resorts overlooking the crystal blue water. You can also tie a smock between two trees and sip an exotic drink while taking in the magnificent view of the sunset which looks like the sun taking a dive into the never-ending sea. This tourist attraction in Grand Canyon has been labeled ‘the best beach’ in the Carribean Islands because of its scenic and well maintained sandy floors and is a must-visit for visitors. (https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-in-cayman-islands/)
2. Camana Bay: A short stroll from the Seven mile beach will let you come face to face with the bustling streets of the Camana Bay. This is where you can go for idle souvenir hunting or kick your legs up and relax for a little while. The bay has a 75-foot observation tower that you can explore or you could let your kids play in the fountains while seated on a bench. Camana Bay has a number of restaurants that serve the famous tuna and turtle dishes. You can also go for shopping for daily use things and buy a variety of clothes and handbags. Camana Bay is like a supermarket on the Islands but it is just 100x times better with its Local harvest markets and observation tower. (https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-in-cayman-islands/)
3. Starfish Point: Starfish Point in the Cayman Islands is a beach that is known for its unique properties. Unlike other beaches, the starfish point has a shallow water level and there is only one kind of marine life available, which is the passive and colorful starfishes. The beach allows you to go knee deep in the water and take in a collective view of so many colorful starfishes. It is an ideal place for a family visit as roaming around in the not so dangerous and tranquil waters while searching for a starfish is an experience that parents will enjoy with their kids. So, load up on snacks and water and head to the mesmerising Starfish Point and if you are lucky, you may get to hold a starfish in your hand. (https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-in-cayman-islands/)
4. Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park: Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a garden that came into existence in 1944. This park only started with a wood trail but now it has so many species of iguanas, lizards, and orchids. The wood trail comprises of 50% of the flora in the Cayman Islands and the orchids are worth so many pennies. The variety of flowers and fruits comprise of endemic and endangered species. A walk around the park takes two hours where you will get to see blue iguanas roaming around freely. Do not pluck or disturb the settings in the garden, instead, you can buy some of the plants and flowers from the stalls available outside the garden. (https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-in-cayman-islands/)
5. Cayman Crystal Caves: The Cayman Crystal Caves in the Grand Canyon is relatively a newer tourist attraction. It is situated in the tropical forests situated on the northern part of the island. Tourists are taken on an extensive tour around the safe parts of the forests and the caves. The caves are beautiful with stalactites hanging from a decent height. Later, after the 1.5 hours tour, you can head towards the souvenir refreshment shops. You can get some scrumptious Cayman Islands food cuisine in your system and buy numerous souvenirs from the shops. So, take a trip to the enamoring caves and be amazed by the history and culture attached to these mysterious dens. (https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-in-cayman-islands/)

References:

• https://www.gov.ky/about-us/our-islands/history
• https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-in-cayman-islands/
• https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en-gb/about-cayman/history-traditions