Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands is a self-governing British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean. It has a population of over 90,000 people and is the most populated of all the British Overseas Territories. The islands cover an area of 264 square kilometres, or 102 square miles. The three main islands are Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. These islands sit south of Cuba and north-east of Honduras, between Jamaica and Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. The capital city is George Town, located on Grand Cayman, the largest island.

The Cayman Islands is part of the geographic Western Caribbean zone and also the Greater Antilles. It is well known as a major offshore financial centre for international businesses and wealthy individuals. This is because it does not charge taxes on income earned or stored there.

In 2023, the Cayman Islands had a very high standard of living. People from over 140 different countries and territories live there.

History

Main articles: History of the Cayman Islands, British West Indies, Colony of Jamaica, and West Indies Federation

Origins and colonisation

No people lived on the Cayman Islands before European sailors arrived. The islands were named after the crocodiles, called "caimans", that lived there. The first European to see the islands was explorer Christopher Columbus in 1503. He named them "Las Tortugas" because of the many turtles.

Over time, different groups of people arrived, including pirates and sailors who were shipwrecked. The first known permanent resident, Isaac Bodden, was born around 1661 on Grand Cayman. England officially took control of the islands in 1670. As people began to settle, slaves were brought from Africa. Most people on the islands today have ancestors from Africa or Britain.

In 1794, the people of the Cayman Islands helped save the crews of ten ships that had run aground.

19th century

In 1802, the first count of people showed 933 living on Grand Cayman. Slavery ended in the Cayman Islands in 1833. In 1863, the islands became a dependency of Jamaica and stayed that way until 1962.

20th century

In the 1950s, tourism grew with the opening of an airport and hotels. The Cayman Islands became its own territory under British rule after Jamaica gained independence in 1962. The government worked to grow the economy through tourism and finance. In 1986, the islands became the first in the Caribbean to protect their sea life with marine protected areas.

21st century

In 2004, Hurricane Ivan caused major damage on Grand Cayman, destroying many homes. Recovery took two years, and the island was almost back to normal. Because of where the islands are, hurricanes affect them often.

Geography

Main article: Geography of the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are in the western Caribbean Sea. They are the tops of an undersea mountain range called the Cayman Ridge. The islands are south of Cuba and northeast of Honduras, between Jamaica and Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The three islands are Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Grand Cayman is the largest. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are smaller islands nearby.

All three islands are flat. They were formed from coral heads on old underwater peaks. One exception is The Bluff on Cayman Brac, the highest point on the islands. The land is mostly limestone with coral reefs around the coast.

Flora

In the Cayman Islands, forests cover about half of the land. In recent years, the amount of forest has gone down a little.

Fauna

See also: List of mammals of the Cayman Islands, List of birds of the Cayman Islands, and List of butterflies of the Cayman Islands

The islands have a few mammal species, such as introduced Central American agouti and several kinds of bats. The waters around Grand Cayman have many fish and sponges. Some whales can be seen far from shore.

The birds of the Cayman Islands include special kinds of parrots found mainly on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. There are also boobies and some owls. The islands are home to five special types of butterflies. You can see them at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park on Grand Cayman. The park is also home to the blue iguana, a rare animal that only lives here.

The name “Cayman” comes from an old word for the crocodiles that once lived here.

Climate

Main article: Climate of the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands have a tropical wet and dry climate. It rains a lot from May to October, and is drier from November to April. The temperature does not change much during the year.

Big storms called tropical cyclones can happen between June and November.

Main article: List of Cayman Islands hurricanes

In September 2004, a big storm named Hurricane Ivan hit the islands. It caused a lot of damage.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands has people from many different places. About half of the people were born there, and the other half came from other countries. Many people have Jamaican roots, which is the largest group from outside the islands.

The number of people in the Cayman Islands has grown fast. In 2021, there were about 71,000 people. By the end of 2022, this grew to about 81,500. Most of this growth is because people move there for jobs. With so many new people, there are worries about having enough homes and services for everyone. Some people are concerned that jobs might become harder to find as more people arrive.

Most people in the Cayman Islands follow Christianity, but more people are choosing not to follow any religion. English is the official language, but you might also hear Spanish or Tagalog, especially in areas where many workers come from Latin America or the Philippines.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands' economy is mostly based on two big things: financial services and tourism. Together, these make up about half of the island's money. Because there are no taxes on income or storing money, many companies use the islands as a safe place to keep their funds. There are more companies than people living there.

The islands have a low jobless rate and a high standard of living. People there earn a lot on average, and the islands print their own money, which is tied to the US dollar. However, living there can be expensive.

Tourism

See also: Scuba diving in the Cayman Islands

One of the biggest attractions on Grand Cayman is Seven Mile Beach, a beautiful public beach on the west side of the island. Visitors also enjoy historical sites like Pedro St. James Castle and many places to scuba dive and snorkel, especially where people can swim with stingrays at Stingray City. There are also interesting shipwrecks to explore and many other places to see, like the Cayman Turtle Centre and the Observation Tower.

Shipping

As of 31 December 2015^[update], 360 commercial vessels and 1,674 pleasure craft were registered in the Cayman Islands totalling 4.3 million GT.

Labour

The Cayman Islands has a population of 69,656 (as of 2021^[update]) and therefore a limited workforce. Work permits may, therefore, be granted to foreigners. On average, there have been more than 24,000+ foreigners holding valid work permits.

Work permits for non-citizens

To work in the Cayman Islands as a non-citizen, a work permit is required. This involves passing a police background check and a health check. A foreigner must first have a job to move to the Cayman Islands. The employer applies and pays for the work permit. Work permits are not granted to foreigners who are in the Cayman Islands (unless it is a renewal).

CARICOM Single Market Economy

In recognition of the CARICOM (Free Movement) Skilled Persons Act which came into effect in July 1997 in some of the CARICOM countries such as Jamaica and which has been adopted in other CARICOM countries, such as Trinidad and Tobago it is possible that CARICOM nationals who hold the "A Certificate of Recognition of Caribbean Community Skilled Person" will be allowed to work in the Cayman Islands under normal working conditions.

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of the Cayman Islands, Politics of the Cayman Islands, and Elections in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are a British overseas territory. The rules for running the islands were set in 2009. People elect leaders called Parliament every four years. Seven of these leaders become Ministers to help guide the islands. The Premier leads the government and is chosen by the leaders.

A Governor, chosen by the British government, represents the British monarch and helps make important decisions. The Governor can approve or stop new laws. Together with the Ministers, the Governor makes up the government. There are also two special leaders: the Deputy Governor and the Attorney General, who help with important tasks but do not vote in Parliament.

There are many groups and offices that help run the islands, like those for roads, airports, and health care. The two main groups of leaders are the Cayman Democratic Party and the People’s Progressive Movement, though many leaders run without joining a group.

Main article: Royal Cayman Islands Police Service

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service keeps the islands safe, working with customs and border control.

The United Kingdom protects the Cayman Islands. Sometimes ships from the Royal Navy visit to help keep the area safe, especially after big storms. In 2019, the islands formed their own small group called the Cayman Islands Regiment to help with emergencies and other important tasks.

The Cayman Islands Regiment began in 2019 and grew quickly. It helps with emergencies and other important work.

The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps trains teenage citizens in military-style skills.

In 2018, plans began for a Coast Guard to help with safety at sea. By 2020, the Coast Guard started working with just a few people, and it grew from there.

The Cayman Islands do not collect taxes directly from people or businesses. Instead, they collect money from things like goods brought into the islands and fees from visitors. There are no taxes on earnings, profits, or inheritances.

Foreign policy is controlled by the United Kingdom. The Cayman Islands works closely with the United States and other groups to fight against illegal activities. Though not a full member of many global groups, the Cayman Islands joins some organizations for cooperation.

Emergency services

If you need help right away, you can dial 9-1-1 in the Cayman Islands. This number connects you to the Department of Public Safety. They handle calls for police, ambulance, fire, and search and rescue services for all three islands. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service takes care of police work, and the Cayman Islands Fire Service manages fire services. There are four main hospitals, both private and public, and many smaller health clinics across the islands.

Infrastructure

Main article: Transport in the Cayman Islands

George Town is the main port city on Grand Cayman. Big cruise ships cannot dock there, but up to four can stay nearby. There are three places where people can get off the ships in George Town.

The Cayman Islands have three airports. The main airline is Cayman Airways, and its biggest base is at Owen Roberts International Airport.

The three airports are:

• Owen Roberts International Airport
• Charles Kirkconnell International Airport
• Edward Bodden Airfield

There are three big roads and important smaller roads in George Town. People in the east part of the city use the East-West Arterial Bypass to get to George Town, along with Shamrock Road from Bodden Town and the eastern areas. Other important roads include:

• Linford Pierson Highway (the most used road into George Town from the east)
• Esterly Tibbetts Highway (for people traveling to the north of the city and West Bay)
• North Sound Road (the main road for central George Town)
• South Sound Road (used by people traveling to the south of the city)
• Crewe Road (an alternative to Linford Pierson Highway)

Education

Main article: Education in the Cayman Islands

Main article: List of schools in the Cayman Islands

Children in the Cayman Islands can go to free schools from primary to secondary levels. The government runs public schools, and there are also private schools supported by churches and foundations.

There are colleges and universities on the islands, including the University College of the Cayman Islands. Other institutions include the International College of the Cayman Islands, St. Matthew's University, and the Truman Bodden Law School, a branch of the University of Liverpool. There is also a campus of the University of the West Indies.

Sports

See also: Football in the Cayman Islands

The Truman Bodden Sports Complex in George Town is a big place where people can play many sports. It has a swimming pool, a track for running, and courts for basketball and netball. The field is used for association football and other games.

Association football is the most popular sport in the Cayman Islands, and the Cayman Islands national football team represents the islands in FIBA events. The islands also have teams for basketball, rugby, and cricket, and they take part in many international competitions.

Other sports enjoyed in the Cayman Islands include squash, flag football, softball, beach volleyball, Gaelic football, and ultimate frisbee. There are also places for skateboarding and kart racing. In 2022, swimmer Jordan Crooks became the first person from the Cayman Islands to win a world championship. During the 2024 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25 m), he set a new world record for the 50 m freestyle race.

Arts and culture

Music

Main article: Music of the Cayman Islands

The Cayman National Cultural Foundation cares for the F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre and the Harquail Theatre. This foundation began in 1984 and helps keep Cayman folk music alive. It holds happy events like the Cayman Islands International Storytelling Festival, Cayman JazzFest, Seafarers Festival, and Cayfest. You can hear jazz, calypso, and reggae music, which are important to Cayman culture.

Art

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is an art museum in George Town. It started in 1996. The gallery shows beautiful artworks, helps artists, teaches people about art, and does research in the Cayman Islands. The gallery is a non-profit group that works with the Ministry of Health and Culture.

Media

The Cayman Islands have two newspapers: the Cayman Compass and The Caymanian Times. You can also read news online from websites like Cayman Compass, Cayman News Service, Cayman Marl Road, The Caymanian Times, and Real Cayman News.

You can listen to local radio stations across the islands. Some movies, like The Firm, Haven, Cayman Went, and Zombie Driftwood, were filmed there. The islands have four television stations you can watch over the air, and you can also get cable TV from three providers: C3 Pure Fibre, FLOW TV, and Logic TV. Satellite TV is available from Dish Direct TV. Broadband internet is easy to find, with several companies offering fast fibre service.

Notable Caymanians

The Cayman Islands has many famous people in different areas. Some work in politics, like Truman Bodden and McKeeva Bush. Others are artists or leaders, such as folk painter Gladwyn K. Bush and volunteer Sybil Joyce Hylton.

The islands have many good athletes, too. Jordan Crooks is an Olympic swimmer, and Edison Mclean won a gold medal in Olympic skeet shooting. Many more Caymanians do great things and show the island's talent and variety.

Sport

The Cayman Islands has many talented sports people. Jordan Crooks is an Olympic swimmer, and Edison Mclean won a gold medal in Olympic skeet shooting. Other athletes include Ronald Forbes, an Olympic track athlete, and Cydonie Mothersille, a former Olympic sprinter. These athletes make the Cayman Islands proud with their wins around the world.