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Caymen Islands Information
History
The Cayman Islands were discovered on May 10th, 1503
by Christopher Columbus on his fourth and last voyage to the new world.
He was actually on his way from Panama to Hispaniola when his ships
were steered off course by strong winds and he sighted Cayman Brac and
Little Cayman. The story says that he reported sighting two small islands
so full of tortoises (turtles) that they looked like rocks and he gave
the islands the name Las Tortugas (The Turtles).
Over the next 150 years the islands went through several
name changes and played host to various visiting ships as sailors would
use the islands to replenish their supplies of fresh water, as well
as stocking up on turtle meat and various wild fowls. One of the name
changes, Caymanas, is believed to have reflected the presence of crocodiles
and was derived from the Carib word for the crocodile family. Indeed,
several visiting buccaneers including Sir Francis Drake and William
Dampier noted "large lizards" and crocodiles on these islands
during the 1500's to 1700's.
In 1655, the islands came under British control when
Jamaica was captured from the Spanish by Oliver Cromwell's army. They
officially became a British territory when the Treaty of Madrid was
signed in 1670 and Spain gave to Britain, "all those lands, islands,
colonies and places whatsoever situated in the West Indies".
Records show Cayman Brac and Little Cayman being settled
before Grand Cayman, but these settlements did not last long as the
settlers often fell prey to Spanish pirates and they were finally recalled.
This was all between 1655 and 1671, during which time it is reported
that Sir Henry Morgan also paid visits to these islands. Pirates continued
to sail the Caribbean under permission from their countries and were
know as privateers. Their mission was to plunder enemy ships and return
seized wealth to their country.
Privateering officially came to an end with the Treaty
of Utrecht (1713-1714). As a result of this treaty, France and Spain
ceased hostilities towards other European countries, including Britain,
and the islands are then reported to have become hideouts for these
out-of-work pirates. With the islands now safe from attack, settlers
returned and records show permanent settlers in 1734 when land was granted
to several families. The descendants of some of those settlers reside
here still.
One of the most told stories in the islands history is
the story of "The Wreck of the Ten Sails". Legend says that
one night in November, 1788, the "Cordelia", the lead ship
of a convoy of merchant ships bound from Jamaica to Britain ran aground
on the reef at East End. A signal was given off to warn off the other
ships, but was misunderstood as a call to follow closer and nine more
ships sailed onto the reef. The people of East End are reported to have
shown great heroism in ensuring that no lives were lost and legend further
states that one of the lives saved was one of royalty. For this, King
George III is said to have granted the islands freedom from conscription,
while another report claims that freedom from taxation was bestowed
on the people of the islands as a reward. Actual records do not support
this story entirely.
There are records of a census taken in the islands in
1802 showing 933 persons of which 545 were slaves and slavery was a
part of life until 1833 when the British parliament passed a law freeing
slaves in British colonies after a five to seven year apprenticeship.
In 1835, the emancipation of slavery meant an outright end of slavery
except for registered slaves under the apprenticeship scheme. No Cayman
slaves were actually registered because the nearest registration office
was in Jamaica, and this caused slave owners to petition the British
government for compensation.
In 1832, the islands' first representative government
system was formed with the introduction of the Legislative Assembly.
It consisted of eight Justices of the Peace appointed by the Governor
of Jamaica. The islands were formally annexed to Jamaica in 1863 and
this later led to improved mail service to the islands via Jamaica as
many schooners now traveled between the two islands. Jamaica finally
appointed a Commissioner in the Cayman Islands to oversee the affairs
of the country as it was becoming difficult to do from Jamaica. Under
these first Commissioners the islands began to develop, with schools,
a bank, a small hospital, and a public works program which began construction
of roads and an office for the Commissioner.
Long known for their mastering of the seas as fishermen and turtlers,
in the early 1900's many Caymanian men took to the seas as sailors aboard
merchant ships which sailed the Caribbean, to North America and Central
America. The tradition continued until well into the century and Cayman
sailors sailed to many countries including Japan, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
Many of these seamen became captains and chief engineers on ships, but
the tradition has dwindled and today's generation stays closer to home.
Probably the most memorable event in the history of the
Cayman Islands was the devastating hurricane of 1932. It hit Grand Cayman
on 7th November with winds estimated at 150 mph and a storm surge of
about 30 feet, then passed over Cayman Brac a day later with winds of
200 mph and a storm surge of 32 feet. The islands were completely devastated
and Cayman Brac was hit the hardest with 69 lives lost compared to only
1 lost on Grand Cayman. Many homes were washed out to sea and most lives
were lost to drowning. Some people escaped death by climbing trees to
escape the water and stories abound of heroic rescues. It took many
years for the islands to recover and many of the older residents can
still remember vividly the events of the storm.
In 1959, the Cayman Islands got their first constitution
and it provided for 12 elected members, along with two or three nominated
members and two or three official members. There was also an Executive
Council comprised of two elected members, one nominated member, and
two official members. The Commissioner was replaced by an Administrator
who presided over the Legislature and Executive Council and he would
consult with the Executive Council when exercising his powers. He was
not bound to take advice from them and could act on his own in the best
interest of the country.
In 1962, Jamaica became independent and the Cayman Islands
opted to remain under British rule. This meant separating from Jamaica,
and the power of the Governor of Jamaica over these islands was transferred
to the local Administrator. This title was changed to Governor in 1971,
and in 1972 a new constitution was adopted. It provided for a legislature
of 12 elected members with no nominated members and three official members
appointed by the Governor. They would be the Chief Secretary, the Financial
Secretary, and the Attorney General. The Executive Council would consist
of four elected members and three official members and each member of
the Executive Council would have a portfolio of responsibilities.
Tourism
Seven Mile Beach
The most cosmopolitan of the three Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman blends
rich local tradition with international attractions to create a truly
unique atmosphere. From stunning Seven Mile Beach to George Town, the
islands' capital, Grand Cayman offers something for everyone. Dive,
snorkel or simply splash in the warm, crystal-clear waters that are
the islands' hallmark. Whether you're looking for the adventure of a
lifetime or just a few days of respite, Grand Cayman is the quintessential
"place to be."
Grand Cayman Hotels, Resorts, Condos
When you choose to stay in Grand Cayman, you're sure to receive a warm
welcome. If it's luxury you crave, Grand Cayman has some of the best
beachfront hotels anywhere in the Caribbean, as well as other, more
modestly priced options. If privacy is more to your liking, the island
offers numerous secluded villas and condos. The island also features
three world-class spas, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, the Westin
Casuarina Resort & Spa and the Ritz Carlton. Stop by these or our
smaller spas for a little added rest and relaxation during your stay.
Grand Cayman Scuba Diving
With over 250 dive sites to choose from, Grand Cayman offers some of
the greatest underwater diversity anywhere in the world. Deep, dramatic
walls adorned with corals and sponges. Shallow reefs filled with schooling
fish. You will find an assortment of wrecks, each with its own particular
charm. There's also Stingray City, where you can swim with the stingrays.
It's all yours to enjoy, warm waters, with visibility that often exceeds
100 feet.
Grand Cayman Snorkeling, Watersports, etc.
Some of the very best undersea delights in Grand Cayman are in shallow
waters, tailor-made for snorkeling. Attractions above the water include,
Jet Skis, kayaks and paddleboats which are available at most major hotels
and dive resorts. Parasailing, windsurfing and waterskiing are also
offered, as are catamaran cruises and evening, sunset sails.
Attractions
The Cayman Turtle Farm, Pedro St. James, Queen
Elizabeth II Botanic Park and the National Museum are some of the more
popular attractions. Rollick aboard a pirate cruise on the Jolly Roger,
revel in the festive atmosphere and delicious libations at legendary
Rum Point, or take to the links on one of Grand Cayman's three championship
golf courses. Feeling adventurous? Explore the depths aboard the Atlantis
Deep Dive Submarine, the only excursion of its kind anywhere on earth.
Or immerse yourself in Cayman's rich culture first hand at the Cayman
Craft Market or any of Grand Cayman's impressive galleries, all the
while enjoying our greatest attraction-the warm, welcoming Caymanian
people.
Dining & Entertainment
With over 130 restaurants, Grand Cayman offers a culinary diversity
unmatched in the Caribbean. From street-side cafes offering local Caymanian
fare to candlelit Italian and French bistros to elegant oceanfront dining
rooms, paradise on Grand Cayman extends to the palate. When the sun
goes down on Grand Cayman, a new energy source kicks in. Choices include
cultural events, jazz sessions, steel band concerts, nightclubs, bars
and local theatre.
Nature
Grand Cayman's natural beauty is not confined to its pristine beaches
or turquoise blue waters. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Butterfly
Farm, hike along the historic Mastic Trail or come face to face with
a rare blue iguana at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.
Shopping
Stroll the storefronts of George Town and you'll find some of the best
duty-free shopping anywhere in the Caribbean. Be sure to check out the
amazing array of quality luxury goods, including merchandise from brands
like Versace, Cartier, Tiffany, Gucci, Bacarrat, Lalique and more.
Employment
Over 10,000 foreign "Expats" currently live
and work in the Cayman Islands. Cayman Island job opportunities are
first given to local Caymanians, but often there are not enough locals
to fill the positions. Cayman job opportunities can be found in almost
all industries. The most common jobs available in the Cayman Islands
are Banking jobs, IT jobs, Service industry jobs, and legal jobs.
Non- Caymanians can only work in the Cayman Islands if
they posess a work permit. Once a candidate is offered a Cayman job
by an employer, the employer submits the necessary paperwork to immigration
and a work permit is usually granted. Most permits are 6 month or 1
year employment permits and are generally renewed at the end of the
term unless the employer or employee severe the relationship. Immigration
does have the authority to reject renewals at their discretion, but
this rarely happens unless there have been violations on the part of
the employee or employer.
One of the greatest benefits of having a job in the Cayman
Islands is not having to pay income taxes. You will keep almost your
entire pay check because only Pension and Insurance are deducted from
your pay.
To find more information about work permits, go to www.gov.ky
Cost of Living
Below are some approximate guide figures as to how much
it would cost to live on Cayman: (in CI$ per month). Allow about 3 months
costs for deposits
1 bed apartment: $1000 - $1,500
2 bed/2 bath apartment: $1,500 - $5,000
3 bed: $2,000 - $5,000
TV: $65 - (depends on package of channels)
Water: $50 - $100
Electricity: $80 - $200 (for a 1-bed apartment, more if you run the
AC)
Telephone: $40 - (mainly local calls, internet extra, $400 deposit)
Medical Insurance: $90 - (bare minimum - very limited benefits)
PO Box rental: from $75/year depending on size
Food: $650 (for a family of three)
Car: $2,000 + insurance ($300) + car tax ($180) (for a very basic runaround!)
Schooling (Government Run): $250 - $500/term plus $50-$150 book rental
Schooling (Private): $4,000 - $6,500 per year
