Over 50 Caymanians overseas came together at the weekend for a virtual Cayman cultural Christmas event, to alleviate homesickness and share some Caymankind together.

The Cayman Connection event, in conjunction with the Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK (CIGOUK) included a partnership with UK based Caymanian Chef Chad Scott, from GogoCarib, who provided traditional Caymanian dishes, rum punch, sorrel and sugar cane juice which were delivered across the UK for guests to enjoy during the event.  Rum Cakes and Caymanian gifts were included in the packages sent out to over seventy people, thanks to Tortuga Rum Cake Company.

The event, sponsored by Dart Scholar and off-shore law firm Mourant, opened with a pre-party led by Chef Chad and MC for the evening, Jevy Ebanks to talk about the food and food preparation. The main event began with a welcome and words from André Ebanks, Cayman Islands Representative to the UK and Europe and a Christmas greeting from His Excellency the Governor Martyn Roper.

Christmas performances began with Lauren Williams a student in Liverpool in who performed a self-written spoken-word piece called “Adjusting”. Ms Williams introduced the poem by sharing her influences and inspiration, being a Caymanian far from home. The spoken word was followed by an enthusiastic and engaging story piece from Rita Estevanovich, who performed Roy Bodden’s “The Christmas Cake”. Performances were followed by a rousing and entertaining rendition and request session from “Jimmeh The Boss” Sons of Steel. on the steel pan, for a true slice of home.

The performances and entertainment were followed by themed breakout rooms, including a Government quiz room, music and open mic talent sessions, virtual yard chat room and games and gratitude room.

The evening ended with a grand surprise from Cayman Airways who offered 2 return tickets to any Cayman Airways destination to one lucky winner, from a prize draw, won by Cayman Connection member Renée Bennett, a Caymanian student in Newcastle studying Politics and International Relations.

Founder and Director of Cayman Connection, Kate Kandiah commented “I am delighted with how the event went, we had a wonderful response and we were so happy to be able to bring together so many Caymanians across the UK at this difficult time. As a non-profit community network, we have a vision and a desire to support the Cayman Islands overseas community world-wide and to know where all Caymanians are across the globe so that we can connect. This event is the perfect example of how we hope to work with entities to share Caymanian culture and Caymankind across the UK and beyond. We wish everybody a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2021.”