GUESS WHO TURNS 35 YEARS OLD? THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS CELEBRATES 35 YEAR LEGACY OF PROTECTING NATURAL AND BUILT HERITAGE IN 2022

5th January 2022 –This year, the National Trust for the Cayman Islands (NTCI) proudly celebrates our 35 year legacy! The NTCI was established in 1987 as a non-profit organization to preserve natural environments and places of historic significance for present and future generations of the Cayman Islands.

The NTCI extends a heartfelt appreciation and deep gratitude to all of our members, donors, corporate sponsors and supporters internationally and locally over the last 35 years. It is the generous donations and dedicated support we have received during this time that has given the National Trust the ability to act as custodians of ecologically sensitive habitats, the endemic blue iguana and historical sites significant to Cayman’s unique heritage.

The NTCI takes great pride in having the privilege to educate schools and our community about the vital work carried out by the National Trust across the three islands. The organization continues to safeguard 12 historical sites (as well as the Clayton Nixon home which currently stands on the grounds of Mission House) and 13 environmental properties on all three islands. In addition, the newly renovated Blue Iguana Conservation Facility, features wonderful semi-wild habitats to home a healthy population of blue iguanas, that were once on the brink of extinction.

Chairman for the National Trust Olson Anderson stated “The National Trust looks forward to more incredible work throughout all of our programmes in the new year. Some of our notable achievements from 2021 included the launch of our Youth Stewardship Programme, International Blue Iguana Day, purchasing critical habitat in Little Cayman and Grand Cayman and updating our Heritage Registry. We are inspired by our past and encouraged by our future, as we carry on our legacy.”

There were will be various activities launched throughout the year to celebrate the 35th anniversary including a special National Trust week and the community is encouraged to join in these activities as the Trust charts a new path towards the legacy of cultural, historic and environmental preservation.

About the National Trust for the Cayman Islands

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is a non-governmental organization whose mandate under the National Trust Law (2010 Revision) includes the preservation of the historic, natural and maritime heritage of the Cayman Islands for present and future generations.

About the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme

The Blue Iguana Recovery Programme began in 1990 with only 30 dedicated Blue Iguanas and the primary goal to restore the wild population to 1,000 Blue Iguanas, encouraging viable population in the long-term. Having met its primary goal in 2018, the initiative formally transitioned to the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme in 2019 with a new focus of sustainably conserving the native species of Grand Cayman.

About the National Trust’s Environmental Programme

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands’ environmental programme was founded on the concept that the protection of native plants and animals is best achieved by protecting the natural areas in which they depend.

About the National Trust Conservation Programme

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands’ conservation programme strives to protect Cayman’s native species and the habitats in which they live, and includes the endemic Blue Iguana of Grand Cayman, the Sister Islands Rock Iguana and Cayman’s native bat species.