The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Heritage has announced that Cabinet has selected five new national symbols for the Cayman Islands. This decision recognises the importance of national identity to the Cayman Islands and the efforts of preservation and awareness of Cayman’s cultural heritage.

The new symbols will contribute to the preservation of Cayman’s heritage, help to unite communities and strengthen national identity. The new additions are listed and defined as follows:

National Dish: Stew Turtle

A unique culinary dish that is reflective of the Cayman Islands rich maritime heritage.

National Drink: Swanky

Swanky is made with brown sugar and Seville orange (bitter orange), which has a distinctive bitter and sour taste. 

National Dance: Cayman Quadrille

The Cayman Quadrille characterized by six distinct figures and eight counts embodies the spirit and rhythm of Caymanians.

National Dessert: Caymanian Heavy Cake

Caymanian heavy cakes are traditionally made from cassava, yam and sweet potato. In addition, these heavy cakes can be made from pumpkin, green papaya (paw paw), corn, breadfruit and other available goods such as biscuits and cream of wheat. Caymanian heavy cakes are; rich, sticky, dark in colour and includes coconut milk, which is boiled, vanilla, brown sugar, butter and spices. 

National Dress:

a)      Women’s Everyday Wear

                                i.            1-piece long dress or 2-piece blouse and long skirt in the Plaid Gingham pattern in pastel colours, with the occasional option of an apron.

b)      Women’s Dress Clothes

                                i.            1-piece dress or 2-piece blouse and long skirt in solid light colors, often with the blouse being white.  

Women’s attire was always of a modest nature; their heads were at times covered with a head wrap knotted at the back of the neck. This was accompanied with a straw hat or a dressier hat. At times gloves were worn for special occasions. 

c)      Men’s Everyday Working on Land

                                i.            Khaki Shirt and Pants

                              ii.            Rough Khaki for working

                            iii.            Dress Khaki evening 

d)      Men’s Everyday Turtle Rangers/Seamen

                                i.            Denim Jeans 

                              ii.            Chambray Shirts

e)      Men’s Dress Clothes

                                i.            Black or White Pants

                              ii.            White Shirts

                            iii.            Undershirts

Men often wore straw hats as protection from the heat and a smaller dressier hat for more formal occasions or Church.

These new additions will join the existing list of national symbols, which include the Cayman Parrot, the Silver Thatch Palm and the Wild Banana Orchid as official national symbols of the Cayman Islands.

Minister for Youth, Sports and Heritage, Hon. Isaac Rankine stated, “The Ministry remains dedicated to the authentic documentation and promotion of traditional elements that define Cayman’s heritage. As these symbols take their place in our national identity, they will serve as a living testament to the vibrant and diverse history of the Cayman Islands.”

Equally, Cabinet recognizes the important of harnessing the history and heritage of the Cayman Islands and remembering the people, characteristics and foundation which has allowed us to achieve the level of success we now have. These symbols represent the way of life for Caymanian ancestors, how they used what they had to eat, live and celebrate. With Cabinet’s selection, the Ministry has commenced the development of a heritage campaign aimed to bring awareness and education about the new symbols as well as other aspects of Cayman’s past. It is anticipated that fostering a deeper appreciation for Caymanian heritage will bring understanding to the cultural heritage of the Cayman Islands. 

Members of the public are encouraged to be involved, support the initiatives made available and take the time to learn and appreciate Cayman’s history throughout the campaign and moving forward. Persons can follow the Ministry of Youth Sports and Heritage on Facebook and Instagram at @mysch_cayman to learn more.