Caymanian student Kenroy Millwood brought a slice of Caymanian culture and Pirates Week to Keele University in the United Kingdom this month and did not disappoint. Kenroy coordinated an event packed with Cayman flavour in conjunction with the African Caribbean Society at Keele to showcase Caymanian culture to his peers.

The Caymanian menu included curried and brown stew chicken, fish rundown, ackee and codfish, stew pork and rice and peas – all prepared by Kenroy in his residence hall with assistance from Caymanian friends Marcie Wood and Nick Moore.

“Whenever students leave our shores there is the opportunity for them to share the uniquely Caymankind spirit of friendliness, ingenuity and camaraderie for which we are known,” shared Premier, Hon McKeeva Bush. “In so doing, these young people help to spread the word about our beautiful country and potentially influence those they meet to come and experience the Cayman Islands for themselves. It is wonderful to see that these students and the Department of Tourism’s UK office have facilitated an event like this, and I hope that it inspires similar participation in cultural events wherever our students may be.”

Kenroy commented, “I am always grilled with questions about Cayman, and the Caribbean in general so it was an honour – as well as a relief – to share a full on Caymanian experience with my schoolmates over here in the UK. The psuedo-carnival really brought everyone in the building together and was truly a new experience for Keele University students. My sincere thanks go to the Department of Tourism for their amazing efforts and for the wonderful ambassador that joined us! ”

The event was supported by Caybrew, who sent over special edition ‘Pirates Gold Lager’, and Caymanas Rum Cakes, who gave large and small cakes for tasting and prizes. Seven Fathoms Rum, Cayman Sauce Company’s ‘Hotter n’ Hell’ sauce, Miss Cleo’s Kitchen cookbooks and a gift certificate from the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort were also given away as prizes for costumes and dancing.

“There is nothing like having a little piece of home with you when studying abroad. And what better way to do so than a Caymanian meal and celebration mirroring our annual Pirates Week festival?” asked Director of Tourism Shomari Scott. “We commend Kenroy and his friends for sharing our culture and heritage with his new friends in the UK and appreciate their efforts as young ambassadors of these Cayman Islands.”

Kate Kandiah from the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism in the UK helped to coordinate the event and give Kenroy the support he needed to put it all together. “We are very supportive of the Caymanian students in the UK as they represent a voice for Cayman at their respective colleges. It is for this precise reason that we encourage such events and will offer our assistance where we can. The Government Office also holds events throughout the year, so our message to Caymanians in the UK is – keep in touch!”

Pierre Wiltshire (President of Keele African Caribbean Society) commented:

“Culture, not colour – that is the motto of the African-Caribbean Society at Keele University and we are honoured to celebrate Pirates Week at Keele in conjunction with the Cayman Islands’ Pirates Week. It brought a slice of home to the international students coming from the Caribbean!”

A ‘Cayman Ambassadors’ Facebook page has been set up for Caymanians abroad and serves as a platform for students and Caymanians in the UK to connect.

The Government Office will be holding their annual student reception on 7 December 2012, where students can come together, meet with Government representatives and brainstorm ideas for other events.

For information and to register student contact details with the London offices phone +44 207 491 7772, e-mail [email protected], [email protected] or join www.facebook.com/groups/caymanambassadors.