Grand Cayman, 15 January 2025 – For the second consecutive year, the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport, and Development (PAHITD) proudly announces the opening of the Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout 2025, running from 15 to 19 January. This prestigious event highlights the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to promoting the local agriculture sector, fortifying food security, and showcasing the excellence of products grown in the Cayman Islands.

At the heart of this celebration is the Ministry’s “Grown in Cayman” initiative, a cornerstone of the Cayman Islands Nutrition and Food Security Policy. This initiative has engaged the local farming community to feature Caymanian produce, meats, eggs, and agricultural products, prominently showcased in the culinary creations of both local and international chefs. The Ministry, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, has been instrumental in purchasing farmers’ local products for the Ritz-Carlton, championing the exceptional offerings of Caymanian farmers. Moreover, this initiative encourages direct collaboration between farmers and chefs, fostering a vibrant partnership.

Key Achievements and Objectives:

  1.  Enhancing Food Security: The Ministry strives to reduce dependency on imported products, aligning with the Cayman Islands government’s overarching goals for food security.
  2.  Supporting Local Farmers: By addressing the visibility and market access challenges faced by local farmers, this partnership opens opportunities within the hospitality and tourism sectors.
  3.  Showcasing Cayman-Grown Products: Throughout the Cookout, chefs will prominently feature Cayman-grown ingredients, enhancing public awareness and appreciation of their superior quality.

The event’s chefs will use locally grown ingredients as inspiration, crafting culinary dishes that underscore the unique flavours of Caymanian agriculture. This approach not only supports local farmers by purchasing their goods but also elevates public awareness about the availability and excellence of these homegrown products.

The Honourable Minister Johany ‘Jay’ Ebanks remarked, “This event represents a crucial step in our journey towards a more self-sustaining Cayman. By elevating our local farmers, we nurture a vital sector of our economy and make significant strides towards food security.”

Chief Officer Eric Bush added, “The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout provides an invaluable platform to showcase the exceptional quality of Cayman-grown produce, while reinforcing the strong connection between our $400 million hospitality and tourism industry and our local agriculture sector.

“This collaboration offers significant opportunities for sustainable growth, visibility, and market expansion for Cayman’s farmers, aligning with our ongoing efforts to enhance food security and promote the ‘Grown in Cayman’ initiative as a cornerstone of our economic future.”

The Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout continues to demonstrate the success of the “Grown in Cayman” initiative, whose primary goal is to raise awareness and support for the local agriculture community. It encourages the purchase of local produce, meats, proteins, eggs, and agro-produced foods and products, further solidifying the connection between agriculture and the hospitality sector.

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About the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development (PAHITD):
Under the guidance of Hon. Minister Johany ”Jay” Ebanks, The Ministry is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and economic prosperity of the Cayman Islands through comprehensive planning, sustainable agriculture, efficient housing solutions, and critical infrastructure, transport and development. Our mission is to create a resilient and thriving future for all residents and visitors.
(www.gov.ky/pahi/)