George Town, Grand Cayman – 15 January 2024 – The Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development (PAHITD), is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the 2024 Cayman Cookout event, held from January 10th to January 14th. This event signifies a momentous achievement in the Ministry’s continuous endeavours to promote the local agriculture sector, fortify food security, and showcase the excellence of products grown in the Cayman Islands.

Central to this achievement is the Ministry’s “Grown in Cayman” initiative, an integral part of the Cayman Islands Nutrition and Food Security Policy. This initiative saw active participation from the local farming community and highlighted an array of Cayman produce, agricultural products, meats, and eggs, all featured prominently in the culinary creations of both local and international chefs. The Ministry and The Department of Agriculture played a pivotal role in purchasing the farmers’ local products and providing them to the Ritz-Carlton as part of our sponsorship to champion local farmers and their exceptional products. Farmers were also invited to join forces with the chefs, fostering a vibrant collaboration.

The primary goal of this partnership was to align with the Cayman Islands Food and Nutrition Security Policy, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, economic growth, and community engagement. Our strategic collaboration with the Ritz-Carlton was a significant endeavour aimed at supporting local agriculture and enhancing The Cayman Cookout event, contributing to the long-term sustainability and economic development of the Cayman Islands.

Key Achievements and Objectives:

  1.  Enhancing Food Security: The Ministry aimed to reduce dependence on imported products, aligning with the Cayman Islands government’s overarching goals for food security.

  2.  Supporting Local Farmers: The Ministry recognized the challenges local farmers face in gaining visibility and accessing markets, hotels, tourism, and export opportunities. This partnership addressed these challenges head-on.

  3.  Showcasing Cayman-Grown Products: During the event, chefs prominently featured Cayman-grown produce at their stations, not only purchasing these products but also effectively showcasing their quality. This dual approach supported local farmers while increasing public awareness of the outstanding homegrown offerings.

Throughout the event, chefs showcased Cayman-grown produce at their stations, effectively demonstrating the outstanding quality of locally cultivated products. This not only supported local farmers by purchasing their goods for the Cookout but also significantly raised public awareness regarding the availability and excellence of these items.

The Honourable Minister Johany ‘Jay’ Ebanks expressed his thoughts, stating, “This event represents a pivotal step in our journey towards a more self-sustaining Cayman. By bringing our local farmers to the forefront, we are nurturing a crucial sector of our economy and taking tangible steps towards our vision of becoming a food-secure nation.”

The Honourable Premier, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, award-winning Chef Andrew Zimmern; and Chief Officer Eric Bush provided video comments, please click YouTube Video here. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB9MwP-iQfE&t=58s>

The 2024 Cayman Cookout marks the beginning of a promising and enduring partnership between The Ritz-Carlton, the Ministry, and the Cayman government.

Looking ahead, this collaboration is set to expand, making significant contributions to the Cayman Islands’ journey towards food security and sustainable development. It not only celebrates the “Grown in Cayman” initiative but also underscores the pivotal role of local farmers and their products in shaping the future of the Cayman Islands’ culinary landscape and economic stability.

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.