The Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory. The islands are self-governed but are under the direct protection of the United Kingdom; and the Queen of England is depicted on Cayman Islands currency and postal stamps. The people here speak English, although there are many other languages spoken by its’ inhabitants.  Christopher Columbus first spotted the Cayman Islands in the 1600’s, and in response to the waters teeming with sea turtles; he named it ‘Las Tortugas’. Grand Cayman soon became an important port of call for seafarers to restock on fresh meat, water and the silver thatch palm used for rope making. One of the favourite meat sources of these early visitors was the caiman, a small crocodilian creature that inhabited the mangroves and from which Cayman was renamed. Unfortunately, an early taste for these reptiles was so great that they were hunted to extinction. There are no caimans, crocodiles or alligators here now; although in 2007 a large crocodile was caught in the mangroves, the mystery of where it had come from has never been solved.

The early seafarers carried valuable cargoes and pirates were soon drawn to the islands. Two of the most notorious pirates, Captain Blackbeard and Calico Jack, remain intricately linked with modern Cayman - as trade names and some of the smaller streets have distinctly pirate-sounding names. To this day there are tales of buried pirate treasure in the interior of Grand Cayman and in the caves of Cayman Brac. Spanish bullion has certainly been recovered from the seabed and you can buy coins from specialist stores in George Town. The Cayman Islands welcome would-be pirates each year for a week of fun and festivities in the annual ‘Pirates Week Festival’ held in November.

There is the myth that no agriculture here, this is misguided. The flora on the island does need to fight for survival; but coconuts, mangoes, papayas, ackee, jack fruit, bread fruit, yam, sugar cane, bananas, plantains and sea grapes all thrive here as well as an abundance of mangroves that play a vital role in the ecosystem of the islands – and the world. A number of livestock is raised on the island including chickens, cattle, goats and pigs. The turtle farm fulfils the local desire for turtle meat and the seas are home to healthy stocks of fish, lobster and conch; contact the Department of the Environment for further details on fishing laws.

Ask people what they know about the Cayman Islands and most of them will mention its’ reputation for ‘funny money’. There are untold millions in the banking systems of the Cayman Islands but, like piracy, any untoward dealings are very much in the past. However, it is interesting to note that Grand Cayman is currently rated as the worlds’ sixth largest financial centre and it is currently home to more than six hundred banks. With a population in the region of just 50,000, this is really quite staggering.

Despite the enormous wealth and the high standard enjoyed by most of its’ inhabitants; it is a myth to presume that there is no poverty in Cayman. Many families, indigenous and expatriates, struggle to cover the basic cost of living here - which is high. In this proud nation you are unlikely to see the blatant needs of humanity on the streets of Cayman; children are fed, clothed and attend school, and you are very unlikely to encounter a beggar. There are a number of charities and government bodies dedicated to lessen this burden. Many people are still recovering from Hurricane Ivan, which hit the island hard in 2004 leaving many people homeless and their worldly possessions destroyed.

Grand Cayman is famous for its’ Seven Mile Beach. This is actually a myth - there is an expanse of white sands being lapped by azure waters, but not seven miles of it. The beach is closer to six miles than seven, but ‘almost six mile beach’ doesn’t have quite the same allure. Regardless of the actual length, it is a beautiful beach that stretches from just outside George Town almost to the tip of the island in West Bay. It is this pristine beach that is the most visible sight to greet cruise ship passengers as they come in to George Town in the early mornings.

Come and discover for yourself the myths and facts of this glorious Caribbean nation, and have an amazing time in paradise while you do so.

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