Running head: CAYMAN BRAC 1

Cayman Brac

Paullete Jane McField

International College of the Cayman Islands

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Cayman Brac

From our discussion with Mr. Ernie Scott, District Commissioner for the Sister Islands

and Mrs. Chevala Burke, Marketing and Promotions Manager of the District Administration,

Cayman Brac, I have learned about some tactics being made to preserve Cayman’s heritage on

the island. Additionally, I learned about some longstanding segregation and discrimination

within the community.

Both representatives exhibited unfathomable love for their country. Passionately the

officials emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Cayman Islands’ heritage. Mr. Scott

(personal communication, 2018) stated, “The culture of Cayman needs to be preserved. Our

culture is more than khaki clothing. Our heritage, our culture is being lost and watered down

possibly from outside influences.” It is also my view that some of Cayman’s customs are

vanishing. Not just in the sense of infrastructure, but what I perceive as the Caymanian society’s

true identity and what separates our Islands from other countries. For me it is essential that our

culture and its heritage remain intact where it represents who Caymanians are as a people,

displaying our values, and beliefs, amongst other things. Thankfully, Mrs. Burke and other

members of the community team up to conserve Cayman’s cultural heritage in Cayman Brac.

They do this through community activities, such as the island’s annual Agriculture Show, local

music, craft markets where local arts and crafts are showcased, island cooking, and thatching,

amongst other things.

Of course, Cayman Brac has a smaller population compared to Grand Cayman.

Therefore, it was surprising for me to be informed of the segregation and discrimination on the

island. When I heard of locals that live on the western side of the island are considered more

privileged than individuals living on the eastern side, it just seemed a bit surreal. Being that it is a
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smaller community I assumed there would be more unity and nothing of the sort, would be

occurring. However, this division did not just happen overnight, but it has been in existence for

many decades where individuals are discriminated because of their race, social status, or

financial status (Scott, personal communication, 2018). The unfair discrimination being

displayed allows particular individuals that are in a higher social class or race to have control and

power over some matters on the island. Such individuals could place themselves in positions

where specific demands are made and met, although it may not be in the best interest of the

community or the upkeep of traditions.

Subsequently, I could relate the present day discrimination that is happening on Cayman

Brac to what I have read in the textbook, “Founded upon the Seas.” According to Craton (2003),

“Non- white settlers of the Sister Islands probably did not enjoy the same opportunities, either in

landholding or other economic respects, like whites or ex-slaveowners” (p.129). It would seem

that persons that were not white living on the Sister Islands were poor and may not have been

able to afford to acquire specific resources. It is my view that some non-white persons, mainly

people of color continue to be mistreated, not just in Cayman Brac but throughout the world.

Lastly, I enjoyed the simplicity of Cayman Brac. Even though, it was a very short trip; I

still got to enjoy some of the scenery. I partly marveled at the sight of all the untouched land.

This little piece of paradise in such a pure state differs from Grand Cayman. Naturally, Grand

Cayman has a larger population and is fast-paced; so, the sweet serenity of Cayman Brac was

appreciated. It was nice not to see any mega buildings and no roads with roundabouts. Also,

when we went to Long Beach, the view along the ironshore was breathtaking. I also liked the

sound of the waves crashing along the coast, which added to the relaxing feeling I sensed during

the trip.
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There was also a little controversial aspect of the trip as I got to see firsthand some of the

artwork made by Mr. Ronald Kynes (infamously, known as “Foots”) a resident of the island.

While I do appreciate art and uniqueness, I found some of his work to be extremely disturbing

and ire. As I walked around Mr. Kynes property, I liked some of his work, yet others I found

unsettling and demonic. Mrs. Burke expressed that she found some sculptures very offensive.

Since Mrs. Burke along with others in the community had to see some nude statues that were

shown on his property or at the other location where his artwork was placed on the roadside

(Burke, personal communication, 2018). However, some residents have no issue with his art and

support his endeavors.

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References

Craton, M. (2003). Founded upon the seas: a history of the Cayman Islands and their people.

Kingston, JA: Ian Randle Publishers Inc.