It is time to give our minority language an official status, argues Dr Sondré Colly-Durand in Jamaica’s Observer.

We are often defined by a number of important cultural and linguistic attributes. Jamaicans, what is our race? What is our ethnicity? And our language…?

Who am I?

Indeed our language is not only a technical instrument of communication, it is the vessel which holds our heritage and identity and as such is worthy of respect and recognition. However, Jamaican Creole is not an official language even though it is the main form of communication in many homes and social spheres in the country. If Creole is not an “official” language then what message are we transmitting to its speakers? That they are somehow lesser citizens than speakers of English? Besides, this lack of status for our lingua franca is in fact a vestige of Jacobinism.

Babylon System is a Vampire

Unfortunately, many Jamaicans continue to believe that because English is an international language it should dethrone the Jamaican Creole. While it is clear to all that Jamaica needs to shed insularism and that in this respect English is an invaluable tool, we shouldn’t envision an either/or solution.

Indeed, monolingualism is actively encouraged by globalisation and therefore whatever indicator for language competence you use, it is true that we tend to assume rigid positions on language teaching/learning based on those underlying socio-political and economic realities. The fact, however, is that we received English as a part of our slavery and colonial heritage, it was imposed.

I want to break free…Free your minds

Jamaican Creole on the other hand is a 100 per cent local product. Its birth being a result of the unique mix of English and West African languages such as Fante, Igbo, Wolof, Yoruba and Twi, many of which are no longer spoken in their original forms. All the more reason for the Creole to be valued and preserved. In this effort, there should be unity among all Jamaicans about the safeguarding of our lingua franca, because a non-Creole Jamaica is a false concept which would devalue the core identity of the island. In order to achieve that consensus though, it seems to me that a change in mentality is a necessary prerequisite.

Cacophony or symphony in Europe?

The European Union which represents 450 million people now has 21 official languages. Although that reality costs a fortune in interpreting and translation services, the Union wants to remain faithful to its motto which is ‘United in diversity’. Old European languages like Lithuanian (2.96 million native speakers in Lithuania) or Luxembourgish (320,000 speakers and it is not one of the 21 official languages of the Union) are preserved and protected within the context of this European linguistic diversity. Indeed, in Barcelona in 2002 EU leaders committed to a ‘Mother tongue plus two’ principle which ensures that the children here learn at least two foreign languages in addition to their mother tongue during the course of their schooling. This explains in part why tiny nations like Finland, Corsica, the Netherlands and Sweden maintain, support and teach their local languages in schools and still manage to produce students who, for the most part are fluent in at least one other European language.

Voulez-vous parler au monde? Do you want to talk to the World? Yuh waan fi chat to di worl ?

I did not learn to write the Jamaican Creole in school. This is a pity because a comparative analysis of Creole and English structures would help to prevent unfortunate illusions typified by the now infamous outburst of a Jamaican woman who exclaimed some variant of the following: “A wa unoo a sey? Unoo no see sey a Henglish mi a chat!” Indeed if we are really concerned about the nefarious impact of globalisation and the role that language deficiencies may play in our marginalisation then, instead of trying to eliminate Creole, we should promote active, structured bilingual or even trilingual education in our schools.

To this end, Dr Hubert Devonish spearheaded the very ambitious and proactive Bilingual Education Project which aims to provide answers for a new framework strategy for the official use of both languages in our primary schools. The results of this pilot project are very promising. Indeed, teaching our children both Creole and English at school will valorise their first language (for many, Creole is indeed their first language), while providing scaffolding which will make the acquisition and mastery of English that much more attainable. In this way they will be able to enjoy the social, economic and cultural rewards of English without shedding their identities in the process. Our education stakeholders should therefore pursue the recommendations set out in this project in order to produce students who are truly bilingual and at peace with their local language.

Two Languages… One Love

Even though I readily admit that the co-existence of both Jamaican Creole and English in the same geographical space can be challenging, we should accept that culturally and linguistically all languages are equal. Accepting this fundamental truth should prevent us from fighting the wrong battles. Creole should have pride of place in our society and should unite us; it should not be the object of divisions and discord. Our language policy therefore should enshrine the principle of the cultural, historical, human elements of our two languages.

Source: jamaicaobserver.com

World freediving champion Tanya Streeter talks about her lifelong love: the sea.

Years before Tanya Streeter would set a new freediving world record with a 525 feet dive in one breath, she spent her childhood snorkelling in the shallow waters of Seven Mile Beach. She loved how the light would bounce off the sand and light up the coral. Since deep water was nearby, there were always turtles, rays, small sharks and eels lurking about. When she was 10, she was freediving 50 to 60 feet to the bottom of Eden Rock, famous for its mysterious underwater caverns. Today, she’s a champion freediver who’s travelled the globe to use her talents. We spoke with her about extreme diving, world records and becoming a mother.
Growing up you loved being in the water. What was it like leaving Cayman to go to the U.K. for boarding school? 
Two hours before my flight would leave I would be underwater. I would lay on the bottom — down about 20 feet — just looking around, listening and committing it all to memory, because I would be going to England and about 16 weeks of rain and freezing cold temperatures. On the beach, my mum would be screaming at me that I was going to miss my plane if I didn’t get out of the water.

During your competitive freediving career, from 1998 to 2005, you broke 10 world records, including the world record you still hold: 525 feet in one breath. How did you get started in competitive freediving? 
It really started in 1997. I was 25, living in Grand Cayman and working as the social secretary for the Governor. One weekend I joined some of my friends for a half-day freediving clinic taught by well-known freediver Pipin Ferreras. After a short while I did a dive of about 100 feet. Later, Ferreras called me from the Miami airport to convince me to train with him to break the American constant weight record –– 175 feet — about twice the depth I had dived that morning. I laughed; I thought he was mad.

After three months of training I broke the record. Four months after that, I dove 370 feet to break the world record in no limit diving. And it just kept going from there.

After you started breaking records, you got quite a bit of U.S. media attention, which must have been a shock for someone who grew up on a small island. Do you have any funny stories about the early days of being a celebrity?
I have never told anyone about this, but in the early days of my career I was getting a lot of U.S. media exposure. I did [the Late Show with David] Letterman. I did Vogue. I had just done a dive and there were pictures of me in a bathing suit. Then Playboyapproached me to do a photo shoot. [Laughs.] They wanted to take it to a whole other level of undress. They offered me so much money. But I couldn’t do that and expect to hold my head up. I have always been choosy about the projects I have done.

A couple years ago, you went to Antarctica as part of an 11-person team to test scuba diving equipment in cold water. What was it like diving in those Antarctic conditions?
The average temperature outside is -33 Fahrenheit. The ice is 20 feet thick and they cut this hole in the ice with a giant corkscrew. We had a hut covering the hole where we would start our dive and that was pretty warm at 50 degrees.

I am wearing a warm dry suit and a hood and everything is fine. Then, to get into the water I had to slide 20 feet through this tunnel of slush. Once my face and head hit the water it’s so cold. It’s like a frozen hacksaw banging against my head.

It is pitch black because there is 20 feet of ice on top of you and there is no light coming through whatsoever.

The whole idea that you are going into this crazy, cold, alien environment to push the regulators to failure — that just goes against the grain. I was a total safety freak who never had an accident while freediving [competitively] or had any safety issues at all. It was a big switch for consciousness and control.

Even with a dry suit, you must have been pretty cold diving in that Antarctic water.
We were diving about 30-40 minutes and my fingers and toes were painfully cold. Halfway through the dive I started getting creative. I would stretch out my hands in a skydiving position to get warm air to rise to my fingertips. The rest of the team used to tease me about pulling a Peter Pan flying position.

By the time I started to exit the water, everything from my elbows and knees down were painfully cold. As soon as my face hit that warmer air [in the hut] my blood started perfusing back to my skin. It was like being slapped in the face with a sledgehammer. My lips felt like they were on fire. Then as I warmed up, the same thing happened to my toes and feet. When that started happening I was crying ‘When is this going to stop? When is this going to stop?’ I thought my hands and fingers were going to explode. It was so terribly painful.

The most courageous thing I did on that entire trip was get back in the water on the second dive. That is what we did, twice a day, every day, for 10 days. It was hardcore.

For a few years, you were a presenter for a BBC documentary where you dove with a mother humpback whale and her calf. What was that experience like?
Humpback whales are the consummate freedivers. They are these huge magnificent animals and have evolved into absolute perfection. The mother whale was enormous and I felt insignificant in her presence. The mother allowed me into her private world. Her calf was curious about me. I swam with them for a couple magical hours.

It was amazing to shoot that film and interact with them as much as we did.

During that same BBC documentary series you also got to dive or swim with dolphins, tiger sharks, marine iguana and sea lions. Do you have any tips on how to interact with marine life?
As a diver, you need to respect your position in whatever situation is unfolding. It is amazing to be underwater, to see animals interacting together and if they choose to interact with you, that is absolutely fantastic. But you take what you are given when you are in the water.

With whales and dolphins, there are very strict guidelines. You should never approach the same group of animals more than twice. If you approach them once and they move off and you approach them again and they move off again — that’s it. They are giving you a very clear sign that they don’t want to play today.

For sharks, respect is a huge issue. They don’t want to be messed with or provoked. You are there to look, to quietly keep your hands tucked in and watch. And it is all plenty beautiful enough if that is all you do. You don’t need to be disturbing animals in any way or reaching out to touch them.

Now that you have stopped freediving competitively, do you have any projects in the offing? 
Being a mum is my main project now, but I do have a few projects on the go. I still have my finger in the TV pie, though it is hard for me to leave [my daughter] Tilly to go shoot something. On the other hand, I really do love it. There is something about the sea for me that is a joy and it’s in my blood. If I get offered an opportunity to make a great film that makes people fall in love with the ocean and want to protect it, then I may have to just suck it up and do it.

You live in Texas and come back to Cayman a few times a year to see your family. Does Cayman still feel the same when you come back?
Cayman is the place where my roots are… where my family is. I do feel like I am coming home every time. And it’s always hard to leave.

Your daughter Tilly is nearly 3 years old. Do you think she will be a freediver like her mother? 
She is definitely a water baby. She is already swimming 10 feet to the bottom of the pool. But she is this flaming redhead with really pale skin. It already breaks my heart that she has freckles so I would like to see her do something that will protect her skin, like become a ballerina. But she will do whatever she wants to do.

What are some of your favourite spots to dive when you come back home to Cayman?
I love anywhere off the wall, North Side and East End. I love deep water because it is a completely different experience. You are disappearing into the deep. It’s so deep blue, just magical.The rocks and the formation coral — it’s gorgeous. I just as equally love going off Cemetery Reef where it’s shallow and [sandy] and the light is bouncing off the sand and it lights up everything so beautifully.

When you come back to Cayman, do you still use the specialized wetsuit and other gear? 
When I am home I will sometimes get up an hour earlier than everybody else and go to Smith’s Cove. I will wear just a mask and a swimsuit. I don’t need the fins, the snorkel, the wetsuit or the weights. I like to do what I did when I was a kid… lay on the bottom of the sea and take it all in for a while and be free of it all. I think I will melt the first time I see my daughter do that. And she will. I am pretty sure she will.

Source: caymanairwaysmagazine.com

Busy plotting follow-up film projects to his debut feature film Better Mus’ Come, a reflective Storm Saulter squeezed some time in for an interview with SO last week at his West King’s House Road production office. Back on The Rock after an eventful trip last weekend to the prestigious Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) where Better Mus’ Come snagged the Audience Award and an honourable mention in the Spirit of Freedom category, the talented director’s elation came shining through his controlled demeanour. After all, accolades are still rolling in for the beloved little movie that could.

While Jamaican audiences saw the movie during its local run months ago, momentum for the searing 1970s-set political drama is steadily picking up steam beyond our shores. Before the recognition at BIFF, the film picked up Best Feature Film and Fan Favourite honours at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival, and with the warm audience reception it continues to receive, Saulter is brimming with optimism that even more plaudits could be around the corner. Still on cloud nine, Saulter disclosed: “In terms of the reaction in Bahamas, it was really major…people [outside Jamaica] feel like they are discovering something they never knew about before…it’s a lot of excitement…and I feel, going into 2012, the film is really going to start making steps internationally.”

A platform release for the independent dramatic film is in the works, and SO learns that at Toronto’s highly touted Bell Light Box will see Better Mus’ Come opening their Black History Month screening. Serious consideration is also being given to enter international film festivals. “We are also in talks with the British Film Institute to screen the new Caribbean Cinema Films [a series of film shorts unrelated to Better Mus’ Come] and to have a major presence in London next year,” Saulter divulges.

The Westmoreland-born director expresses amazement that his politically inspired film which nods to the real-life bloody Green Bay Massacre has since outgrown what he initially conceived as a time-specific story. Asked whether he feared the movie would have been able to transcend the cultures of foreign audiences, he replied: “I was worried that maybe the film would be too specific to Jamaica for it to be appreciated, but what I’ve learnt at these festivals where most of the guests are international people from outside of the Caribbean is that they are blown away. The current state of world affairs with political instability in so many places and many situations of political corruption, the film keeps getting more relevant.”

“It’s mirroring the Middle East, even the ‘Occupy protests’ all over the United States…people are getting fed up with their government and being taken for granted … Better Mus’ Come is a big statement between government and people,” he added.

And what of his future directorial efforts?

Saulter shares that pre-production work is almost finished on the White Witch of Rose Hall horror drama he is working on with Mark Kenny, executive producer of the hit reality show The Contender. Casting and actual filming on the movie should hopefully get underway by late 2013. There is also a period adventure drama with a distinctive Jamaican feel he wants to direct, but he remains tight-lipped about the specifics. “I don’t want to say too much about it,” Saulter responds to our pleas, “but I intend to shoot a trailer for it next year to help secure financing for it.” Asked if a Best Director Academy Award is his ultimate wish fulfilment, the slightly over-caffeinated director does not deny it would be great to have the golden Oscar statue as his very own. “I would love to win an Oscar and I also wouldn’t mind winning a BAFTA, but I would love to win a Palme d’Or [from France’s Cannes Film Festival] the most,” he admits. Fingers are crossed that it happens, Storm.

Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com

Lendell Layman did more than simply relocate to Cayman — he devoted himself to making it a better place.

Born and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, Lendell Layman graduated from Holderness School for Boys in New Hampshire and then moved to Atlanta to attend college. Driven by his desire to help others, Len joined the U.S. Air Force in the late 60s. After he completed his military service, he returned to Atlanta to finish his education at Georgia State University.

Looking for a little adventure, he took a dive trip to the Cayman Islands in the early 80s and was hooked — so much so that he came back several times before he decided to call the islands home.

When did you move to the Cayman Islands? 
In the fall of 1991 I had the opportunity to take a three-month job in the dive industry on the Sister Islands. So, I moved to Cayman Brac that fall and have called Cayman home ever since; I’ve never regretted a moment of it.

What do you love most about the Cayman Islands?
The people and the sense of community that exists has always amazed me. When you add to that the amazing mix of people and cultures that live and work here it is almost impossible not to love Cayman.

How have the islands changed for you over the last 20 years? 
Cayman has changed a lot in the almost 20 years I have lived here. There has been a lot of development and with that comes both benefits and problems.

In the 80s and early 90s, Cayman was respected as a leader for protecting its ecology. We need to make sure that we regain that environmental stewardship we were famous for.

These islands are special to me because of the influence they have had on my life. I don’t think I could ever repay the joy and happiness that I have found here. Most of that comes from learning to focus outward not inward, and the people I have met and worked with here taught me that.

What made you choose to become a community activist? 
I don’t think becoming a community activist is a choice that an individual consciously makes. For me, my membership in Rotary Central exposed me to the rewards of helping others. That led to my speaking out about the injustice of domestic abuse, the need to help the victims and the need to educate the community about this problem.

I never really looked at myself as an activist, but the more I think about it I guess the difference between a volunteer and activist is an activist speaks passionately about things that they consider to be wrong and helps to provide answers to those problems.

You were recently awarded Certificate and Badge of Honour (Cert. Hon.) by the Cayman Islands Government for your services to the community. What did you do when you heard the news?  
I know a lot people who know me will find this hard to believe, but I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say. The fact that someone felt my efforts in the community warranted a nomination was overwhelming, but to actually be selected was mind boggling.

I was also a bit embarrassed. I have worked with and been influenced by some truly wonderful and dedicated people, all of whom give selflessly to help the people of Cayman. Their contributions, I feel, make mine pale in comparison.

In 1999, you were asked to represent Rotary Central on the local steering committee for the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA). Was this a defining moment, in your opinion, for Cayman’s fight against domestic abuse? 
CAFRA called together interested people from all sectors of the Cayman Islands — service clubs, churches, NGOs and government agencies. We all assembled together in one place for the first time, and we cared deeply about the problem.

It was this gathering of like-minded, dedicated people that moved us forward in a direction that has changed our society significantly in this area. So, yes, in that respect it was a defining moment.

This is not to detract from the efforts of those that laid the groundwork, but rather it was the catalyst that took things to the next level. It was also a great example of how people working together can accomplish a lot more than individuals trying to institute change on their own.

You work full time, you are a volunteer, father and grandfather. When you find “downtime,” is there anything special you enjoy doing?
I love woodworking, particularly wood turning and making wooden flutes. Spending time on my back porch workshop is my way of escaping and relaxing. I also try to enjoy a couple of rounds a week of golf with friends.

What is your most memorable moment?  
Every time I see my daughter with my granddaughters I can’t help but feel overwhelming pride in her.

She accompanied me to the Queen’s Birthday Ceremony and in the car afterwards remarked that she felt very lucky to have a dad who she could be proud of. It may have been a small observation to her, but it is very memorable to me.

What would you like to be remembered for?  
Just to be remembered would be great all by itself. But I guess when it all comes down to it, I would like to be remembered as an individual who enjoyed life and who made a difference in the lives of others.

I’m certain many look to you as a role model. Who would you say is your role model?  
Well, I’d be honoured to be considered a role model. I hope that my path has shown people how giving back to one’s community can change people’s lives.

As for my role model, it is difficult for me to single out any one individual who influenced me or served as a role model. There are many over the years that have helped to direct me to where I am now. To single out anyone would be to forget someone else.

Have you always been a people person?  
Simple answer to this is yes. I have always enjoyed and felt comfortable around people.

If you could give advice that people would actually listen to and take to heart, what would it be? 
Two things: First, don’t be silent about those things that you feel are important.

Second, and most important, find a way to give of yourself to help others. The rewards of doing so will enrich your life in ways you can never imagine.

Source: caymanairwaysmagazine.com

I can’t recall exactly when I started to see the signs of my fleeting youth. Maybe it was in my mid-20s or early 30s that the fine lines became visible in the mirror. As I pressed, pulled and poked at my cheeks through my daily skin care regime, I asked, “mirror, mirror on the wall… what happened?”
After I assessed the creases, I went to Google to find out what anti-aging treatments would work for someone who perhaps isn’t quite ready to be poked and prodded, but willing to look at options with an open mind. That’s when I found the Da Vinci Centre Cayman Islands and Beyond Basics Medical Spa, and set off on my journey to find the fountain of youth.

Located along Seven Mile Beach, the Da Vinci Centre is a wellness and alternative therapies centre where comfort and care is their focus. With soothing sounds of waterfalls and soft, whimsical music, the centre offers a peaceful and relaxing “spa-like” atmosphere where the genuine concern is for their patients.

The centre takes a holistic approach to anti-aging with treatments such as cosmetic acupuncture, skin tightening, laser treatments, carboxy therapy and non-surgical procedures like Botox and Derma Fillers (Juvaderm, Restylane, Perlan, Prevelle, Silk, Radiesse and Sculptra). Their facilities include a private waiting area where patients who prefer to be discreet about their treatments can relax and unwind.

Some of the most popular anti-aging treatments at the centre include micro-dermabrasion where the outermost surface of the skin is partially or completely removed by light abrasion, which helps to remove sun-damaged skin, scars or dark spots. Someone who seeks firmer, more youthful looking skin may choose either chemical or skin tightening treatments. The centre performs laser skin tightening on both men and women of all skin types and skin tones that wish to achieve dramatic results without painful surgery and lengthy recovery times.

A new technique available in the Cayman Islands is carboxy therapy. The treatment is performed at the Da Vinci Centre and is used to improve skin elasticity, circulation, encourage collagen repair, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and destroy localized fatty deposits. According to staff at the centre, carboxy therapy refers to the cutaneous and subcutaneous administration of carbon dioxide gas for therapeutic purposes. It has been used in the Royal Spas of France since 1932 and no known risks associated with carboxy have been reported. The treatment works by increasing oxygenated blood flow to the region injected, which reportedly boosts collagen formation in the skin and gives it a more youthful appearance.

While there are several anti-aging treatments that will help improve the look and feel of the skin, the Da Vinci Centre staff also promotes proper skin care to dramatically reverse the signs of aging with its skin care line, Chrysalis. Each product contains high percentages of active ingredients so people often see results with their first application.

Beyond Basics Medical Day Spa also offers anti-aging and wellness treatments, and is affiliated with the islands’ only private hospital, Chrissy Tomlinson Hospital. Satisfaction is the philosophy at Beyond Basics Medial Day Spa. The medi-spa welcomes patients with a calming and serene setting located only a few blocks away from central George Town in the Smith Road Plaza.

According to Jackie Smith, owner/manager of Beyond Basics, laser treatments, powered by Elos technology, are the safest and most comfortable solution for effective and fast treatment of skin rejuvenation for various skin imperfections, wrinkle reduction, skin tightening and cellulite treatment. “Elos is the first and only technology that simultaneously harnesses the power of bi-polar radio frequency (RF) and optical energy (either laser or light),” explains Smith.

Botox and Juvederm are also offered at the medi-spa to help erase the lines of time and add youthfulness to one’s appearance. Smith explains that customized chemical peels combined with the only HydraFacial service on  the island help many of their clients see unparalleled results for sun spots, wrinkles, acne and dry, dull skin.

“The FacialH2O™ is a dual system device that combines diamond abrasion with hydration facial capabilities. The dry, crystal-free diamond abrasion abrades the skin uniformly so that the surface of the skin is ‘polished and smoothed,’” says Smith. In addition to the anti-aging treatments available at Beyond Basic, they also promote daily skin care and offer pharmaceutical grade skin care products (Obagi, Image and Repechage) to treat all skin concerns.

Both facilities offer private consultation to address patient concerns and determine the best treatment to meet their objectives. With trained professionals on site, these non-invasive therapies are often performed in a matter of minutes with little to no discomfort.

If you, like me, want to ease your way into the anti-aging trend, make an appointment to speak with a qualified professional and determine which treatment is right for you.

Source: caymanairwaysmagazine.com

The Miami Herald Media Co. won it’s first Emmy from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on Saturday for Nou Bouke (We’re Tired), a documentary about Haiti after the earthquake of January 12, 2010.

“With the second anniversary of that catastrophic earthquake approaching, we hope this award will serve to bring attention to the many needs still facing that nation,” said Nancy San Martin, the film’s executive producer and The Miami Herald’s interactive editor.

“Haiti remains far from recovery.”

Announced on Saturday, the Emmy is a regional award in the documentary-topical category. The film was a project of The Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald in association with WPBT2, a local PBS station.

Joe Cardona directed Nou Bouke, which was narrated by Haitian author Edwidge Danticat and aired nationally on PBS. Jacqueline Charles, the Herald’s Haiti correspondent, was associate producer and el Nuevo Herald’s Jose Iglesias was director of photography.

“The earthquake was an important piece of history to document for Haiti as well as South Florida’s Haitian community, ” said Cardona, an independent Miami filmmaker, who also was nominated for two other films: Albita: Toda Una Vida, Cuban Masterworks, about Cuban singer Albita, and a Bay of Pigs invasion documentary.

Source: www.defend.ht

Succulent pigs roasting on an open spitfire. Warm wind brushing against your nose. Yuletide carols being “marched” by a choir. And folks dressed up  in their best church clothes.

Perhaps Nat King Cole may have sung “The Christmas Song” with those lyrics had he lived in ole time Cayman: where sand replaced snow; casuarinas, otherwise known as Australian pine trees (yellow shamrock trees in Cayman Brac’s case) replaced Scotch pines; and instead of battling winter snowstorms, sailors young and old battled the high seas to get home to their loved ones in time for Christmas Day. No less joyful, no less festive than other countries that celebrate this holiday, it was a special time that came with its very own traditions — many of which still stand strong today.

While not every country is lucky enough to enjoy a White Christmas, it has never stopped Caymanians from creating their own version of yuletide paradise. One of the more notable traditions came in the form of “sand yards.” Thought to have been started by the early Scottish immigrants who missed the snow of their motherland, it evolved over time, and was affectionately referred to as “backing sand.” Liz Walton, born and raised in Cayman Brac, fondly remembers this tradition as a child in the 1960s. “It was a community activity filled with friendly competition among neighbours; it was all about who could have the best and prettiest yard filled with sand. Most people, from the youngest to the oldest, would go to the beach to find the nicest, whitest sand, and one way of assessing the competition was to see who had the biggest hole at the beach.”

During the weeks leading up to Christmas (and sometimes as early as late fall) a group of mostly women and children would travel merrily back and forth to the nearest beach on moonlit nights and continue right up to the night of the last full moon before Christmas Day. According to Walton, there were two reasons for this, “Firstly, there were no lights on the road, so it would help us see where we were going, and, secondly, it was cooler at night.” Using handmade thatched baskets with long strap handles, they would scoop the sand up and balance the heavy baskets either on their foreheads or with the straps around their foreheads with the weight of the baskets nestled on their backs, at which point they would proceed back to their yard and divide the sand into even piles; but it wasn’t until the morning of Christmas Eve that they would sweep the sand smoothly to make a snow-white yard.

To add to the anticipation, children had to wait until Christmas Day before they could begin playing in it. To accompany these pretty yards, the men would create a footpath of gravel lined with freshly collected conch shells from the gate right to the front door. The conch shells’ soft shades of pinks and yellows coupled with the bright hues of the various flowers in bloom (blossom trees, for example) made for a truly festive sight. A fun-filled labour of love without costing a penny, these yards brought great joy and can still be seen today — just take a drive around, and you may just spot a few old Caymanian houses displaying their sand yards proudly and beautifully.

Another tradition that began two or three weeks before Christmas was the act of “marching.” Groups of people would gather to sing Christmas carols as well as the popular songs of the day and stroll from door to door throughout their districts. Often covering long distances, some also played instruments like the accordion, guitar and drums, and when they needed a rest, they’d stop at a home for a drink or a bite to eat. There were also the famous “kitchen parties” where the sound of music, chatter and dancing could be heard flowing from inside — almost as much as the rum.

As for decorations, they were made from nature; pine cones from the casuarinas would be covered in foil and hung as tree ornaments, and the wild roseberry bush, also indigenous to Cayman, would be gathered, cut and dried and then placed throughout the home. Flowers of the season would be placed throughout the house to add colour and charm. As for dear ole Saint Nick, he didn’t make an appearance until around 1900, when seamen brought home the tradition from their voyages to other parts of the world. Santa Claus did not arrive by sleigh, of course, but by boat or by plane, and although there were no fireplaces for him to come through, children placed their stockings at the foot of their parents’ bed. When they woke up in the morning, they would find treats of candies, apples, noisemakers, firecrackers and other things they loved.

And there was the food, always lots and lots of food, because eating was a huge part of the holidays. Although turkeys were practically unheard of, turtles were plentiful, and pigs, too, would be roasted on a spitfire; there was also extra butchering of beef, which was considered a special treat. In fact, this was the one time of the year when families splurged on beef; even though they would not be able to afford it all year round, they would save money so that it could be part of their Christmas dinner, and it would often be bought as a present for the family. According to Aarona Booker Kohlman’s book Under Tin Roofs: Cayman in the 1920s, many rich and flavourful stews were made from both types of meat (turtle and beef): chunks of cassava, yam, coco, plantain or pumpkin were seasoned to perfection with hot peppers and other herbs. Of course, what would Christmas be without the sweets? Women often spent days preparing rich, dark, rum-laced fruitcakes and heavy cakes as well as sorrel wines (taken from the sorrel plant, it is a sweetened hot drink, sipped like a hot cider).

Children had their very own, unique cooking practises as well, and were not left out of the fun. Whereas children from other parts of the world may have baked packaged Angel-food cakes with their Betty Crocker ovens, parents in Cayman would build a mini-hut out of thatch in the yard that acted as the children’s Christmas house. Just like their mothers, they, too, would cook and bake their own food creations, albeit, with their imaginations. (No doubt, it was also a great way to keep them occupied and out of their mother’s kitchen.)

Cake sales and church bazaars were considered an important tradition because they were a great way to raise money for the churches. Handmade gifts like crocheted sisal hats and purses were also sold at these bazaars. Local shops were also busy selling hats, shoes and clothes, as well as material to make new clothes. Christmas was a time for new apparel, especially since there was no distinct change of seasons. As Kohlman wrote: “In Cayman, it was the Christmas Parade rather than the Easter Parade, as everyone walked to church, the girls and women in new hats, new shoes, and new dresses. Until adolescence, boys wore knee pants, so when a boy finally got his first long pants, it was often at Christmas, and men sported new white suits, made by local seamstresses.” All the churches on the islands organised concerts so that children could take part; and the children were expected to memorise Christmas poems and recite them. Of course, the main focus of Christmas was centred on the church since Caymanians come from a strong Christian background, and everyone attended the special Christmas morning service. This still holds true for many today.

So although time continues marching on, the memories of a bygone era remain in many people’s hearts and minds; they are traditions that have been passed down through many generations, and although some may remain, others have been put to rest. One thing is for certain: The strong Caymanian spirit lives on each and every Christmas, nestled somewhere between the blazing sun, the Caribbean sea, the willowy pine trees and miles of snow-white sand.

The Speaker of the House talks about her own Christmas traditions

Lisa Boushy recently sat down with  Mary Lawrence JP, the newly elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Cayman Islands, to learn about her own Christmas traditions from the past. Here is her story:

Christmas in Cayman was a time of family fun and reunions and great community fellowship. Preparations started early in the year. Social activities in the community revolved around the church and school, and practises for special concerts and choirs were well under way by October. Small children were given a part to learn, whether a poem, a skit or a part in a play, and practising in the evenings became a big social event. To not know your part was a disgrace, for the whole town came to hear you, not just your parents or family.

Material for your special Christmas dress or suit was secured and hand-sewn, although there were those who had a relative abroad and could afford to order from a catalogue like Montgomery Ward & Co., National Bellas Hess or Walter Field. This method became more prevalent with the men going out to sea. Christmas was a time, too, when the men came home from sea with suitcases filled with all kinds of presents, and family members living abroad would visit. Those who couldn’t come often mailed packages or sent gifts with others who came. Crowds would meet the boats that came into George Town harbour just to see whose family members had made it home, and of course, even if yours didn’t make it, they all shared in the joy of each arrival.

On Christmas Eve, all good children went to bed early in anticipation of Santa’s arrival. On Christmas morning your stocking would yield goodies like apples, pencils, ribbons or barrettes for your hair, candies, crackerjacks or even small toys or dolls. Of course, weeks prior, it was impressed on every child to be good if they expected Santa to visit their house. The excitement of the morning was topped off by everyone dressing in their Christmas finery and going to church. The Christmas morning service is still a part of the Bodden Town traditions, and whole families turn up to fill the church pews.

As a family we would add our own traditions. The children would put on in-house concerts and include selected family friends, making up their own programmes and performances. Practising was done in secret until the big night. On Christmas Eve, my husband and children would take off to select and cut the Christmas tree — an Australian pine sapling, or “willow tree,” as we call it locally. They would return and spend the day setting it up and decorating it with homemade decorations. This would give me a chance to get the cooking done, because in keeping with Caymanian tradition, no one was going to waste time cooking on Christmas Day.

On Christmas Eve we would take them to George Town, which had electricity and where the stores stayed open until midnight, to window shop and join in the fun of meeting friends and sharing the excitement that seemed to fill every nook and cranny, as firecrackers went off everywhere, and sparklers lit the night sky. Christmas morning under the tree would be crowded with “Santa bags,” which were big brown paper shopping bags filled with presents with each child’s name on them.

Although I have joined my children abroad for family gatherings in recent years, I still set up the Christmas tree and come home in time to have an open house, and attend the midnight service that heralds in the New Year. More recent traditions in the town have included the lighting of Guard House Hill at the entrance to the town and a special carol service in which the whole community is invited to participate, followed by a special meal and gifts for all. The idea came out of the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan when spirits were low and much of the community was still without electricity. This past year we moved the venue to the Senior Citizen’s Centre in Bodden Town and Harry McCoy’s Park, where we will continue this newest tradition in the community.

Born and raised in Bodden Town, Mary Lawrence has made a significant contribution to the development of government and politics and has been heavily involved with community service for many years. She is a justice of the peace and has also worked as a teacher, writer, and government and political editor. Together with her late husband, James Lawrence, they raised five daughters and one son. She is also a grandmother to 19 grandchildren and a great-grandmother of four.

Some Christmas Traditions of Present-Day Cayman

Central Caribbean Marine Institute
Festival of Trees Showcase
Gardenia Court, Camana Bay
Nov. 17–20

Christmas Tree Lighting
Complete with carols and visits from Santa
The Crescent, Camana Bay
Nov. 24

Christmas Evening Market
Camana Bay partners with The Grounds to sell locally produced fruits and vegetables, food, baked  goods and arts and crafts
Dec. 2

Teddy Bear Tea
Silver Palm Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton,
Grand Cayman
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5–20;
Dec. 23, 24
Noon–4 p.m. (seatings are at noon and 2 p.m.)

Cayman 27 Parade of Lights
The Crescent, Camana Bay
Dec. 12

Classic Christmas Movies
Periwinkle restaurant, The Ritz-Carlton,
Grand Cayman
Beginning at sundown, family Christmas movies are projected nightly on a large movie screen under the stars. For additional information and movie schedules, call (345) 943-9000.

Champagne Brunch
7, The Oceanfront Restaurant, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Sundays in December, noon to 3 p.m.
To make reservations, please call (345) 943-9000

Source: caymanairwaysmagazine.com

Let’s get the obvious out of the way right from the start: 23-year-old Cristin Alexander is gorgeous with her long brown hair, doe-like eyes, caramel complexion and the exquisite physique of a runway model. But the reigning Miss Cayman Islands is also a lot more than that.

She’s a former member of the Cayman Islands’ National Women’s Volleyball Team, an outspoken advocate for Caymanian pride and a Dean’s List graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a BA in psychology.

As Alexander prepares to compete for the Miss Universe title in Brazil, we caught up with her for an intimate conversation that touched on everything from her youth in Grand Cayman and the difficulties of being over 5’11” tall to her thoughts on the beauty pageant world and what she plans to do once her reign as Miss Cayman is over.

What was it like growing up in the Cayman Islands?
My childhood was the best time of my life. My fondest memories are of the family get-togethers we had every Sunday, where I would eat rice and beans and my Nana’s beef stew until I could barely breathe; when I’d roam the Silver Sands property with my pals Paul, Alex and Charlie; and when I’d climb trees and swim in the sea. I really was a little Caymanian beach baby. Thinking back to those days never fails to bring a smile to my face.

At 5’11½”, you’re obviously quite tall. Was there a time when your height seemed more like a burden than a blessing?
Definitely! I was average height until age 12, when I suddenly shot up a few inches above everyone else. I felt like a strange, gangly creature. The symptoms of adolescence are moodiness, self-esteem issues and the unyielding pressure to fit in, so it definitely bothered me when I was given the nickname “Green Giant” in middle school. It felt like I had three heads and everyone was staring. Thank goodness I realised how silly I was being and how much I loved being tall. I made the National Women’s Volleyball Team at 15, and that really allowed me to appreciate and embrace my height. I learned then that what other people thought of me was none of my business.

You got your bachelor’s degree at the University of Western Ontario. Was there any culture shock in relocating to Canada?
I was 17 when I left to attend a boarding school in Port Hope, Ontario. I was fresh out of high school, so I was anxious yet excited about going to school and living in Canada. I knew it was going to be cold, but I didn’t quite expect what I got. The frigid winters in Canada definitely took a lot of getting used to, plus it cost a lot for all those phone calls home. I remember not wanting to let go of my flip-flop-wearing habit, even when everyone else was in boots, jackets and scarves. If it weren’t for the incredible community there (and the fact that they had hot sauce in the lunch room), I’m not sure how long I would have lasted. University was a bit different — I no longer had such a longing to come home, since I was striving to be an independent adult — but the winters were harsh, to put it lightly. When your hair freezes as you walk out the door, it definitely made me wonder, “Why are you in Canada again?”

What sparked your interest in psychology?
When I was growing up I had a really difficult time sleeping on my own. I would have very vivid nightmares, some of which seemed to reoccur, so my mother suggested that I speak to someone. After seeing a psychologist I was able to use the tools I learned with her to overcome my fears. It may seem silly to most people, but when it gets to a debilitating point it can be a real problem. When I began university I took an elective psychology course and I loved every moment of it. Every lecture intrigued me, and I knew this was what I wanted to do.

When did you first become interested in the pageant world?
I only became interested in the pageant world now that I am Miss Cayman Islands. My focus has always been to finish my university career first, and then see what opportunities presented themselves. I finished my bachelor of arts in psychology in 2010 and was looking for the next step when the Miss Cayman pageant caught my attention. My thoughts were that I could either win and take a journey of new experiences, or not win and still gain tremendously through the process of self-discovery.

Is there anything about the pageant world that the average person would be surprised to know?
All the beauty pageant tricks would be the most surprising. People watch pageants and marvel over how beautiful and seemingly flawless the women are, with perfect hair, skin, bodies, etc. Little do most people realise that there is contouring of the face and body via makeup to give an illusion of definition. There are hair and eyelash extensions, self-tanning products, veneer teeth and the list goes on. I’m sure people would be shocked to see what lengths some women will go to in their quest for perfection.

I’ve read that you have a passion for instilling a greater sense of national pride in young Caymanians. Why do you think that goal is so important?
I think it’s a lot easier nowadays to lose sight of where we come from. Our youth is exposed to the global media at the click of the mouse. It’s all exciting information, and no doubt useful, but it can also cause imitation. As globalisation continues, instilling our values should be a priority. Caymanians are proud of our culture; we value traditions, our history, our strong moral values and our commitment to family. These principles have kept us strong and united as a nation, and an emphasis has to be put on recognising the importance of teaching these standards to our children.

What message do you have for the Caymanians who might read this story?
Whether young or old, I urge you to remember that Cayman is our home for generations to come. It is easy to get discouraged when reading the news, but please remember that it only takes one person to make a difference. I have had the chance to see many different places, and I can appreciate how much our unique gem of a country has provided us as a people with. We are all neighbours in such a small country, so I ask each of you to hold yourself responsible for our future.

What are some of your favourite places you’ve travelled since winning the title?
The most interesting country I have visited as Miss Cayman was China, in October 2010 for the Miss World Pageant. I spent one month touring the country — from Beijing to Mongolia to Shanghai to Sanya — where the contestants were really immersed into Chinese culture. It may have taken some time to adapt to at first, but I can honestly say that I had the ultimate Chinese experience.

What are you most looking forward to about travelling to Brazil to compete in the Miss Universe pageant?
Brazil has always been on my list of places that I have to visit, so I was ecstatic when I got the news that the Miss Universe pageant would be held there. The part I am most looking forward to is actually touring Brazil. In these international pageants, you arrive in the host country a few weeks before the pageant night, so it gives you a chance to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the culture.

What would it mean to you, and to the people of the Cayman Islands, for you to win Miss Universe?
If I were to win Miss Universe, it would make history for the Cayman Islands. Not only would it lead me to my next big adventure, but I believe it would give my fellow Caymanians a sense of national pride. That being said, I’ll feel just as accomplished if I place in the top 16. My goal is to put in all the hard work now, so that no matter what happens, Caymanians will know I did my best to represent the islands.

What do you think it is that makes the Cayman Islands unique?
I think that Cayman is uniquely blessed with the most hospitable people. Many other Caribbean countries have the same turquoise waters, white beaches and beautiful sunsets, but one thing I have heard time and again is that our people are so welcoming and kind. We are unique because we want you to come to our country; we are proud of it and we want to share all the reasons why we are so proud with you. I think that comes across to the visitors of our islands, and that warmth is what is remembered long after people leave.

What do you hope to do with your degree once your reign as Miss Cayman Islands is over?
After my reign I will use the scholarship I was awarded as Miss Cayman to get my master’s degree and eventually my Ph.D. in clinical psychology. I have yet to decide on a university, because I believe in taking time to choose the right one depending on the accreditation of the school, the climate and the demographics of the city or town. I think mental illness is still stigmatised in the Cayman Islands, and I want to do my part to change that through education and awareness.

Source: caymanairwaysmagazine.com