Members of the National Trust hosted an intimate screening this week of ‘Saving the Blues’ a
film produced by the Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK, and which first aired during
London Climate Action Week 2023. A small group of 50 invited guests, who were also able to
sample Blue Iguana gin cocktails during the evening, which included Her Excellency Governor
Jane Owen, Deputy Premier Andre Ebanks and Minister of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency
Katherine Ebanks-Wilks.

 Peter and Patricia Cunningham, Andre Ebanks, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Ian Redmond, Melanie Carmichael

“Saving the Blues” chronicles the inspiring journey of Fred Burton, a young British Scientist,
who dedicated himself to the monumental task of saving the blue iguana, a virtually prehistoric
creature endemic to Grand Cayman. The documentary highlights the critical conservation
efforts led by Fred Burton, the Department of Environment, and the National Trust for the
Cayman Islands, which resulted in the recovery of the blue iguana species from critically
endangered to endangered status. Presented by Dr Tasha Ebanks Garcia, Representative to the
UK for the Cayman Islands and featuring interviews with Fred Burton, team members from the
Blue Iguana Conservation Facility, and global thought leaders, the film underscores the
importance of preserving planetary species from a biodiversity perspective.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Ian Redmond OBE, a distinguished wildlife biologist
and conservationist, who is currently on island attending screenings of the film and visiting
schools. With over 45 years of experience in wildlife conservation, Ian is renowned for his work
with great apes and elephants, spanning research, filming, tourism, and conservation
advocacy. His impactful contributions to environmental conservation have earned him
international recognition and respect.

Fred Burton, HE Gov Jane Owen, Ian Redmond

Ian Redmond spoke eloquently about the similarities between Diane Fossey saving the
critically endangered Mountain Gorillas and the Cayman Islands’ rescue of the Blue Iguana. He
explained that everything is connected and if we look after our indigenous species we are not
only saving them, but through their very existence the iguanas propagate indigenous plants by
spreading seeds and in this way help to maintain the environments in which they and many other creatures thrive. He stressed the value of our remaining areas of virgin forest and
wetlands and all the plants and creatures that live in them, who together help sustain each
other in balance to make our beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, corals and sea life.

Following the screening of Saving the Blues, there followed a lively and engaging Q&A panel
session featuring Ian Redmond, Fred Burton and Sangeeta Laudus (co-producer of Saving the
Blues and interviewer featured in the documentary). Other speakers of the evening included
Melanie Carmichael, Chair of the National Trust Council and Frank Roulstone, Director of the
National Trust.

Ian Redmond has been visiting schools all this week and will address a free to the public
screening of ‘Saving the Blues’ event to celebrate International Blue Iguana Day at The Ritz-
Carlton, Andiamo at 6:30pm this evening (Wednesday 8 May).