ICCI Students Explore CaymanKind

Twelve undergraduate students of the International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI) who enrolled in the fall 2019 Local Seminar on the Cayman Islands had more than an awesome educational journey back in time, as they were immersed in the history, culture and heritage of all three islands. This initiative by the college was borne out of the need to expose and in many cases, educate, all students on the rich history, culture, and heritage of the Cayman Islands and ultimately prepare them to become brand ambassadors both at home and abroad.

The Seminar commenced with a one-day Know Your Cayman Islands Workshop facilitated by Ms. Janet Holness from the Department of Tourism (DoT). The class then covered two days of tours on Grand Cayman, making stops at several cultural and historical sites. These included Pedro Castle, Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Garden, the Blue Iguana Reserve, Crystal Caves, the National Museum, the National Art Gallery and stops at the districts’ Heritage Days. The students also assisted with various activities in Pirates’ Week.

The students made their way to Little Cayman where they got a personal audience with Dr. Carrie Manfrino, Director, President, and Director of Research and Conservation of the Central Caribbean Maritime Institute (CCMI) followed by a tour of the facilities lead by research intern, Rickeem Lashley. The warm hospitality of the residents of Little Cayman was simply amazing so much that they got a personal tour of the entire island, by the Pirates’ Point Resort owner and manager, Ms. Susan Howard. Ms. Susan is the daughter of the Gladys B. Howard, whose outstanding contribution to the community resulted in the Little Cayman District National Trust Visitors Centre was named after her.

The ICCI faculty and students traveled to Cayman Brac where they met with District Commissioner, Mr. Ernie Scott, who provided a quick history lesson on Cayman Brac followed by a visit to Walton’s Mango Manor. There the students were engaged in the activities of the artist-in-residence program, an initiative borne by Ms. Simone Scott, coupled with sweet treats and a thatch making session. The team spent some time walking through the historical and unique artifacts housed in the oldest building on Cayman Brac, the Cayman Brac Museum where they learned that several of these items were either given or loaned by residents themselves. The Cayman Heritage House was another great stop. The students got the opportunity to interview three phenomenal ladies: Ms. Guelda Tibbetts, Ms. Marguerita Bodden, and Ms. Mexi-Ann Grant, in an entertaining question and answer format followed by a rope making session by tour guides, Keino Daley and Phillip Smith with the thatch coils donated by Ms. Annelee Ebanks. Before leaving, they visited the bluff and caves which were breathtaking to say the least. Of course, one must not leave Cayman Brac without getting some round or “mongoose” bread so we made that stop before leaving.

To culminate their experiences, the students created and presented their own condensed version of the “Know My Cayman Islands” Workshop to grades 7 to 10 at Cayman Academy. The pupils enjoyed the sessions, especially the souvenirs sponsored by the Department of Tourism and the free Swanky they got to sample! The ICCI students felt that it was definitely a wonderful experience, and passing on the knowledge to the younger ones was a welcome treat and a must-do for the younger generation in keeping our culture alive.

Thank you to the all persons who availed themselves to meet with us or arrange visits on our behalf, a special thanks to the Department of Tourism on all three islands for making the experience a memorable and interactive one!