The Grand Cayman Islands – Jewel of the Caribbean
March 15, 2008
Grand Cayman, British West Indies is indeed the jewel of the Caribbean boasting the highest standard of living in the Caribbean Islands. The unique Cayman luxuries of no income taxes, no property taxes, no inheritance taxes and no capital gain taxes help rank the Cayman Islands as the 5th largest financial center in the world. While having a population of 30,000, the Caymans harbor over 500 banks and 50,000 major corporations. More than 1, 000,000 tourists visit every year. About 650,000 visit on cruise ships and 350,000 stopovers. The islands have a rich pirate history due to their unique isolated location along major shipping routes to Latin America. Over 300 shipwrecks make the area a treasure hunter’s dream.
Grand Cayman encompasses approximately 70 square miles, 22 miles long and 7 miles wide and is surrounded by protective reefs. The Cayman Turtle Farm is a home to over 16,000 sea turtles ranging in size from 6 ounces to 600 pounds.
The Grand Cayman scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities are unparallel; rated top two in the world. You can snorkel in waist deep water while hand feeding playful stingrays, tropical fish and sea turtles. However, jet skis, kayaks, paddleboats, parasailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, cruises and sunset sails are available at most hotels and dive resorts. Some of the popular attractions are: The Turtle Farm, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, National Museum, The Lighthouse, and Pirate Cruise on the Jolly Roger, Festive atmosphere at Rum Point, three championship golf course and The Atlantis [deep dive submarine available to take you 150- 800 feet below the ocean surface.
The Grand Cayman carnival “Botabano” is celebrated on the first week in May. It was initially developed to celebrate the appearance of the turtles on the local beaches and the wonders of the Caribbean Sea. The carnival “Botabono” was named for the tracks left behind by turtles that use the island beaches as nestling grounds.
A British colony and trio of Islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman was discovered on May 10th 1503 by Christopher Columbus on his 4th and last voyage to the new world. He was on his way from Panama to Hispaniola when his ships were steered off-course by strong winds and he sighted the Islands. Christopher Columbus named the Islands “Las Tortugas” meaning “The Turtles”. There were so many turtles; the island looked like it was covered with rocks. By the year 1530 the island name changes to “Cayman” – a tribute to the caimans who recovered the islands.
Records showing Cayman Brac and Little Cayman being settled before Grand Cayman but these settlements did not last long as the settlers often fell prey to Spanish pirates; this was between the years 1655-1671.
A census taken in the island in 1802 showing 933 persons of which 545 were slaves. Slavery was part of life until 1833 when the British parliament passed a law freeing slaves in British Colonies.
One of the most told stories on the island’s history “the wreck of the ten sails”. Legend says that one night in November 1788 the “Cordelia” the lead ship of a convoy of merchant ships bound from Jamaica to Britain ran aground on the reef at East End. A signal was given to warn off the other ships but was understood as a call to follow closer and nine more ships sailed onto the reef. The people of East End are reported to have shown great heroism in ensuring that no lives were lost. Legend further states that one of the lives saved was one of royalty, King George III and he is accredited to have granted the island freedom from conscription together with other reports mentioning that freedom from taxation was bestowed on the people of the island as their rewards.
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14 Responses to “The Grand Cayman Islands – Jewel of the Caribbean”
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Interesting story about their freedom from taxation. Is it true?
John, the Grand Cayman is free from all taxes. Hopefully you can visit our beautiful island and enjoy the wonderful experiences as i do? So what do u think of our highest standard of living in the Caribbean?
I enjoy working and shopping in the Caymans rather than the US and Canada. No taxes, duty free items and there is so much more to do.
Cayman Blogger, I have been hearing a lot of the Cayman Islands - hope to visit sometime soon. Have you visited New York City? How does it compare? I live in NYC and I like it here because the city never sleeps - I could hangout or get something to eat at anytime of the night; life is fast-paced here, and I like the cultural diversity.
Seems very inviting.
Trevor, i have never been to the US but what i do know is that nobody here is intrested about living in New York due to the climate, low salary and too much spent on taxes. The Cayman dollar is higher than USD and therefore we have a higher salary, more benefits and everything tax free. They island have a variety of food, clothing and events to choose from. It is very peaceful and serene here- you can go hangout anytime in the day or nite by the beach and dont have to worry about crime.
If u would like to start or raise a family then the Grand Cayman is the perfect to do so.Its a crime free island where you dont have to worry about drugs,alchol, murders, pornography and road accidents. They have the best school and colleges where students can excel and lots of recreational facilities. A beautiful island with lots of job opportunities with great salaries and benefits, easy access to pharmacy, shopping, supermarkets, restaurants and the beach-who would want to say no to that?
I live in NY and Vacationed in the Cayman many times. It is a tiny haven that i would like to think of as a second home for me. When I am there, the world slips away and I could care less. I feel at peace with my existance. Imagine that!
Sounds ideal as a vaction getaway, Andrew. Would you leave NY and live there instead?
Absolutely,,,In a heart beat,. but my family lives in NY and i’de rather be close to them..
Andrew why is the Grand Cayman like a second home to you when your family lives in N.Y?
Because I have experienced many different countries and the Cayman islands is the only place in the world other than my home in NY, that I am truely happy being there…
Andrew do Americans easliy adapt to other culture and lifestyles?im just curious.
That;s a relative queston don’t you think? I think you can probably answer that your self if you place your seld in varying situations and imagine the sme for others..