Support Local FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 Squirrelly Studio productsShop Local 2 FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 local economy L ocal businesses are the heart of the Cayman Islands’ economy – they provide an array of goods and services; employment opportunities for our people; and contribute to a high standard of living for our residents. A robust local business sector also complements and enhances our international reputation as a commercially stable place to do business. To help local business owners navigate today’s tough economic challenges, government has continued the small business incentive programme, waiving a number of fees related to micro- and small businesses. From June 2021 to June 2022, nearly 1,400 entities (who employ 12 people or fewer, and generate KY$750,000 or less in annual revenue), across business categories, have benefitted from a combined $1.6 million in fee discounts. Government is also encouraging entrepreneurship, through guidance offered by various agencies across commerce and investment. Over the next few months, the Department of Commerce and Investment will collaborate with the Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD), and the Cayman Islands Small Business Association, to host workshops on relevant topics for current and future business owners. The Chamber of Commerce also has a role to play, with their regular training sessions on a variety of topics such as basic accounting and how to manage employees. Furthermore, the CICBD was a lifeline for local micro- and small businesses operating in the tourism sector for more than two years. Through the centre, government distributed stipends to qualifying businesses that experienced severe economic hardship because of the prolonged border closure and COVID-19 suppression measures. In addition to administering the stipend programme, the CICBD is carrying out its work to build capacity in the micro- and small business sector, enabling entrepreneurs across a number of key areas such as agriculture to tap into technical resources and knowledge to fuel the growth of their businesses. In summary, government is using a number of measures to help a variety of businesses in Cayman to survive the current economic climate. However, these businesses also need the support of local consumers, with ‘buying local’ helping our overall economy and government revenue. When consumers support local businesses, they become loyal customers of local restaurants, shops, farms, and the like – enjoying the talent, expertise and creativity that goes into providing Cayman- based products and services. Once government, businesses, and the wider consumer base work together, we can stabilise, maintain, and grow our economy in a way that benefits everyone – notwithstanding the current global economic and geopolitical challenges that affect all economies, including ours. Ultimately, we need to pledge to support local businesses because together, we’re stronger. Together, we can help promote these islands as a global centre of innovation and excellence for the common good. Hon. André Ebanks Minister for Financial Services and Commerce Minister for Investment, Innovation and Social Development TAKE PART IN THEShop Local 3 FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 Y U M Time Fries Supporting locals since 1982Shop Local 4 FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 AS CAYMAN CONTINUES TO RECOVER FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER TO SUPPORT LOCAL. HERE ARE THE REASONS WHY: WHY SUPPORT Local · When you spend locally, you support local businesses. · It helps keep you, your family and friends employed. · Local businesses close when nobody buys from them or uses their services. · When local businesses close, the community is affected. · Local businesses help support non-profits and those in need. · Local businesses know what customers on-island need. · The more local businesses survive and thrive, the more choice customers have of local goods and services. · Buying local supports local producers and suppliers. · You can easily return faulty goods or sort out services. · There is no hassle of customs. · Your carbon footprint is reduced by buying locally. · Retailers benefit from higher buying power. · Consumers enjoy warranties on locally-purchased goods. · You can take pride in supporting the Cayman Islands.Shop Local 5 FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 T he plea to support local is never more apt than when we’re talking about entertainment, particularly live music. From traditional songs passed down through generations to original numbers penned in modern times, Caymanian musicians have ensured that there is no shortage of tunes for audiences to enjoy. Music has always been a big part of the local culture. Senior citizens remember when in the festive season, bands of men playing instruments would walk down the lanes, going from house to house. The sound of those melodies in the distance would officially hail the approach of Christmas Day. Caymanian seamen, decades ago, hundreds of miles from home, became firm fans of country music, thanks to radio stations hailing from the US that they tuned into on the merchant ships, and that influence is still very strong in the islands today. That, along with the endless mix of soca, reggae, calypso, pop, rock, rhythm and blues, alternative, Latin, rap and hip-hop that has inspired local artists, means that somewhere on any given night of the week, someone will find a musician playing songs they love. Aside from one-off special events and concerts, there are many venues on the island that regularly host live music nights. Peppers on West Bay Road has local legend Lammie bringing his strong vocals to the stage, as well as popular groups JR Douglas Band and Los Tropicanos. Ms. Piper’s has also become a favourite of those seeking out some melodic therapy with the likes of James Geary and Hi Tide in rotation, among others. Speaking of Hi Tide, the duet with many albums under their belts and a long-term residency at Decker’s Restaurant on West Bay Road can now be found at not only Ms. Piper’s, but also in Camana Bay on weekends. Sandbar in George Town, ground zero for the Platinum Jubilee weekend dual concerts of Protoje and Absolute Queen, is a big hotspot for local acts. The Fabulous 68’s, The Neverines and Sugardaddi are just a few that you’ll find yourself dancing to if you head down there in the evenings. Don’t forget about the resorts, either. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to pull up a chair to the bar and listen to Nathan Barnett and Glen Scott masterfully playing their guitars, or Mexican mariachi (which matches perfectly with margaritas). Paraguayan harpist Eugenio Leon, who can elevate a sunset with his command of his instrument, can be found at different restaurants throughout the week, such as Casanova by the Sea. If you’re in the mood for romance, this is the music for you. Of course, it’s also hard to beat the unique sound of steel pans when you’re in the islands, so head to Wyndham Reef Resort on Saturday nights where locals mix with tourists under the evening sky. Before there was cable television, the internet and other modern conveniences on the island, people used to listen to the radio or tapes and head out to local bars to see acts like Barefoot Man, Memory of Justice Band, Andy ‘Cayman Cowboy’ Martin and countless others. Those were great times. Technology may have advanced, but surfing the web can’t compare to the satisfaction and enjoyment of hearing live music, particularly when it’s played in the Caribbean with Mother Nature as the backdrop. Wyndham Reef Resort on Saturday nights where locals mix with tourists under the evening sky. Before there was cable television, the internet and other modern conveniences on the island, people used to listen to the radio or tapes and head out to local bars to see acts like Barefoot Man, Memory of Justice Band, Andy ‘Cayman Cowboy’ Martin and countless others. Those were great times. Technology may have advanced, but surfing the web can’t compare to the satisfaction and enjoyment of hearing live music, particularly when it’s played in the Caribbean with Mother Nature as the backdrop. Then there is Bevvy bar, in what used to be the open lobby of Margaritaville Resort. That venue has always been popular for live bands. In fact, many years ago, when it was Treasure Island, there used to be a full steel pan contingent that played there weekly. It’s nice to see that the tradition is being continued. Patrons can pull up a chair to the bar or take a seat closer to ground level, and enjoy a mix of musicians on the weekend. Local acts (clockwise from top left): Swanky Kitchen Band, James Geary, Andy Martin, Hi Tide, Fabulous 68’s, Eugenio Leon and Glen Scott. MUSIC Live TECHNOLOGY MAY HAVE ADVANCED, BUT SURFING THE WEB CAN’T COMPARE TO THE SATISFACTION AND ENJOYMENT OF HEARING LIVE MUSIC.Shop Local 6 FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022I t’s pretty impressive that islands this small are home to multiple fashion boutiques and local designers. No question, Cayman is very aware of trends, style and brands – just head out to a bar, restaurant or club on any night or brunch of the week and you’ll see what we mean. And that’s even before we start talking about the formal galas! From award-winning runway star, Isy Obi of Isy B. designs to Olivia B, who represented Cayman at New York Fashion Week 2016; Kenzie Rose, the woman who has dressed Miss Cayman Islands Universe in splendour at the international pageant; and the extraordinarily creative Jawara Alleyne; there is no shortage of talent here. Anyone who shops at Sand Angels in Camana Bay, or has been witness to some of its fashion shows, will be familiar with Isy B. Designs. But the label’s influence stretches far beyond the borders of the islands, with Isy winning ‘Lifestyle Designer of the Year’ at Phoenix Fashion Week in the US, among other accolades. Her latest collection ‘The Storyteller Collection’ is now available to browse and buy. LOCAL DESIGNERS, global fashion Isy Obi of Isy B. Designs Model wearing clothes from ‘The Storyteller Collection’ by Isy B. Shop Local 7 FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022Shop Local 8 FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 Olivia B and Kenzie Rose are known for their bespoke pieces, particularly when clients want to dial up the glam factor. Kenzie promotes herself as offering custom wedding, pageant, costume and evening wear by special order. “People come to me when they have something special in mind and I create a one-of-a-kind outfit for them.” Olivia said. Kenzie and Olivia both have Instagram accounts which demonstrate their creativity. Visit @oliviabdesigns and @ krosecayman for a taste of what these ladies can do. Jawara Alleyne is a force to be reckoned with – just take a look at his website jawaraalleyne.com. He graduated from the London College of Fashion in 2016, got his masters in fashion from Central Saint Martins in 2020, co-founded Nii Agency with photographer and collaborator, Cambell Addy, and is currently supported by Fashion East. Another name known in Cayman for her designs and subsequent creations is Norma Ebanks of Creative Fashion and Design, located upstairs in Tropical Plaza on Smith Road. It might not be apparent from the outside, but inside, magic happens. Norma has been a seamstress and designer for 30 years and has created gowns for high-end clients attending some of the biggest galas of the season. In fact, for many years, a bespoke gown from Norma was one of the live auction items at the annual Breast Cancer Gala, held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. To learn more about what Norma can do, visit her website at creativefashionanddesign.com. Designs by Olivia B. Designer Olivia B walks the runway in New York with a model wearing one of her designs. Designer Kenzie Rose is known for creating extravagant pageant and evening gowns, like this example. Norma Ebanks of Creative Fashion and DesignShop Local 9 FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 LIVING.KY IS PROUD TO INTRODUCE CASAFINA & COSTA NOVA OFFERING A WIDE RANGE OF HIGH-QUALITY, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS INCLUDING KITCHENWARE, BAKEWARE, TABLEWARE, AND GIFTS, THESE FINE PRODUCTS—CRAFTED IN PORTUGAL BY TRUE ARTISANS—ARE UNIQUE, DURABLE, AND TIMELESS. WWW.LIVING.KY • (345) 233-8700 24 PASADORA PLACE, SMITH ROAD, GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN A PERSONALLY-CURATED COLLECTION OF CLASSIC TO CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE—AT COMPETITIVE PRICES—FOR EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME. LIVING.KY COSTA NOVA PORTUGAL + Especially formulated for the Caribbean climate! Come in and choose from an extensive array of interior and exterior Colors... All paint and colorants have NO Volatile Organic Compounds. Duron Paint NEW EXCLUSIVELY Visit unclebills.ky or follow us on at Uncle Bill’s Home Improvement CentreNext >