< Previous48 WEL COME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN GEORGE TOWN, the Cayman Islands National Museum is one of the nation’s most important cultural attractions. Not only does it house the islands’ national treasures, but it is the oldest public building in the Cayman Islands. Built in the 1830s for government business, it later served as a library, prison and courthouse. The exhibits are a diverse and absorbing mix of items detailing the cultural and natural history of the Cayman Islands. There are about 9,000 artefacts in its permanent collection. Before strolling through the museum, take in a 15-minute introductory video. CAYMAN ISLANDS National Museum Early 1920s Hog Sty Bay with the courthouse to the right.49 WEL COME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT QUEEN ELIZABETH II BOTANIC PARK is a 65- acre garden and woodland preserve in North Side that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture and history. There are four themed gardens to explore including a heritage garden set around a restored traditional Caymanian cottage. The garden features trees and plants that played an important role in Cayman’s history. The cottage sports a white sand yard interspersed with ornamental plants, a walkway lined with conch shells and a cook room known as a ‘caboose’. Other highlights include an orchid boardwalk, woodland trail, blue iguana sanctuary and children’s garden. BOTANIC PARK SHOWS BEAUTY OF THE ISLAND50 WEL COME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT VISITORS CAN LEARN ALL ABOUT SEA TURTLES and observe them up close in open-air tanks at this marine park in West Bay. The venue serves as a conservation and education facility and features such attractions as a predator tank, bird aviary, an old- fashioned Caymanian street and swimming lagoon. Turtles are an enduring symbol of the islands, as they were an important resource for Caymanians in days gone by. Cayman Turtle Centre Prince Charles – now King Charles III – pets an iguana during a 2019 visit to the Cayman Islands.51 WEL COME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT BLUE IGUANAS ARE ONE OF THE MOST unique and fascinating creatures to be found in the Cayman Islands. These rare local lizards with blue-hue pigmentation are an indigenous species – found nowhere else in the world but Grand Cayman. Once facing extinction, the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park has helped restore the population. These prehistoric-looking creatures, sometimes referred to as ‘blue dragons’, can be found roaming freely in the park, much to the delight of visitors. Self-guided and guided tours of the blue iguana sanctuary are available. Inquire at the Botanic Park’s visitors centre. Blue iguanas Prince Charles – now King Charles III – pets an iguana during a 2019 visit to the Cayman Islands.52 WEL COME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT WHILE CAYMAN NOWADAYS BUSTLES with Pedro St. James Wreck of the Ten Sail Heritage sites Fort George The Mission House ‘Mind’s Eye’ – Miss Lassie’s House Pedro St. JamesBoggy Sand Road53 WEL COME TIP Gun Square StepWell Old Savannah Schoolhouse Nurse Leila’s House Old Savannah Schoolhouse Miss Lassie’s House Fort George Wreck of the Ten Sail IMA G ES : 54 WEL COME THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT Caymanian cottages TRADITIONAL CAYMANIAN HOMES such as these beautiful cottages are dotted around the islands. Increasingly rare, they provide a peek into how Caymanians lived in years-gone-by.55 WEL COME IMA G ES : Ste ph en C la rk e P hot og ra phy56 WEL COME National symbols THE ISLANDS THAT TIME FORGOT Cayman’s national symbols convey the varied environment and wildlife of the islands. Cayman parrot The Grand Cayman parrot is iridescent green with a white eye-ring, red cheeks, black ear patches and brilliant blue wing feathers. Silver thatch palm The tall, slender silver thatch palm was an important national resource for early settlers who used the leaves to make rope, brooms and roofs. Wild banana orchid The wild banana orchid is the best known of Cayman’s 26 species of orchids. Coat-of-arms The Cayman Islands coat-of-arms consists of a shield, a crested helm and the motto “He hath founded it upon the seas”. Flag a British Union Jack in the upper left corner and the coat-of-arms in a white circle. National song The national song is “Beloved Isle Cayman,” written by the late Mrs. Leila Ross Shier in 1930.• Flyers • Bi-folds & tri-folds • Brochures • Booklets & programmes • Business cards (250 min.) • Jet varnish (2D & 3D) & foiling • Custom print products for all sectors • Faster turnaround times • Satisfaction guaranteed • No more shipping & customs hassles • Supports the local economy • Local market representative & great customer service What we can do for you:Why choose Compass Print: Compass Print 949-5111printshop@compassmedia.kycompassmedia.ky If you can imagine it, we can print itNext >