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With more than 130 nationalities represented in the Cayman Islands, many civil servants, students and employees wore national attire to celebrate Dress for Culture Day, Friday, 11 March 2022.

The annual observance, part of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s National Culture Day Fundraiser, was spearheaded by the Ministry for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage (MYSCH). The all-day, multi-venue event at the Government Administration Building also involved the Cayman Islands National Museum, which manned a stall from its gift shop in the staff entrance. The day’s programme of events included a catboat display, courtesy of the Cayman Catboat Club, and a photo opportunity attended by His Excellency the Governor Martyn Roper and MYSCH’s Chief Officer Ms Teresa Echenique.

Other highlights of the day featured performances by primary school students. George Town Primary School students gave spirited performances of the National Song and Anthem and several cultural pieces.

Quadrille dancers from East End Primary School entertained the crowd and took part in a photo opportunity in GAB’s gallery space with Premier G. Wayne Panton. A Caymanian-themed lunch and tasting tables with local snacks and bush teas brewed by Mr. Carlton West from George Town gave the day a culinary flair. A lunch and Learn session on Cayman Culture hosted by the Department of Tourism was followed by a net-making and conch blowing demonstration by Mr. Jeralow Rankine in the Barista Café. The day also showcased a display of traditional dresses from East End.

Dress for Culture ended with Stories of the Sea through a personal account of the Past President of the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association’s earlier career on National Bulk Carriers and other ships. Mr. John Douglas was accompanied by the association’s office Manager Ms Anthea Decarusel selling copies of The Southwell Years: Recollections of Caymanian Seamen and Those Who Served at Home, and their 2022 calendar.