News

The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park with support of the Cayman Islands Orchid Society hosted the annual Orchid Show and sale on Saturday and Sunday, 6^th and 7^th April and it was met with the largest crowd of the event’s history. With a crowd of more than 1300 people attending over the two day event, organisers are elated.  Unofficially, over $25,000 CI was raised for the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and Cayman Islands Orchid Society.

“Yet again, another great show! An outpouring support from the public, with many residents and tourists visiting the Park over the weekend,” said Orchid Show Chairman, Delorese Ebanks.

John Lawrus, Botanic Park General Manager expressed appreciation for the years of support received by the Orchid Society, saying, "This show is ongoing tradition that demonstrates how partnerships can work successfully. With well over 20 years of working with the Cayman Islands Orchid Society we have produced the most successful orchid show to date.”

With thousands of orchids imported from the US, Jamaica and as far away as Hawaii, there was much enthusiasm about the large number of unique species available for purchase. Crowds were also wowed by the sheer number of the home-grown flowers on show at the Park’s Visitors Centre.

“This year also produced the largest number of showcased orchids from Society members in the show’s 20 year history, this allowed us the opportunity to produce the most wonderful display of orchids for the viewing public’s enjoyment,” commented Ms. Ebanks.

“We would like to thank all our sponsors and the public as well as the volunteers who contributed in making this year's show a tremendous success. Guests were also entertained by the music from Dexter Bodden and great food and drink was served up by Sam's Quality Jerk, and Mise en Place. Raffle prizes were also donated by the Tukka Family of restaurants, Over the Edge, The Lighthouse Restaurant, Morgan's Seafood Restaurant, Da Fish Shack, Rum Point Restaurant, Kaibo and A.L. Thompson. We are extremely thankful for the support of the wider community,” expressed Mr. Lawrus.

Under the Orchid Society’s remit to preserve Cayman’s native orchids and educate others on the conservation of orchids, visitors to the Park were also able to gain insight just that with educational talks by Dr. Kadiyala Sehkar who spoke about smart techniques to keep fickle orchids flourishing throughout the year.  Frank Roulstone was also on hand to educate people on the different types of indigenous orchids available in the Cayman Islands.

"Together with the management of the QEII Botanic Park, the Cayman Islands Orchid Society looks forward to continuing the partnership and improving on the shoppers experience each year,” said Ms. Ebanks.

Proceeds from the fundraising sale go toward the continued development of the orchid conservation area at the Botanic Park.